Schneider Electric GV2ME06 — Motor Circuit Breaker Selection Guide

By Abdullah Zahid
14 min read
Schneider Electric GV2ME06 TeSys GV2 3-pole thermal-magnetic motor circuit breaker on DIN rail in industrial control panel

Schneider Electric GV2ME06 Motor Circuit Breaker — Specifications, Pricing, and Selection Guide for Small Three-Phase Motor Protection

When an electrical engineer or panel builder is searching for a compact, single-unit solution to protect a small three-phase motor up to 1 hp, the Schneider Electric GV2ME06 is a well-established candidate in the TeSys GV2 / TeSys Deca product family. This thermal-magnetic motor circuit breaker combines overload protection, short-circuit protection, and local manual pushbutton control in a 45 mm wide DIN rail package rated for supply voltages up to 690 V AC with a 100 kA breaking capacity at 690 V per IEC 60947-2. The thermal setting is field-adjustable from 1.0 to 1.6 A, covering motors whose full-load current falls within that range — and getting that dial setting right is the single most consequential commissioning decision you will make with this device.

If you have already confirmed the GV2ME06 matches your motor nameplate data, check current pricing and availability at LeadTime.ca — ships worldwide.

Who Should Buy the GV2ME06 — and Who Should Not

The GV2ME06 is the right fit if your application meets all of the following criteria:

  • The motor is three-phase — the GV2ME06 is a 3-pole device and is not compatible with single-phase motors
  • Motor power does not exceed 1 hp (0.37 to 0.55 kW at 400 V nominal)
  • Supply voltage is 690 V AC or less at 50/60 Hz
  • Motor full-load current falls within the 1.0 to 1.6 A adjustable thermal range
  • Local manual pushbutton ON/OFF control is acceptable — no remote electrical control required
  • Panel DIN rail has at least 45 mm of clear mounting width available

If your motor exceeds 1 hp, move to the GV3ME20 (3 hp, up to 6 A) or GV4ME20 (up to 25 hp) in the same product family. Single-phase motors require a single-phase variant — not this model.

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What the GV2ME06 Does in a Motor Control System

The GV2ME06 is a manual motor circuit breaker from Schneider Electric's TeSys GV2 / TeSys Deca series. Its job in the panel is to replace three separate components — a contactor, a thermal overload relay, and a manual start button — with a single 45 mm wide DIN rail unit that handles all three functions simultaneously. Thermal sensing protects the motor against sustained overload current, while the fixed magnetic trip at 22.5 A (13 times the adjustable thermal setting) responds to short-circuit faults in milliseconds. The front-mounted pushbutton provides direct manual ON/OFF control without an external control circuit.

The thermal setting is adjustable from 1.0 to 1.6 A, which means a single stocked unit covers a range of small motor ratings without requiring separate fixed-current models for each application. Power dissipation is 2.5 W per pole (approximately 7.5 W total), which is minimal and unlikely to create thermal issues in a well-ventilated panel. The device operates from -20 to +60 degrees Celsius and carries an IP20 / IK04 protection rating per IEC 60529 — appropriate for standard industrial cabinet mounting. The 12-month standard warranty applies from date of purchase.

One specification that frequently surprises engineers unfamiliar with this class of device: the 100 kA breaking capacity at 690 V AC is not a marketing claim — it is the certified fault-current interruption rating per IEC 60947-2. This means the GV2ME06 can safely interrupt high short-circuit fault currents that would destroy smaller or lower-rated protection devices, making it appropriate for use on distribution boards where prospective fault current is significant.

Typical System Architecture

The GV2ME06 sits between the incoming branch circuit protection and the motor terminal box, acting as the final protection and control point before power reaches the motor windings. Here is how the signal chain typically looks in a small motor application:

  • Upstream main distribution panel or MCC bucket feeds three-phase supply (L1, L2, L3) to the branch circuit
  • Branch circuit fusing or upstream MCCB provides upstream short-circuit backup protection
  • GV2ME06 mounts on DIN rail (IEC 60715); input screw clamp terminals receive L1, L2, L3 from branch circuit
  • Output screw clamp terminals T1, T2, T3 connect directly to motor terminal box or cable leading to motor
  • Optional shunt trip accessory or under-voltage release can be added between GV2ME06 and a remote control source if local-only pushbutton control is not sufficient

Typical Applications and Deployment Scenarios

In water and wastewater infrastructure, the GV2ME06 is a standard choice for small pump motor protection at rural booster stations, lift stations, and irrigation control panels where a single small three-phase pump requires local manual start capability and reliable overload protection without a SCADA-controlled contactor scheme.

Compressed air systems in manufacturing use the GV2ME06 to protect small compressor motors in distributed branch locations where panel space is limited to the 45 mm DIN rail footprint and the operator manages start/stop locally. The combination of thermal and magnetic protection in a single device simplifies both installation and troubleshooting when compared to a relay-based scheme.

OEM equipment manufacturers packaging small conveyor drives, fans, or material handling equipment consistently specify the GV2ME06 for its compact footprint and proven reliability in high-vibration or high-cycle industrial environments. A maximum of 25 operating cycles per hour is supported, which comfortably covers most cyclically operated small motor applications.

Panel retrofit projects where an existing thermal overload relay and pushbutton have worn out are a natural fit. The GV2ME06 replaces both components in a 45 mm wide slot without requiring panel redesign, provided the motor power and current ratings remain within the 1 hp / 1.6 A limit.

Application Typical Deployment
Municipal or agricultural pump station Single small pump motor, local manual start/stop, no SCADA control required
Compressed air branch distribution Small compressor motor at distributed panel location, space-constrained enclosure
OEM packaged equipment Fan, conveyor, or agitator motor up to 1 hp within OEM-built control cabinet
Panel retrofit / overload relay replacement Direct replacement of worn thermal relay assembly without panel redesign
Food and beverage processing equipment Small process motor with local manual control in space-constrained wash-down adjacent panel
HVAC auxiliary motor control Damper actuator, small fan, or pump motor requiring thermal-magnetic branch protection

GV2ME06 Key Specifications and TeSys Family Variant Comparison

Parameter Value Notes
Poles 3 (Three-phase only) Not compatible with single-phase motors
Thermal Setting (Adjustable) 1.0 to 1.6 A Set to 1.0–1.3 × motor full-load current
Magnetic Trip Current 22.5 A (fixed) Equals 13 × thermal setting
Supply Voltage 690 V AC, 50/60 Hz Do not exceed 690 V
Motor Power Rating 1 hp (0.37–0.55 kW at 400 V) Maximum motor size supported
Breaking Capacity (Icu) 100 kA at 690 V AC Per IEC 60947-2
Width / Mounting 45 mm / DIN Rail (IEC 60715) Horizontal or vertical orientation
Terminal Type Screw Clamp Accepts 0.5 to 10 mm² wire
Protection Rating IP20 / IK04 Per IEC 60529; industrial enclosure rated
Operating Temperature -20 to +60 °C Reference for thermal deration planning

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

Product Brand Poles Max Current Power Rating Voltage Key Distinction
GV2ME06 Schneider Electric 3 1.6 A 1 hp 690 V Compact manual breaker; best for small motors and space-constrained panels
GV3ME20 Schneider Electric 3 6 A 3 hp 690 V Step-up model in same family; larger footprint; required when motor exceeds 1 hp
SIRIUS 3RV2026 Siemens 3 10 A 3 hp 690 V IEC equivalent; stronger North American OEM presence; similar price range
ABB MS116-1.0 ABB 3 1.0 A 0.37 hp 690 V Direct size competitor; slightly lower power capacity than GV2ME06
Eaton C440 Eaton 3 16 A 7.5 hp 690 V Industrial-grade alternative; larger motor range; common in utility market

If your motor's full-load current exceeds 1.6 A or motor power exceeds 1 hp, the GV3ME20 is the correct next step — check current availability and confirm the right model at LeadTime.ca.

Expert Verdict: Is the GV2ME06 Right for Your Project?

The GV2ME06 is the right specification for electrical integrators, small equipment OEMs, and retrofit projects working with three-phase motors at or below 1 hp where panel space is constrained to the 45 mm DIN rail footprint. The adjustable thermal setting from 1.0 to 1.6 A gives this single model enough range to cover multiple small motor sizes without stocking multiple fixed-current variants — a real inventory advantage for panel builders managing multiple machine types. The 100 kA breaking capacity at 690 V AC per IEC 60947-2 means it is not undersized for the fault levels found on typical industrial distribution boards, which is something buyers sometimes assume about compact manual motor circuit breakers. The device has established a track record across industrial manufacturing, water infrastructure, HVAC, and OEM packaging precisely because the protection it provides is predictable and the commissioning process is straightforward — when the thermal dial is set correctly.

Where the GV2ME06 genuinely falls short: any application that needs remote electrical tripping, real-time current monitoring, or soft-start ramp control should not be specified with this device as the primary protection element. The magnetic trip threshold is fixed at 22.5 A and the control interface is purely manual pushbutton — there is no communication port, no diagnostic output, and no built-in ramp function. For motors above 1 hp, the GV3ME20 or GV4ME20 are the correct in-family upgrades. For applications requiring networked diagnostics or remote trip capability without going to a full soft starter or VFD, a shunt trip accessory is available but must be ordered separately. Panel ambient temperatures approaching the upper limit of the -20 to +60 °C operating range also warrant thermal dial deration — a detail that trips up installers working in hot enclosures.

From a procurement standpoint, the GV2ME06 is a well-stocked item through authorized Schneider Electric distribution channels globally, with typical lead times of 1 to 5 business days for in-stock units. Optional accessories such as the shunt trip or under-voltage release may extend lead time to 2 to 4 weeks, so identify accessory requirements before finalizing the order. For volume orders of 10 units or more, bulk pricing is available — contact the team directly to confirm terms before committing to a project build. View current pricing and stock status for the GV2ME06 at LeadTime.ca.

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

What Engineers Need to Know Before Ordering the GV2ME06

Community discussion specific to the GV2ME06 is sparse compared to higher-volume PLC or drive products. That is not unusual for a well-established motor protection device that, when specified and installed correctly, generates very few field support questions. The absence of forum noise is itself a signal — this is not a product that produces unexpected behavior in the field. What engineers do report consistently across the broader TeSys GV2 family and similar thermal-magnetic motor circuit breaker discussions is that problems almost always trace back to three root causes: incorrect thermal dial setting during commissioning, wrong model selection for the motor power rating, and missing accessories that were not identified until installation day.

The thermal dial calibration is where most commissioning friction occurs. Engineers and technicians who set the dial to the 1.6 A maximum to "give the motor room" eliminate the overload protection the device was purchased to provide. If the motor stalls, a bearing seizes, or the rotor draws sustained excess current, the thermal element set too high will not trip in time to prevent insulation failure. The correct approach is straightforward: read the motor nameplate full-load current, multiply by 1.0 to 1.3, and set the dial to that calculated value. If nuisance tripping occurs after that, the root cause is in the system — low voltage, phase imbalance, or mechanical load — not the breaker setting.

Model selection errors are the other recurring issue. The GV2ME06 is a 3-pole, three-phase-only device rated to 1 hp maximum. Buyers who order it for a 1.5 hp or 2 hp motor — reasoning that the adjustable thermal range provides flexibility — find the device cannot be set to match the higher FLC without operating outside its rated range. Similarly, buyers unfamiliar with three-phase versus single-phase variants have received the wrong device. When community feedback is limited and the wrong-part risk is real, working with a distributor who can verify your motor nameplate data against the part number before shipment is the practical alternative to trial-and-error ordering. That verification step is exactly the kind of pre-order support the LeadTime.ca team provides.

Wiring and Installation Overview

The following is an overview of the key installation steps and verification points for the GV2ME06. For full wiring diagrams and step-by-step commissioning procedures, refer to the Schneider Electric installation manual supplied with the device.

  • Before mounting, obtain motor nameplate data — voltage, frequency, power rating, and full-load current — and confirm all values are within GV2ME06 rated limits (three-phase, 690 V AC or less, 1 hp maximum, 1.0 to 1.6 A FLC range)
  • Align the GV2ME06 top slot with a standard DIN rail (IEC 60715) and lock into position; device supports both horizontal and vertical orientation — confirm minimum 45 mm clear width is available before mounting
  • Connect incoming phase leads (L1, L2, L3) to input screw clamp terminals and motor leads to output terminals (T1, T2, T3); terminals accept 0.5 to 10 mm² wire; tighten all connections firmly and verify continuity before applying power
  • Set the thermal dial to the calculated value — 1.0 to 1.3 times motor nameplate full-load current — and document the final setting on a panel label for future maintenance reference
  • If panel ambient temperature is expected to approach the upper end of the -20 to +60 °C operating range, reduce the thermal dial setting by 0.1 to 0.2 A to account for thermal deration; install panel ventilation if sustained high-temperature operation is expected

Wrong-Part Prevention Checklist — Verify Before You Order

Run through this checklist against your motor nameplate before placing an order. Each item represents a real ordering mistake that results in returns, delays, or field rework.

  1. Verify motor nameplate shows three-phase (3P) supply requirement, not single-phase. GV2ME06 is 3-pole only.
  2. Confirm motor power rating does not exceed 1 hp. Cross-check against nameplate. Do not order for 1.5, 2, or 3 hp motors.
  3. Check supply voltage is 690 V AC or less. Do not use on 1000 V or higher systems.
  4. Measure motor full-load current (FLC) from nameplate. Confirm FLC is within 1.0 to 1.6 A. If FLC exceeds 1.6 A, upgrade to GV3ME.
  5. Verify panel has minimum 45 mm width available on DIN rail. Do not force into narrow spaces.
  6. Confirm manual pushbutton control is acceptable. If remote control needed, order shunt trip accessory (GV2ME06-SHU) or use soft starter.
  7. Check application does not require soft-start ramp control. If ramp control needed, use soft starter or VFD instead.

If any item on the checklist raises a question, contact LeadTime.ca before ordering — our team can verify the correct part number against your application data before shipment, anywhere in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the GV2ME06 be used upstream of a soft starter or VFD?

Yes, provided the soft starter has an internal bypass contactor or the motor current during the soft-start ramp-up stays below the magnetic trip threshold of 22.5 A. Verify with the soft starter manufacturer that output current during acceleration is compatible with the GV2ME06's magnetic trip characteristics. Most modern soft starters with controlled ramp profiles are compatible.

What happens if I set the thermal dial to the 1.6 A maximum to avoid nuisance tripping?

Motor overload protection is effectively lost. If the motor stalls, experiences a blocked rotor, or draws sustained excess current due to bearing failure or mechanical binding, the thermal element set too high will not trip in time to prevent winding insulation damage. Always set the dial to 1.0 to 1.3 times the motor nameplate full-load current and diagnose the root cause of nuisance tripping rather than increasing the setting.

How do I add remote electrical tripping to the GV2ME06 without replacing the device?

Order the shunt trip accessory — typically referenced as GV2ME06-SHU or equivalent — which allows a low-voltage DC command from a remote location or control system to trigger electrical tripping. Confirm accessory availability and lead time at the time of order, as optional accessories may carry a 2 to 4 week lead time compared to the base unit.

What is the difference between the GV2ME06 and the GV2ME07?

The GV2ME07 covers a higher thermal setting range — the next current tier up from the GV2ME06's 1.0 to 1.6 A maximum. Select the model whose thermal range brackets your motor's full-load current. If your motor FLC exceeds 1.6 A, the GV2ME06 is not the correct choice regardless of how the dial is set.

Can I mount the GV2ME06 horizontally and vertically in the same panel installation?

Yes. The GV2ME06 is designed for both horizontal and vertical DIN rail orientation with no performance difference between mounting directions. Confirm that adequate 45 mm clear width is available on the rail in whichever orientation your panel layout requires.

Does the GV2ME06 provide any indication of whether a trip was thermal overload or magnetic short-circuit?

No. The standard GV2ME06 does not provide separate fault-type indication; the pushbutton trips to the OFF position in either case. Distinguishing a thermal from a magnetic trip requires the technician to assess conditions at the time of fault — load current, ambient temperature, evidence of short circuit — using external instrumentation. This limitation is most relevant in remote or unattended installations where fault diagnosis is performed after the fact.

Why Order the GV2ME06 From LeadTime.ca

  • Global shipping — LeadTime.ca fulfills orders worldwide, not limited to any single country or region
  • Pre-order part verification — our team can confirm the GV2ME06 matches your motor nameplate data before shipment, reducing return risk on wrong-part orders
  • Volume pricing available — bulk pricing applies at 10+ unit quantities; contact for terms before committing to a project build
  • Accessory sourcing — shunt trip, under-voltage release, and DIN rail mounting hardware sourced and confirmed at time of order to prevent delayed installation
  • Fast response on lead time and stock status — confirm availability before finalizing project timelines

GV2ME06 At-a-Glance Summary

  • Product: Motor circuit breaker, TeSys GV2, 3-pole, 1 to 1.6 A, thermal-magnetic, screw clamp terminals
  • Thermal setting: Adjustable 1.0 to 1.6 A — set to 1.0–1.3 × motor full-load current for correct overload protection
  • Magnetic trip: Fixed at 22.5 A (13 × thermal setting) — responds to short-circuit faults
  • Motor power limit: 1 hp (0.37 to 0.55 kW at 400 V) — do not apply to motors exceeding this rating
  • Breaking capacity: 100 kA at 690 V AC per IEC 60947-2
  • Width: 45 mm DIN rail (IEC 60715); horizontal or vertical mounting
  • Terminals: Screw clamp, 0.5 to 10 mm² wire; 2.5 W per pole power dissipation
  • Protection rating: IP20 / IK04 per IEC 60529; operating temperature -20 to +60 °C
  • Control: Manual pushbutton ON/OFF; remote trip requires shunt trip accessory ordered separately
  • Typical lead time: 1 to 5 business days for in-stock units; accessories may extend to 2 to 4 weeks
  • Standard warranty: 12 months from date of purchase
  • Step-up variants: GV3ME20 (3 hp / 6 A), GV4ME20 (up to 25 hp) for larger motor applications

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