Schneider Electric GV2ME16 — Motor Breaker Specs & Buyer Guide

By Abdullah Zahid
15 min read
Schneider Electric GV2ME16 TeSys Deca thermal-magnetic motor circuit breaker mounted on DIN rail in industrial control panel

Schneider Electric GV2ME16 TeSys Deca Manual Starter and Protector — Thermal Magnetic Circuit Protector: Specifications, Pricing and Selection Guide

Controls engineers and panel builders searching for Schneider Electric GV2ME16 specifications are typically at the same decision point: a three-phase motor in the 9 to 14 ampere range needs reliable thermal-magnetic protection, and the question is whether this specific TeSys Deca model matches the motor nameplate current, panel voltage, and enclosure footprint before the purchase order goes through. The GV2ME16 is a three-pole, DIN rail-mounted motor circuit breaker rated up to 690VAC with a field-adjustable thermal protection band covering 9 to 14A — no external relay required, pushbutton manual control on the front face, and a 45 mm panel width that fits tight retrofit layouts. If the motor full-load current sits in that 9 to 14A window and the application does not require soft-start acceleration control, this device is almost certainly the right fit.

If you have already confirmed this is the correct part, check current pricing and availability for the GV2ME16 at LeadTime.ca — ships worldwide.

Who Should Buy the GV2ME16 — and Who Should Not

The Schneider Electric GV2ME16 is the right choice for three-phase motor protection applications where motor full-load current falls within the adjustable 9 to 14A thermal range and manual pushbutton operation is acceptable. It is particularly well-suited for:

  • Motors with a nameplate full-load current (FLC) confirmed between 9A and 14A — this is the non-negotiable first check
  • Three-phase systems running at 230VAC, 480VAC, 600VAC, or up to 690VAC (50/60 Hz)
  • Control panels using standard 35 mm symmetrical DIN rail with at least 45 mm of available width per device
  • Applications requiring standalone thermal-magnetic protection without network connectivity or soft-start ramp control
  • Installations in North America where UL and CSA certification is a compliance requirement
  • Facilities looking to reduce spare parts inventory by covering multiple motor sizes with a single adjustable model

If motor FLC falls below 9A, the GV2ME16 is not the correct choice — select the GV2ME10 instead. If FLC exceeds 14A, step up to the GV2ME20. If the application requires motor acceleration control, smooth ramp-up, or VFD integration, a soft-starter such as the ATS22 series is the appropriate specification. Single-phase motor protection is not supported by this three-pole device.

On this page:

What the GV2ME16 Actually Does in a Motor Protection Circuit

The Schneider Electric GV2ME16 is a motor circuit breaker — specifically, a thermal-magnetic protective device from the TeSys Deca product family. It is not a soft-starter, not a variable frequency drive pre-control, and not a contactor replacement. Its function is precise and limited: protect a three-phase electric motor from overload and short-circuit conditions, and provide manual on/off switching via a front-mounted pushbutton. Understanding this distinction before specifying the device saves project time and prevents the most common ordering mistake in this product category.

The thermal element inside the GV2ME16 responds to sustained overcurrent conditions — motor overload situations where the motor draws more than its rated current over time, generating heat that will ultimately damage winding insulation. The magnetic element responds instantaneously to high-magnitude fault currents, tripping the breaker before significant energy can be released in the circuit. The magnetic trip threshold is 170A, which is approximately 12 times the rated current at the midpoint of the thermal adjustment range. This dual-element approach means no separate overload relay is required in the panel design, reducing component count and wiring complexity compared to contactor-plus-relay configurations.

The thermal protection band is field-adjustable across the 9 to 14A range using a dial on the front face of the device. A single GV2ME16 unit stocked as a spare can cover multiple motor sizes within that amperage window — a practical advantage in facilities with varied motor inventories. The breaking capacity of 100 kA at 230 to 240VAC and 3 kA at 690VAC, per IEC 60947-2, means the device meets the fault interruption requirements of most industrial installation standards, including those applied in North American facilities under UL 508 and CSA C22.2 compliance frameworks.

Typical System Architecture: Where the GV2ME16 Sits in the Power Chain

The GV2ME16 installs between the upstream power supply disconnect and the motor terminals, serving as the primary protective element for the motor branch circuit. In a typical panel layout, this means the device receives three-phase power from the main bus or a branch circuit breaker and delivers protected power to the motor load.

  • Main power supply or bus bar feeds three-phase voltage (typically 230VAC, 480VAC, or 600VAC in North American applications) to the panel
  • An upstream main circuit breaker or disconnect provides panel-level fault protection and isolation capability
  • The GV2ME16 mounts on 35 mm DIN rail and receives power at its L1, L2, L3 input terminals — occupying 45 mm of rail width
  • Output terminals T1, T2, T3 feed motor leads directly; in configurations requiring remote control, an optional contactor and the appropriate GVAD series auxiliary attachment are wired in the circuit separately
  • The motor (three-phase induction type, typically 9 to 14A FLC) connects to the downstream terminals and is protected against both thermal overload and magnetic short-circuit faults

Typical Applications and Industries

The GV2ME16 is widely specified in water and wastewater treatment facilities for centrifugal pump motor protection, where pump motors commonly operate in the 9 to 12A range and the priority is reliable overload protection with minimal panel complexity. Municipal pump stations frequently standardize on TeSys Deca devices for their IEC compliance and compact DIN rail footprint.

In food and beverage processing and packaging machinery, conveyor belt motors and infeed systems with FLC values in the 10 to 14A range are natural applications. OEM panel builders designing packaging machinery often select the GV2ME16 because the adjustable thermal band allows the same part number to cover multiple conveyor motor sizes within a single machine platform, simplifying the bill of materials.

Industrial compressed air systems and cooling tower fan motor protection are additional high-frequency use cases. Compressor motors in the 12 to 14A range and cooling tower fan motors in the 9 to 12A range both fall within the GV2ME16 protection window, and the thermal-magnetic trip technology handles the moderate inrush currents typical of these load types without requiring soft-start capability.

Pharmaceutical manufacturing and HVAC system motor protection represent secondary application areas, particularly where UL and CSA certification is a procurement requirement and where panel designs prioritize compact footprint and standardized components.

Application Typical Deployment
Municipal water pump station Three-phase centrifugal pump, 9-12A FLC, direct-on-line start, DIN rail panel
Food processing conveyor line Belt conveyor motor, 10-14A FLC, manual on/off via pushbutton, washdown-adjacent enclosure
Industrial compressed air system Compressor motor protection, 12-14A FLC, thermal-magnetic protection without soft-start
Cooling tower fan motor Process cooling fan, 9-12A FLC, standalone motor protection in HVAC panel
OEM packaging machinery Multi-motor machine design, single GV2ME16 SKU covering 9-14A motor range across models
Pharmaceutical manufacturing line UL/CSA-required motor protection, compact panel, manual operation, no network integration

Key Specifications for Purchase Decision

Parameter Value Notes
Thermal Protection Range 9 to 14 A Field-adjustable via front dial; per IEC 60947-2
Voltage Rating (AC) 230 to 690 V 50/60 Hz; 690VAC max; 600VAC typical in North America
Number of Poles 3 Three-phase motor protection only
Magnetic Trip Current 170 A Short-circuit protection threshold
Breaking Capacity (Icu) 100 kA at 230-240VAC / 3 kA at 690VAC Per IEC 60947-2
Motor Power Rating 10 hp at 230VAC / approx. 5.5 kW at 690VAC Verify against motor nameplate
Mounting 35 mm symmetrical DIN rail 45 mm width; vertical and horizontal orientation
Terminal Type Screw clamp 14-4 AWG copper; torque 15.05 lbf.in (1.7 N.m)
Operating Temperature -20 to +60 °C Continuous ambient air temperature
IP / IK Rating IP20 / IK04 Per IEC 60529 and IEC 60695-2-1

Full technical specifications are available on the product page at LeadTime.ca.

GV2ME16 vs GV2ME10 vs GV2ME20: Which Model Do You Actually Need?

The GV2 family amperage ranges overlap by design, giving engineers flexibility when a motor FLC sits near a boundary. The table below covers the three most commonly compared models.

Feature GV2ME10 GV2ME16 GV2ME20 Selection Note
Amperage Range 6-10 A 9-14 A 14-20 A Choose based on motor FLC; ranges overlap for flexibility
Voltage Rating 690 VAC 690 VAC 690 VAC All support same maximum voltage
Motor HP (600VAC) 7.5 hp 10 hp 15 hp Rough equivalents; verify motor nameplate
DIN Rail Width 45 mm 45 mm 45 mm Identical footprint across TeSys Deca family
Mounting DIN Rail DIN Rail DIN Rail Standard 35 mm symmetrical rail
Trip Technology Magnetic Thermal-Magnetic Thermal-Magnetic GV2ME10 base is magnetic only

All three models use screw clamp terminals with the same torque specification, pushbutton manual control, and support optional GVAD series auxiliary attachments. If your motor FLC is confirmed at 9A or above and 14A or below, the GV2ME16 is the correct selection — check current availability at LeadTime.ca.

Expert Verdict: Is the GV2ME16 Worth Specifying?

The Schneider Electric GV2ME16 earns its place in the TeSys Deca family by doing one thing exceptionally well: delivering reliable, code-compliant thermal-magnetic motor protection for three-phase motors in the 9 to 14A range without adding engineering complexity or panel cost. The 100 kA breaking capacity at 230 to 240VAC exceeds the fault interruption requirements of most plant applications at that voltage level, the 45 mm DIN rail footprint matches the narrowest competing devices in the class, and the field-adjustable thermal band means a single part number stocked as a spare covers multiple motor sizes on the same production floor. Plant maintenance managers specifying replacement protection for centrifugal pumps, conveyor drives, or fan motors — and OEM panel builders optimizing BOM across a multi-motor machine — are the natural buyers for this device. The IEC 60947-2 compliance and UL/CSA certification mean it moves through project approvals and electrical inspections without exception requests.

Where the GV2ME16 has real limits: it is manual-only in its base configuration. No network connectivity, no soft-start acceleration control, no automatic restart. If the application involves variable loads, motor ramping requirements, or integration with a SCADA or PLC-controlled restart sequence, the GV2ME16 alone is insufficient — an ATS22 series soft-starter or a VFD pre-stage is the correct specification instead. Motors above 14A continuous FLC require the GV2ME20, and single-phase motors are entirely outside the scope of this three-pole device. When buyers need remote trip or alarm signaling, the base GV2ME16 must be paired with a GVAD series auxiliary attachment ordered separately — the base unit does not include this capability.

From a procurement standpoint, the GV2ME16 is a well-stocked, high-velocity item in the industrial automation supply chain. Multiple authorized distributors carry it in inventory. When a motor protection failure brings production down, the hours required to source and receive the correct part matter far more than marginal list price differences between suppliers. Ordering through a specialist distributor with confirmed in-stock status and technical pre-sales support to verify your motor FLC and voltage compatibility before the order ships is the practical choice — not the cheapest list-price option from an unspecialized marketplace. View current pricing and stock status for the GV2ME16 at LeadTime.ca.

For volume pricing on multi-unit orders or to confirm lead time before committing to a build schedule, contact the LeadTime.ca team directly — we ship worldwide.

What Engineers Need to Know Before Ordering the GV2ME16

The GV2ME16 sits in a product category where community forum visibility is inherently low — industrial motor circuit breakers are specified, installed, and run for years without generating the troubleshooting threads typical of programmable devices or network-connected hardware. What does circulate among experienced engineers and panel builders is a consistent set of specification and installation pitfalls, most of which are preventable with pre-order verification. The following reflects the practical knowledge that distinguishes confident orders from costly returns.

The single most common specification error is treating the model number as a voltage rating reference rather than a current capacity reference. Engineers familiar with the 690VAC rating across the GV2 family sometimes assume any GV2ME variant will protect any motor in that voltage class. It will not — the thermal adjustment range is the binding constraint. A motor with an 11A FLC protected by a GV2ME10 (6 to 10A range) will nuisance trip on startup or under load; a motor protected by a GV2ME20 (14 to 20A range) set too high will fail to trip during an overload condition, allowing motor winding damage to accumulate undetected. The amperage check from the motor nameplate is not optional.

A second recurring issue in the field involves terminal torque. The screw clamp terminals on the GV2ME16 require exactly 15.05 lbf.in (1.7 N.m). Technicians without calibrated torque tools either over-tighten, crushing the internal spring contact and creating a high-resistance heat source, or under-tighten, producing intermittent connections that generate arc energy and nuisance trips. Neither failure mode is immediately obvious on initial commissioning — both tend to manifest under sustained load or over time. A calibrated torque screwdriver is not optional for this installation. The accepted wire gauge range is 14 to 4 AWG copper; verify your wiring specification matches before pulling conductors.

Engineers evaluating the GV2ME16 for applications involving VFD-driven motors should note that this device is a protective breaker for direct-on-line motor circuits. It is not a pre-drive protection device optimized for the non-sinusoidal current waveforms upstream of a VFD output. If the motor is driven by a variable frequency drive, consult the VFD manufacturer's documentation for the correct upstream protection specification before installing a GV2ME16 in that circuit position. LeadTime.ca technical staff can assist with pre-sales compatibility review for these configurations.

Wiring and Installation Overview

The following covers the key requirements engineers need to verify before and during GV2ME16 installation. For complete wiring diagrams and step-by-step installation procedures, refer to the Schneider Electric instruction sheet supplied with the device.

  • Verify power is fully isolated and locked out before handling any terminals; confirm voltage-free condition on all three phase conductors with a voltmeter before beginning installation
  • Mount on 35 mm symmetrical DIN rail — press the mounting clip groove onto the rail until the latch audibly clicks; both vertical and horizontal orientations are supported
  • Connect incoming phase conductors to L1, L2, L3 input terminals and outgoing motor leads to T1, T2, T3 output terminals; tighten all screw clamp connections to exactly 15.05 lbf.in (1.7 N.m) using a calibrated torque screwdriver — do not exceed this value
  • Set the thermal protection dial to match the motor nameplate full-load current value within the 9 to 14A adjustment range; misalignment between dial setting and actual motor FLC is the primary cause of nuisance tripping or delayed trip on overload
  • Verify all connections by applying a gentle pull-test to each conductor after torquing; re-torque any terminal where wire movement is detected, and schedule re-torque of all terminals six months after initial installation

Wrong-Part Prevention Checklist Before You Order

Before submitting an RFQ or placing an order for the GV2ME16, verify each of the following eight points against your motor nameplate data and panel documentation:

  1. Confirm motor full-load current (FLC) falls within 9-14A adjustable range; do not over-order lower amperage model (e.g., GV2ME10 for 10A FLC)
  2. Verify system voltage: GV2ME16 is rated 690VAC maximum; confirm your panel voltage does not exceed this
  3. Check phase requirement: this is a 3-pole (three-phase) model only; do not substitute for single-phase motors
  4. Confirm DIN rail mounting space: GV2ME16 occupies approximately 45 mm width; verify available panel rail length
  5. Do not confuse with GV2 soft-starter models (GV2A, GV2L); the GV2ME16 is a protective breaker only, not a starter controller
  6. If remote monitoring or shunt trip is required, order the appropriate auxiliary attachment (GVAD series) separately; base GV2ME16 is manual pushbutton only
  7. Verify country of origin compliance: unit is made in France but is UL/CSA certified; confirm export documentation if required
  8. Check that screw clamp terminal size and torque spec (15.05 lbf.in / 1.7 N.m) matches your panel wiring gauge (typically 14-4 AWG copper)

If any item on this checklist raises a question before you order, contact LeadTime.ca for pre-sales technical support — our team can verify compatibility against your motor nameplate data before the order is placed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I confirm the GV2ME16 is the correct amperage model for my motor?

Locate the motor nameplate and record the full-load current (FLC) value in amps. If FLC falls between 9A and 14A, the GV2ME16 is the correct selection within the TeSys Deca GV2 family. If FLC is 8.5A or below, select the GV2ME10 (6 to 10A range). If FLC is 14.5A or above, select the GV2ME20 (14 to 20A range). Amperage mismatch is the leading cause of nuisance tripping and protection failures after installation — this single verification step prevents the most common field return scenario in this product category.

Can the GV2ME16 be used in a circuit upstream of a variable frequency drive?

The GV2ME16 is a thermal-magnetic protective device designed for direct-on-line motor protection circuits. It is not optimized for upstream protection of VFD output circuits, where current waveforms are non-sinusoidal. For VFD applications, consult the drive manufacturer's recommended upstream protection specification. For applications where the GV2ME16 would be installed on the supply side (line side) of a VFD — not between the VFD and motor — verify compatibility with your VFD documentation before specifying.

What does the 170A magnetic trip threshold mean in practice?

The magnetic trip element of the GV2ME16 responds instantaneously to fault currents at or above 170A, which represents approximately 12 times the rated current at the midpoint of the thermal adjustment range. This threshold is calibrated to distinguish between high-inrush motor starting currents (which are tolerated) and genuine short-circuit fault conditions (which trigger immediate disconnection). The 100 kA breaking capacity at 230 to 240VAC means the device can safely interrupt fault currents up to that magnitude at lower voltage levels — providing arc flash protection for downstream equipment and personnel.

Is the GV2ME16 a direct physical replacement for an older GV2 series device without rewiring the panel?

The GV2ME16 shares the same 45 mm DIN rail footprint and screw clamp terminal configuration as other TeSys Deca GV2ME variants. In most panel retrofits, the device drops onto the existing 35 mm DIN rail and accepts existing wiring within the 14 to 4 AWG copper range at the same 15.05 lbf.in torque specification. However, verify the replacement device's thermal protection range matches the original motor FLC before completing the swap — do not assume the original device was correctly sized. Confirm the model number of the device being replaced and cross-reference motor nameplate data before ordering.

What do the GV2ME16 indicator states mean, and how do I identify a trip condition?

The GV2ME16 uses a front-mounted pushbutton with a visible position indicator. When the device trips — either on thermal overload or magnetic short-circuit — the pushbutton moves to the tripped position, distinguishable from both the ON and OFF positions. To reset after a thermal trip, allow the motor and device to cool, identify and correct the overload cause, then press the pushbutton to reset before restarting. Magnetic (short-circuit) trips require identification and correction of the fault condition before reset. Optional GVAD series auxiliary contact attachments can provide remote alarm signaling to a PLC or panel indicator if trip status monitoring is required; the base GV2ME16 does not include this capability.

Price, Lead Time, and How to Order From Anywhere in the World

The GV2ME16 is an actively stocked item across the authorized industrial automation distributor network. Current pricing is available directly on the GV2ME16 product page at LeadTime.ca — Shopify displays live pricing to visitors automatically, reflecting current market conditions. For volume orders, project pricing, or confirmation of lead time before committing a build schedule to a supplier, contact LeadTime.ca directly for a formal quote.

Why Order the GV2ME16 From LeadTime.ca

  • Global shipping — LeadTime.ca fulfills orders worldwide; no single-region sourcing restriction
  • Specialist pre-sales support — technical team can verify motor FLC and voltage compatibility against your nameplate data before the order ships, preventing the most common wrong-part return scenario
  • In-stock industrial automation inventory — reduces lead time risk for production-critical motor protection replacements
  • Volume and project pricing available — contact for RFQ on multi-unit orders or BOM-level procurement
  • Authorized distributor — UL and CSA certification documentation available; export compliance support for international shipments

At-a-Glance Summary

  • Model: Schneider Electric GV2ME16 — TeSys Deca Manual Starter and Protector, Thermal Magnetic Circuit Protector
  • Thermal protection range: 9 to 14A, field-adjustable via front dial
  • Voltage rating: 230 to 690VAC, 50/60 Hz
  • Poles: 3 (three-phase motor protection only)
  • Magnetic trip threshold: 170A
  • Breaking capacity: 100 kA at 230-240VAC; 3 kA at 690VAC (IEC 60947-2)
  • Motor power rating: 10 hp at 230VAC; approximately 5.5 kW at 690VAC
  • DIN rail width: 45 mm on 35 mm symmetrical rail
  • Terminal torque: 15.05 lbf.in (1.7 N.m); accepts 14-4 AWG copper
  • Environmental ratings: IP20 / IK04; operating temperature -20 to +60 °C
  • Certifications: UL, CSA, CE, RoHS, IEC 60947-2 compliant; made in France
  • Control: Manual pushbutton on/off; optional GVAD series auxiliary attachments for remote signaling
  • Key applications: Pump stations, conveyor lines, compressor protection, fan motor control, OEM packaging machinery

You may also be interested in: