Magnetic Circuit Breaker 2.5-4A

The Schneider Electric TeSys GV2ME08 motor circuit breaker is a three-pole motor protection circuit breaker designed to protect electric motors against overloads and short circuits. It features an adjustable thermal setting between 2.5 and 4 A, a fixed magnetic trip of 74 A, and phase-failure sensitivity, combining protection and isolation functions in a single device for many motor installations.

It is part of Schneider Electric’s TeSys Deca / TeSys GV2 range and is designed for 50/60 Hz AC networks. Its compact 45 mm width allows installation on a 35 mm DIN rail or on a panel using an adapter plate, making it easy to integrate into automation panels, machinery, pumps, fans, and other industrial applications.

Main features of the Schneider Electric GV2ME08

• Brand: Schneider Electric.
• Range: TeSys Deca.
• Product: TeSys GV2.
• Reference: GV2ME08.
• Type: motor circuit breaker / thermal-magnetic motor breaker.
• Application: motor protection.
• Number of poles: 3P.
• Trip technology: thermal-magnetic.
• Rated current: 4 A.
• Thermal setting: 2.5-4 A.
• Magnetic trip: 74 A.
• Phase-failure sensitive: yes.
• Network type: AC.
• Frequency: 50/60 Hz.
• Utilization categories: AC-3, AC-4 and category A.
• Rated operational voltage Ue: up to 690 V AC.
• Insulation voltage Ui: 690 V AC.
• Impulse withstand voltage Uimp: 6 kV.
• Breaking capacity Icu at 400/415 V: 100 kA.
• Isolation function: yes.
• Actuation: pushbuttons.
• Mounting: 35 mm DIN rail or panel.
• Connection: screw terminals.
• Degree of protection: IP20.
• Impact resistance: IK04.
• Dimensions: 45 x 89 x 78.5 mm.
• Weight: approximately 0.26 kg.

Thermal setting from 2.5 to 4 A

The GV2ME08 incorporates adjustable thermal protection between 2.5 and 4 A. This setting allows the device to be adapted to the rated current of the motor to be protected.

For correct protection, the value must be set according to the current shown on the motor nameplate and the operating conditions of the installation.

Thermal protection against overloads

The thermal unit operates when the motor draws excessive current for a prolonged period. This type of overload can cause harmful heating in windings and conductors even when the current is not high enough to be considered a short circuit.

The 2.5 to 4 A adjustment makes it possible to tailor protection to the connected motor and avoids relying on a fixed thermal rating.

74 A magnetic trip

For fast short-circuit protection, Schneider Electric specifies a magnetic trip current of 74 A.

When a sudden high overcurrent occurs, the magnetic mechanism rapidly opens the circuit in order to limit the thermal and electrodynamic effects of the short circuit.

Phase-failure sensitivity

The GV2ME08 features phase-failure sensitivity in accordance with IEC 60947-4-1. This feature is especially important in three-phase motors, since loss of one phase can cause major current imbalance and excessive motor heating.

This function complements overload and short-circuit protection and makes the GV2ME08 a dedicated motor protection solution, not a conventional distribution MCB.

Three-pole motor circuit breaker

The device has a 3-pole configuration, suitable for motors supplied by three-phase networks. Tripping is simultaneous on all three poles, allowing the motor supply to be disconnected at the same time.

Compatible motor power ratings

The permissible motor power depends on voltage and utilization category. Schneider Electric lists values up to:

• 400/415 V AC: up to 1.5 kW depending on category and operating conditions.
• 500 V AC: up to 2.2 kW.
• 690 V AC: up to 3 kW.

The final selection should be made primarily based on the motor’s rated current. The GV2ME08 is suitable when that current can be adjusted within its 2.5 to 4 A range.

Breaking capacity up to 100 kA

The TeSys GV2ME08 offers a high short-circuit breaking capacity. Schneider Electric specifies:

• 230/240 V AC: 100 kA Icu.
• 400/415 V AC: 100 kA Icu.
• 440 V AC: 100 kA Icu.
• 500 V AC: 100 kA Icu.
• 690 V AC: 3 kA Icu.

At 400/415 V, one of the most common voltages in three-phase installations, the ultimate breaking capacity therefore reaches 100 kA.

Service breaking capacity

The service breaking capacity Ics corresponds to:

• 100% of Icu at 230/240 V.
• 100% of Icu at 400/415 V.
• 100% of Icu at 440 V.
• 100% of Icu at 500 V.
• 75% of Icu at 690 V.

Up to 690 V AC

The rated operational voltage Ue reaches 690 V AC at 50/60 Hz. The rated insulation voltage Ui is also 690 V, while the impulse withstand voltage Uimp is 6 kV.

Suitable for isolation

Schneider Electric specifies that the GV2ME08 has isolation capability in accordance with IEC 60947-1. In this way, in addition to protecting the motor against overcurrents, it can be used as an isolating device within the conditions defined by the manufacturer.

Pushbutton operation

Manual operation is carried out from the front using pushbuttons. This system makes manual starting and stopping of the circuit easy and allows the status of the motor circuit breaker to be checked visually.

For applications requiring frequent automatic switching, the motor circuit breaker can be integrated with compatible TeSys contactors.

AC-3 and AC-4 utilization categories

The GV2ME08 is specified for the following utilization categories:

• AC-3 in accordance with IEC 60947-4-1.
• AC-4 in accordance with IEC 60947-4-1.
• Category A in accordance with IEC 60947-2.

This allows it to be integrated into motor control and protection circuits within the conditions established by the relevant standards.

Continuous duty

The motor circuit breaker is specified for uninterrupted rated duty in accordance with IEC 60947-4-1, so it can remain closed and carry its rated current continuously within its operating conditions.

100,000-cycle durability

Schneider Electric specifies:

• Mechanical durability: 100,000 cycles.
• Electrical durability AC-3 at 415 V: 100,000 cycles.
• Electrical durability AC-4 at 415 V: 100,000 cycles.

DIN rail mounting

The GV2ME08 can be clipped onto a 35 mm symmetrical DIN rail. It also supports panel mounting using screws and a compatible adapter plate.

It can be installed in both vertical and horizontal positions, making it easy to integrate into different electrical panel configurations.

Screw terminals

This reference uses screw terminals in the power circuit. According to Schneider Electric documentation, it accepts:

• Rigid conductors: up to 2 cables from 1 to 6 mm².
• Flexible conductors without ferrule: up to 2 cables from 1.5 to 6 mm².
• Flexible conductors with ferrule: up to 2 cables from 1 to 4 mm².
• Tightening torque: 1.7 Nm.

Compact dimensions

• Width: 45 mm.
• Height: 89 mm.
• Depth: 78.5 mm.
• Net weight: approximately 0.26 kg.
• Color: dark grey.

Its 45 mm width makes it possible to build compact motor protection and control panels, especially when combined with contactors and accessories from the TeSys range.

IP20 and IK04 protection

The GV2ME08 has a degree of protection IP20 in accordance with IEC 60529 and a mechanical resistance rating of IK04.

It must be installed inside a panel or enclosure that provides the level of protection required by the environment and the installation conditions.

Environmental conditions

• Operating temperature: -20 to +60 °C.
• Storage temperature: -40 to +80 °C.
• Maximum operating altitude: 2000 m.
• Fire resistance: 960 °C according to IEC 60695-2-11.
• Shock resistance: 30 Gn for 11 ms.
• Vibration resistance: 5 Gn between 5 and 150 Hz.

Thermal dissipation

Total power dissipation per pole is approximately 2.5 W. This should be taken into account in panel thermal design, especially when multiple devices are installed in a confined space.

Applications of the Schneider Electric GV2ME08

The motor circuit breaker can be used in many motor control and protection applications:

• Water pumps.
• Pressure booster sets.
• Fans and extractors.
• Compressors.
• Industrial machinery.
• HVAC and climate control systems.
• Conveyor belts.
• Process equipment.
• Automation panels.
• Direct-on-line motor starters.

Compatibility with the TeSys range

The TeSys GV2 can be combined with compatible Schneider Electric accessories and devices to create complete control and protection solutions, such as contactors, auxiliary contacts, trip units, and connection elements.

Exact compatibility should be checked according to the contactor, starting scheme, and required function.

Standards and certifications

The official documentation lists, among others, the following standards and certifications:

• EN/IEC 60947-4-1.
• UL 60947-4-1.
• CSA C22.2 No. 60947-4-1.
• IEC/EN 60335-2-40 Annex JJ.
• CE.
• UKCA.
• CCC.
• cULus.
• EAC.
• ATEX.
• Lloyd's Register.
• BV.
• RINA.
• DNV-GL.

Technical data of the Schneider Electric GV2ME08

• Manufacturer: Schneider Electric.
• Reference: GV2ME08.
• Range: TeSys Deca.
• Product: TeSys GV2.
• Type: motor circuit breaker / thermal-magnetic motor breaker.
• Function: motor protection.
• Poles: 3P.
• Network: AC.
• Frequency: 50/60 Hz.
• Rated current: 4 A.
• Thermal setting: 2.5-4 A.
• Magnetic trip: 74 A.
• Phase-failure sensitivity: yes.
• Categories: AC-3, AC-4 and A.
• Ue: up to 690 V AC.
• Ui: 690 V AC.
• Uimp: 6 kV.
• Icu at 230/240 V: 100 kA.
• Icu at 400/415 V: 100 kA.
• Icu at 440 V: 100 kA.
• Icu at 500 V: 100 kA.
• Icu at 690 V: 3 kA.
• Isolation capability: yes.
• Control: pushbuttons.
• Mounting: 35 mm DIN rail or panel.
• Position: vertical or horizontal.
• Terminals: screw.
• Tightening torque: 1.7 Nm.
• Width: 45 mm.
• Height: 89 mm.
• Depth: 78.5 mm.
• Weight: 0.26 kg.
• IP: IP20.
• IK: IK04.
• Mechanical durability: 100,000 cycles.
• Electrical durability: 100,000 cycles.
• Operating temperature: -20 to +60 °C.
• Storage temperature: -40 to +80 °C.
• Maximum altitude: 2000 m.

Dedicated thermal-magnetic protection for motors

The Schneider Electric GV2ME08 combines adjustable thermal protection from 2.5 to 4 A, a 74 A magnetic trip, phase-failure sensitivity, and a high 100 kA breaking capacity at 400/415 V. These features make it a compact solution for protecting three-phase motors against overloads and short circuits.

Its DIN rail mounting, front pushbuttons, isolation capability, and compatibility with the TeSys range make it easy to integrate into professional control and automation panels.