Schneider Electric GV2ME22 — Manual Motor Starter Selection Guide

By Abdullah Zahid
16 min read
Schneider Electric GV2ME22 TeSys Deca manual motor starter and protector for 20-25A three-phase industrial motor circuits

Schneider Electric GV2ME22 TeSys Deca Manual Starter and Protector: Specifications, Price & Selection Guide

If you are specifying a manual motor starter for a three-phase motor drawing between 20 and 25 amps, the Schneider Electric GV2ME22 is almost certainly on your shortlist. This compact TeSys Deca manual starter and protector consolidates manual isolation, push-button operator control, and built-in Class 10 thermal-magnetic overcurrent protection into a single 45mm-wide DIN rail module — eliminating the need for a separate overload relay, contactor, and manual disconnect. With a rated insulation voltage of 690V AC and a breaking capacity of 15 kA at 400-415V, it covers the vast majority of industrial three-phase motor circuits from conveyors and compressors to pumps and fans. The single specification that determines whether this is the right part is straightforward: your motor's full-load amperage must fall within the 20-25A adjustable thermal range.

If you have already confirmed this is the right part, check current pricing and availability for the GV2ME22 at LeadTime.ca — ships worldwide.

Who Should Buy the GV2ME22 — and Who Shouldn't

The GV2ME22 is the right choice when all of the following are true for your application:

  • Motor full-load amperage (FLA) falls within the 20-25A adjustable thermal range — verify from the motor nameplate before ordering
  • Facility three-phase supply voltage is 690V AC or below — the GV2ME22's rated insulation voltage (Ui) is 690V; common North American voltages of 480V and 600V fall well within this limit
  • Power system operates at 50 or 60 Hz AC — this device is AC-only; VFD-fed motors or DC applications require different protection
  • Local push-button start/stop control is sufficient — the GV2ME22 provides operator control at the device only
  • 35mm DIN rail installation is available in the enclosure, or you can order the optional GV2AF02 panel adapter separately
  • Motor runs in a single direction only — the GV2ME22 is non-reversing by design

If your motor FLA is below 13A, look at the GV2ME14 (9-14A) or GV2ME08 (4-6.3A) instead. If your motor FLA is 26A or higher, the GV2ME32 (24-32A) is the correct selection. If reversing control, remote stop, or soft-start acceleration is required, the GV2ME22 alone cannot meet those requirements.

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What the GV2ME22 Actually Does in a Motor Circuit

Traditional motor starter panels require three separate devices working in combination: a manual disconnect for isolation and lockout, a thermal overload relay for overcurrent protection, and a contactor for switching control. The GV2ME22 replaces all three with a single unit. The integrated thermal element is a compensated bimetallic design — it automatically adjusts its trip behavior as ambient temperature changes, so the protection remains accurate whether the panel is sitting at 15°C in a Canadian winter morning or climbing toward 40°C inside an enclosure on a summer afternoon.

The magnetic instantaneous trip threshold is set at 327A, providing fast disconnection on genuine short-circuit faults without nuisance tripping on normal motor inrush. The thermal protection operates to Class 10 per IEC 60947-4-1, meaning the device permits overload current up to ten times the set thermal current for a maximum of 20 seconds before tripping — a standard that aligns with both North American and European motor protection practices. The device also includes phase-failure sensitivity, meaning it can detect and respond to a single-phase loss condition, a failure mode that is particularly damaging to three-phase motors running undetected on two phases.

The push-button control is integrated directly into the front face: a green start button energizes the circuit, and the red stop button also serves as the manual trip reset. A padlock provision in the off position supports lockout/tagout procedures without additional hardware, which matters for facilities operating under strict LOTO requirements.

Typical System Architecture: Where the GV2ME22 Sits

The GV2ME22 sits directly in the power path between the three-phase distribution panel and the motor terminal box, replacing what would otherwise be three separate devices at that point in the circuit.

  • Three-phase distribution panel (L1/L2/L3 at facility voltage — commonly 400V, 480V, 600V, or 690V AC) feeds conductors to the GV2ME22 input terminals
  • GV2ME22 provides manual isolation, push-button operator control, and thermal-magnetic overcurrent protection in-line
  • Output terminals (T1/T2/T3) connect directly to the motor terminal box — no intermediate contactor required for basic applications
  • Optional auxiliary contact modules (GVAE11 or GVAN11) can be added to the side of the unit to feed remote indication or interlocking signals to a control panel or PLC
  • Motor frame protective earth is connected separately to the facility ground — the GV2ME22 does not serve as the earth continuity path

Typical Applications and Deployment Scenarios

The GV2ME22 is most commonly found in applications where a three-phase motor in the 11-15 kW range needs reliable local control and protection, the operator interacts with the machine at the motor location, and panel space is constrained. Pump motor control in water circulation and industrial cooling loops is among the most frequent deployments — the continuous-duty rating and Class 10 thermal protection are well-matched to the constant-load profile of centrifugal pumps.

Conveyor drive starters represent another high-volume application. In warehouse automation and material handling lines, individual conveyor segments each require a motor starter, and the GV2ME22's 45mm DIN rail footprint allows multiple units to be mounted side-by-side in a compact distribution panel without the wider footprint of a separate contactor-and-relay combination.

Industrial ventilation fan starters, compressed air compressor motor starters, and crane or hoist motor isolation devices also appear regularly in this current range. For food and beverage processing and water and wastewater treatment facilities, the combination of IP55 overall enclosure protection, UL 508 and CSA C22.2 certification, and the IEC 60947-4-1 safety standard makes the GV2ME22 straightforward to specify against most facility and regulatory requirements.

Application Typical Deployment
Industrial pump motor control Water treatment plant pump starters, cooling loop circulation pumps — continuous duty, constant load profile
Conveyor drive starter Warehouse automation conveyor segments, material transfer lines — multiple units per panel, compact DIN rail layout
Industrial ventilation fan Process cooling fans, building ventilation systems — local push-button start/stop at fan location
Compressed air compressor starter Factory compressed air systems — motor protection against locked-rotor and overload conditions
Crane and hoist motor isolation Overhead crane motor manual disconnect and protection — padlock provision supports LOTO requirements
Food and beverage machinery Mixer, conveyor, and pump starters in food processing lines — IEC/UL/CSA certification supports regulatory compliance

GV2ME22 Specifications That Drive the Purchase Decision

Parameter Value Notes
Current Rating (Nominal) 25A (adjustable 20-25A) Set to motor nameplate FLA; do not confuse with motor service factor current
Rated Insulation Voltage (Ui) 690V AC 50/60 Hz Maximum; confirm facility voltage does not exceed this value
Rated Impulse Withstand Voltage (Uimp) 6 kV Transient overvoltage protection per IEC 60947-2
Breaking Capacity (Icu) 15 kA @ 400-415V AC; 3 kA @ 690V AC Facility short-circuit level must be confirmed against these values during installation
Magnetic Trip Current 327A Instantaneous short-circuit protection threshold
Thermal Protection Class Class 10 per IEC 60947-4-1 Permits up to 10x set thermal current for maximum 20 seconds before trip
Mechanical / Electrical Durability 100,000 cycles each Mechanical: open-close operations; electrical: AC-3 duty at 440V per IEC 60947-4-1
Degree of Protection IP20 (terminals); IP55 (overall enclosure) IP20 = finger-safe terminals; IP55 = dust and water resistant
Dimensions (H x W x D) 89mm x 45mm x 78.2mm 35mm DIN rail direct mount; GV2AF02 adapter required for panel mounting (sold separately)
Certifications IEC 60947-4-1, UL 508, CSA C22.2, CE Multi-regional compliance; valid for North American and European installations without modification

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

Motor Power Compatibility by Facility Voltage

Facility Voltage Motor Power at Rated Current Breaking Capacity (Icu) Notes
400/415V AC 11 kW 15 kA Most common European and Commonwealth application; highest breaking capacity at this voltage
500V AC 15 kW 6 kA Medium-voltage industrial applications
600V AC Confirm with Schneider sizing tool 3 kA North American industrial standard; verify exact motor power before specifying
690V AC Derated — confirm with Schneider sizing tool 3 kA Maximum voltage rating; motor power derated; confirm short-circuit level against 3 kA Icu

GV2ME22 vs. GV2ME14 vs. GV2ME32: Which Current Rating Do You Need?

The GV2ME series uses a consistent model architecture — the number suffix indicates the upper end of the current adjustment range. Selecting the wrong suffix is the single most common ordering mistake in this product family. Use the table below to confirm the correct model for your motor's FLA before placing any purchase order.

Model Ampere Range Motor Power @ 400V When to Choose
GV2ME04 2.5-4A 1.5 kW Motor FLA below 4A; small pump or fan motors
GV2ME08 4-6.3A 3 kW Motor FLA in the 4-6A range; medium pump motors
GV2ME14 9-14A 5.5 kW Motor FLA 9-14A; larger fan drives; GV2ME22 would provide excessive protection margin
GV2ME22 20-25A 11 kW @ 400V Motor FLA 20-25A; industrial conveyors, compressors, pumps — THIS PRODUCT
GV2ME32 24-32A 15 kW @ 400V Motor FLA 26A or higher; heavy-duty motor circuits
GV2ME63 50-63A 30 kW @ 400V Motor FLA 50A or above; very large industrial motors

If your motor nameplate shows an FLA above 25A, the GV2ME32 is the correct selection — check current availability and confirm the right model at LeadTime.ca, or contact the team for model selection assistance before ordering.

Expert Verdict: Is the GV2ME22 the Right Starter for Your System?

The Schneider Electric GV2ME22 is a mature, well-proven motor starter that earns its place as the default specification for standard three-phase industrial motor circuits in the 20-25A range. For plant maintenance engineers replacing an aging starter, OEM machine builders standardizing on compact IEC-certified components, and facility managers in food processing, water treatment, or light manufacturing who need reliable field-serviceable motor control without electronics or software complexity, this device delivers exactly what it promises. The 100,000-cycle mechanical and electrical durability rating, Class 10 compensated bimetallic protection, and multi-regional certifications (IEC 60947-4-1, UL 508, CSA C22.2) mean it installs and runs without demanding further attention. Consolidating disconnect, overload relay, and contactor into a single 45mm-wide module genuinely reduces panel space and installation time — these are not marketing claims but verifiable physical and architectural realities.

Where the GV2ME22 has real limits, they are clear and non-negotiable. It is not a reversing starter — forward-reverse-stop applications require the GV2MR series or a separate reversing contactor arrangement. It provides only local push-button control; remote start/stop from multiple operator stations, distributed emergency stop circuits, or PLC-driven motor control all require auxiliary contact modules (GVAE11 or GVAN11) or a supervisory control layer added externally. For motors drawing less than 13A FLA, the GV2ME14 or GV2ME08 is the more appropriate and cost-efficient selection. For motors above 25A FLA, the GV2ME32 is the correct next step. And for applications where smooth motor acceleration, inrush current limitation, or variable frequency control is required, no manual starter — including the GV2ME22 — can substitute for a soft starter or variable-frequency drive.

From a procurement standpoint, the GV2ME22 is a normally stocked item at authorized Schneider Electric distributors worldwide, with typical lead times in the one-to-two-week range for standard orders. Bulk orders of ten or more units typically attract volume pricing — a relevant consideration for OEM builders standardizing across a machine line. Buying through a specialist industrial distributor rather than a generic marketplace gives you real-time stock confirmation, pre-sales technical verification of the current rating against your motor nameplate, and access to the correct auxiliary modules if your application needs them — reducing the risk of a field rework that costs far more than any price difference. View current pricing and stock status for the GV2ME22 at LeadTime.ca — we ship worldwide.

For volume pricing, lead time confirmation before committing to a build, or help confirming the correct model against your motor nameplate, contact the LeadTime.ca team directly — we ship worldwide and can support procurement from any location.

What Engineers Need to Know Before Ordering the GV2ME22

Because the GV2ME22 is a mature, stable product with decades of uneventful installations behind it, there is relatively little public forum discussion about it — most users install it, set the thermal dial, and move on. That low noise level is a genuine indicator of reliability. However, the absence of public troubleshooting threads does not mean the ordering process is without risk. The most consequential mistakes happen before the device is ever installed — during specification and ordering — and they follow a consistent pattern that experienced distributors and controls engineers recognize immediately.

The most common field issue is a current rating mismatch: a technician orders a GV2ME14 (9-14A) instead of the GV2ME22 (20-25A) because the model numbers look similar in a parts list, or because they ordered from memory rather than from the motor nameplate FLA. The result is a thermal relay that trips during normal full-load operation, causing repeated production stoppages until the correct unit is sourced and installed. The reverse mistake — ordering a GV2ME22 for a motor drawing only 12A FLA — results in a device that provides inadequate overload sensitivity at the lower end of its range, potentially missing a developing overload condition before damage occurs.

The second pattern is a missing auxiliary module. The GV2ME22's integrated design is its strength for straightforward applications, but buyers sometimes assume local push-button control is sufficient and then discover during commissioning that the machine design requires an emergency stop at a remote operator station, a remote run signal to a control panel, or a fault indication output to a PLC. The auxiliary contact modules GVAE11 and GVAN11 are available separately and designed to clip directly onto the GV2ME22 — but they must be ordered and installed before the panel is wired, not retrofitted after commissioning. If your system design includes any remote control or indication requirement, identify it during specification and order the correct auxiliary modules at the same time as the starter. When community data is sparse and the device is a mature industrial component, specialist distributor pre-sales consultation is the most reliable way to catch these application-level requirements before they become installation-day problems.

Wiring and Installation Overview

The GV2ME22 mounts directly onto a 35mm DIN rail by pressing the rear clip onto the rail until it clicks into position. If DIN rail is not available, the optional GV2AF02 adapter plate (ordered separately) enables panel surface mounting. Before wiring, refer to the manufacturer installation documentation for terminal identification specific to your regional marking standard.

  • Three-phase supply conductors (L1, L2, L3) connect to the three input terminals; three motor leads connect to the three output terminals — the screw clamp terminals accept 1-2.5mm² solid or stranded wire and must be torqued to 1.7 N·m (15.04 lbf·in) using a calibrated torque screwdriver
  • Motor frame protective earth must be connected separately to the facility ground at the motor terminal box — the GV2ME22 does not serve as the earth continuity path
  • The thermal adjustment dial on the front face must be set to match motor nameplate FLA before energizing — the adjustable range is 20-25A; do not estimate, read the motor nameplate directly
  • The integrated test-trip button on the front face should be actuated after wiring to confirm the trip mechanism is functional before the motor is started under load
  • The padlock provision in the off position accepts a standard padlock for lockout/tagout compliance — confirm this provision meets your facility LOTO procedure requirements before relying on it as the sole isolation point

For complete wiring diagrams, terminal torque sequences, and commissioning procedures, refer to the Schneider Electric GV2ME22 installation instruction document available from the manufacturer.

Compatible Accessories and Expansion Modules

The GV2ME22 is designed to accept a range of clip-on auxiliary modules and panel mounting accessories from the TeSys GV2 accessory family. These should be identified and ordered at the same time as the starter to avoid commissioning delays.

  • GVAE11 — Auxiliary contact module (1 NO + 1 NC); clips to the side of the GV2ME22 to provide remote run/fault indication or interlocking signals to a control panel or PLC
  • GVAN11 — Auxiliary contact module (1 NO + 1 NC); alternative auxiliary contact configuration for interlocking applications
  • GV2AF02 — Panel mounting adapter plate; enables surface mounting of the GV2ME22 in panels where 35mm DIN rail is not available; ordered separately, not included with the starter

Wrong-Part Prevention Checklist

Before placing a purchase order for the GV2ME22, confirm all six of the following points. This checklist applies whether you are a technician specifying a replacement, an engineer validating a design, or procurement issuing a purchase order.

  1. Confirm motor full-load amperage (FLA) falls within 20-25A range — do not assume; check motor nameplate or datasheet
  2. Verify facility supply voltage matches or is below 690V AC — common North American voltages are 240V (single-phase applications use different starters), 480V, and 600V for 3-phase
  3. Confirm 50/60 Hz AC operation — GV2ME22 is AC-only; DC motors or variable-frequency drive (VFD)-fed motors require different protection
  4. Check if motor must start/stop from remote locations or requires reversing — if yes, this device alone is insufficient; additional controls/accessories required
  5. Verify DIN rail installation is feasible — if only panel-mount with adapter plate available, order GV2AF02 adapter separately (not included)
  6. Ensure emergency stop / lockout provision is acceptable — manual pushbutton does not provide remote stop; auxiliary contact modules (GVAE11, GVAN11) available separately

If any item on this checklist raises a question before your order is placed, contact the LeadTime.ca team for pre-sales technical support — we can help confirm the correct model and identify any auxiliary modules your application requires before the purchase order is issued.

Frequently Asked Questions

My motor nameplate shows 22A FLA at 460V. Is the GV2ME22 the correct selection?

Yes. A 22A FLA motor falls within the GV2ME22's 20-25A adjustable thermal range, and 460V is below the device's 690V rated insulation voltage. Set the thermal adjustment dial to 22A after installation. Confirm your facility short-circuit level is within the breaking capacity for your supply voltage before energizing.

Can I use the GV2ME22 to start and stop a motor from a remote PLC output, or does it only work with the front push-button?

The GV2ME22 on its own provides only local front push-button control. To integrate remote start/stop or fault signaling with a PLC or remote control panel, you need to add an auxiliary contact module — GVAE11 or GVAN11 — which clips directly to the side of the GV2ME22. These modules must be ordered separately and installed before wiring the control circuit.

What happens if the thermal overload trips — does it reset automatically or require manual intervention?

The GV2ME22 requires manual reset after a thermal trip. The red stop button on the front face also serves as the trip reset button. After a thermal overload trip, the motor must be stopped, the cause of the overload investigated and corrected, and the device manually reset by pressing the red button before the motor can be restarted. This is a safety feature, not a limitation — automatic reset after a thermal trip would allow a faulted motor to restart unattended.

Is the GV2ME22 a direct replacement for an older GV2M22 installed in my existing panel?

The GV2ME22 is the current TeSys Deca designation for this current range within the GV2 manual starter family. Before treating any replacement as direct, confirm the terminal configuration, DIN rail footprint, and auxiliary module compatibility with your existing installation. If auxiliary contact modules are already installed on the existing device, verify they are compatible with the current unit before ordering replacements as a set.

The GV2ME22 breaking capacity is listed as 3 kA at 690V. How do I know if my facility short-circuit level exceeds this?

Your facility's available short-circuit current at the point of installation must be calculated or measured by a qualified electrical engineer, typically from the facility one-line diagram and utility fault data. If your facility supply is 690V and the available fault current at the motor branch circuit exceeds 3 kA Icu, the GV2ME22 is not rated to safely interrupt that fault and an alternative protection device with higher breaking capacity is required. At 400-415V, the GV2ME22 is rated for 15 kA Icu, which covers the vast majority of industrial distribution systems at that voltage.

Can the GV2ME22 be mounted in any orientation, or must it be vertical?

The GV2ME22 can be mounted in any orientation — horizontal, vertical, or wall-mount — without affecting the function of the thermal protection element. There are no orientation restrictions for this device.

Why Order from LeadTime.ca

  • Ships worldwide — LeadTime.ca sources and fulfills industrial automation components to customers globally, not limited to any single region
  • Pre-sales technical support — if you need to confirm current rating, auxiliary module compatibility, or lead time before issuing a purchase order, the team can assist before you commit
  • Hard-to-find and standard parts — both normally stocked items and lower-availability variants sourced through established industrial distribution channels
  • Volume pricing available — contact for pricing on orders of multiple units; bulk orders typically receive preferential pricing compared to single-unit list price
  • Fast response — no extended queues or call center routing; direct contact with a team that handles industrial automation components daily

GV2ME22 At-a-Glance Summary

  • Current rating: adjustable 20-25A thermal range; nominal 25A continuous at 40°C ambient
  • Rated insulation voltage: 690V AC 50/60 Hz maximum
  • Breaking capacity: 15 kA Icu at 400-415V AC; 3 kA Icu at 690V AC
  • Magnetic instantaneous trip threshold: 327A
  • Thermal protection: Class 10 compensated bimetallic per IEC 60947-4-1; permits 10x FLA for maximum 20 seconds
  • Motor power equivalents: 11 kW at 400V; 15 kW at 500V
  • Mechanical and electrical durability: 100,000 cycles each; maximum operating rate 25 cycles per hour
  • Dimensions: 89mm H x 45mm W x 78.2mm D; 35mm DIN rail direct mount
  • Terminal torque: 1.7 N·m (15.04 lbf·in); screw clamp accepts 1-2.5mm² wire
  • Certifications: IEC 60947-4-1, UL 508, CSA C22.2, CE — valid for North American and European installations
  • Degree of protection: IP20 terminals; IP55 overall enclosure
  • Ambient storage temperature: -40 to +80°C; operating altitude rated to 2000m
  • Auxiliary modules GVAE11 and GVAN11 available separately for remote indication and interlocking; GV2AF02 adapter available for panel mounting

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