Schneider GV2ME22 — 25A Motor Circuit Breaker Buying Guide

By Abdullah Zahid
15 min read
Schneider Electric GV2ME22 3-pole 20-25A thermal-magnetic motor circuit breaker with integrated pushbutton on TS35 DIN rail

Schneider GV2ME22 Motor Circuit Breaker: Specifications, Pricing and Alternatives Guide

When a controls engineer or panel builder searches for the Schneider GV2ME22, they are almost always at the final verification stage — confirming that the 20-25A thermal-magnetic rating and the 11 kW power class match the motor on the nameplate, checking that the 45mm DIN rail footprint fits the available cabinet space, and deciding whether the integrated pushbutton control eliminates the need for a separate starter assembly. This article answers all three questions directly and surfaces the critical selection constraints that prevent costly wrong-part orders.

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 right for direct-start three-phase motor applications where the motor FLA and power class fall within this device's rated band. Confirm all of the following before ordering:

  • Motor full-load amperage (FLA) confirmed within the 20-25A adjustable thermal range
  • Motor power rating at or below 11 kW at 400V three-phase (or 5.5 kW at 230V three-phase)
  • Site electrical supply is three-phase 230V or 400V — not single-phase, not DC
  • Panel DIN rail space accommodates the 45mm width and 89mm height of this device on a TS35 rail
  • Application is direct-start only — no soft-start, no VFD output, no remote control or auxiliary contact signaling required
  • Insulation class is acceptable at 690VAC; site voltage does not exceed this rating

If your motor FLA falls below 20A, look at the GV2ME11 or adjacent lower-range variants. If FLA exceeds 25A or motor power exceeds 11 kW at 400V, the GV3ME40 or a larger frame model is the correct choice — not this device.

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What the GV2ME22 Actually Does in a Motor Control Circuit

The GV2ME22 is a 3-pole, 20-25A thermal-magnetic motor circuit breaker from Schneider Electric's TeSys GV2 product family. It combines two functions that are typically split across separate devices: motor protection and manual start-stop control. The thermal element provides adjustable overload protection across the 20-25A band, responding to sustained current above the set point over a time-delay curve. The magnetic element delivers an undelayed short-circuit trip at approximately 13 times the rated current — roughly 260 to 325A depending on the thermal dial position — handling three-phase fault duty up to 15 kA at 400V AC.

The integrated green Start and red Stop pushbuttons replace the need for a separate start-stop control station in straightforward direct-start applications. The pushbutton mechanism carries a 100,000-cycle AC-3 duty rating, which for a motor cycled ten times per day translates to approximately 27 years of service life under normal operating conditions. Mounting is on a standard TS35 DIN rail, and the device occupies 45mm of horizontal panel space — making it one of the more compact solutions available in the 11 kW motor protection class.

What the GV2ME22 does not do is equally important to understand before specifying it. It carries no integrated under-voltage release, no auxiliary output contacts for external signaling, and no provision for remote control or soft-start coordination. For applications where any of those features are required, a contactor-based architecture or a different product family is the appropriate solution.

Typical System Architecture for GV2ME22 Installations

The GV2ME22 sits between the upstream branch circuit protection and the motor terminals, handling both switching and protection in a single device. A typical direct-start installation follows this component chain:

  • Upstream: Main distribution board or panel main breaker providing three-phase 230V or 400V supply
  • Branch protection: Upstream fuse or MCB feeding the GV2ME22 supply terminals (L1, L2, L3)
  • GV2ME22: Thermal-magnetic protection and pushbutton start-stop control in one 45mm DIN rail module
  • Motor output: GV2ME22 load terminals (T1, T2, T3) connected directly to motor terminals via appropriately sized cable (minimum 2.5 mm² recommended for runs over 5 meters)
  • Motor: Three-phase induction motor, FLA confirmed within 20-25A, power at or below 11 kW at 400V

If remote control or auxiliary contact feedback is needed at a later stage, a Schneider LC1D25 contactor can be added between the GV2ME22 output and the motor terminals, with a separate relay module handling the signaling circuit. The GV2ME22 alone does not provide this capability.

Typical Applications and Deployment Scenarios

The GV2ME22 is most frequently specified for water and wastewater pump motors in the 5 to 11 kW class, where direct-start duty is acceptable and manual pushbutton control at the panel is a practical requirement. Pump systems cycling on and off in response to level sensors or operator commands represent a near-ideal duty profile for this device's 100,000-cycle pushbutton rating and thermal-magnetic protection curve.

HVAC fan drive motors in the 11 kW range represent another strong application fit. Fan loads are typically low-inrush relative to the thermal setting, and the compact 45mm DIN rail footprint means multiple motor circuits can be accommodated in a standard electrical panel without excessive space penalties.

Equipment OEMs building standardized motor control panels — conveyors, mixers, compressors — frequently select the GV2ME22 because its multi-standard certification covering IEC/EN 60947-1, IEC/EN 60947-2, IEC/EN 60947-4-1, UL508, and CSA C22.2 allows a single bill of materials to satisfy North American, European, and select international regulatory requirements without redesign or re-testing.

Retrofit projects replacing older thermal-only breakers with modern thermal-magnetic protection represent a fourth scenario where the GV2ME22 is a practical choice. The magnetic short-circuit trip at approximately 13xIn provides protection against three-phase fault conditions that a purely thermal device cannot handle rapidly, reducing the risk of winding damage in fault events.

Application Typical Deployment
Water and wastewater pump motor (5-11 kW) Direct-start, manual pushbutton, panel-mounted GV2ME22 on TS35 DIN rail; motor FLA 20-25A
HVAC fan drive motor (11 kW class) DIN rail installation in main electrical panel; thermal set to motor nameplate FLA; no soft-start required
OEM standardized motor starter panel Multiple GV2ME22 units per panel; single SKU for multi-region equipment; UL/CSA/IEC certified build
Conveyor or mixer drive (direct-start) GV2ME22 providing overload and short-circuit protection; pushbutton replaces separate control station
Thermal-only breaker retrofit Drop-in replacement on existing TS35 DIN rail; upgrade to thermal-magnetic trip coordination

Key Specifications and Variant Comparison

Parameter Value Notes
Rated current (In) 25A continuous Adjustable thermal band 20-25A
Rated power, AC-3 duty 11 kW at 400V / 5.5 kW at 230V Three-phase motor duty
Rated breaking capacity (Icu) 15 kA at 400V AC Short-circuit fault duty
Insulation voltage 690VAC Maximum permissible system voltage
Number of poles 3 (three-phase only) Not suitable for single-phase
Magnetic trip threshold Approx. 13xIn Approximately 260-325A; fixed, non-adjustable
Physical dimensions (H x W x D) 89mm x 45mm x 78.2mm TS35 DIN rail; horizontal or vertical orientation
Cable connection Screw clamp, M4 1-4 mm² flexible or 1-2.5 mm² rigid per terminal
Pushbutton cycle rating 100,000 cycles AC-3 Green Start / Red Stop; IEC/UL color convention
Certifications IEC/EN 60947-1, 60947-2, 60947-4-1; UL508; CSA C22.2 Also CCC, EAC, Marine (Lloyd's Register)

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

GV2ME22 vs. Comparable Alternatives — Which Device Fits Your Load?

Model Poles Current Range Max Power (400V AC-3) Integrated Pushbutton Form Factor Notes
Schneider GV2ME22 3P 20-25A 11 kW Yes DIN rail, 45mm width Direct-start only; thermal-magnetic; multi-standard certified
Schneider GV3ME40 3P 32-40A 18.5 kW Yes DIN rail, 60mm width Larger motor class; same thermal-magnetic design
Siemens 3RV1311-1AE10 3P 25A 11 kW No Contactor-based, approx. 70mm Requires separate overload relay; supports VFD output
ABB MS165-25 3P 25A 11 kW No Molded case, bulky Not DIN rail compatible; typical for large cabinets
Rockwell 100-C16D10 3P 16A 7.5 kW No Compact contactor, 30mm Requires separate overload module; integrates with PLC more easily

If your motor FLA exceeds 25A or power rating exceeds 11 kW at 400V, the GV3ME40 is the correct next step — check current availability and pricing at LeadTime.ca and contact the team to confirm the right variant for your load.

Expert Verdict: Is the GV2ME22 the Right Device for Your Build?

The GV2ME22 earns its place in standardized motor protection builds because it genuinely reduces complexity without sacrificing protection quality. For automation engineers and panel builders specifying direct-start 11 kW three-phase motors — pump stations, fan arrays, conveyor drives — the combination of adjustable 20-25A thermal protection, a fixed 13xIn magnetic trip rated at 15 kA breaking capacity at 400V AC, and an integrated start-stop pushbutton in a single 45mm DIN rail module is a concrete practical advantage. Equipment OEMs designing multi-unit panels for cross-border markets benefit directly from the UL508, CSA C22.2, and IEC/EN 60947 multi-standard certification, which removes the need for separate regional variants. The 100,000-cycle AC-3 pushbutton rating means this device will outlast the driven equipment in most moderate-duty cycles.

Where the GV2ME22 has real limits, the brief is unambiguous: this is not a VFD output protection device. The thermal element operating at line frequency on a VFD output signal will produce nuisance trips, and no thermal setting adjustment corrects this fundamental incompatibility. Similarly, applications requiring remote control, motor running feedback via auxiliary contacts, or under-voltage release protection cannot be satisfied by the GV2ME22 alone — those requirements demand a contactor-based architecture, potentially pairing a Schneider LC1D25 contactor with a separate under-voltage module. And if FLA sits outside the 20-25A band in either direction, the correct choice is a different model: the GV2ME11 series for smaller motors, or the GV3ME40 for loads up to 40A and 18.5 kW at 400V.

From a procurement standpoint, the GV2ME22 is a mature, widely stocked product with typical distributor lead times of one to two weeks from European stock and two to four weeks from North American regional stock. For single-unit orders or time-sensitive retrofits, sourcing through a specialist industrial distributor with verified stock visibility is significantly more reliable than generic e-commerce channels that may carry non-current product revisions without flagging the difference. Specialist distributors also provide the application engineering checkpoint that catches FLA mismatches and voltage incompatibilities before the order ships — the kind of technical verification that prevents costly field returns. Check current stock and pricing for the GV2ME22 at LeadTime.ca — the team ships worldwide and can confirm availability before you commit to a build schedule.

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 GV2ME22

Because community data for this specific model is sparse — not because the product is obscure, but because a well-designed standard motor circuit breaker that is specified correctly tends not to generate troubleshooting threads — the most valuable pre-order guidance comes from documented application engineering experience rather than forum sentiment. The GV2ME22 belongs to a mature, proven product family, and the ordering mistakes that do occur tend to follow identifiable patterns that a knowledgeable distributor will catch immediately.

The single most common specification error with motor circuit breakers in this class is a mismatch between the thermal dial setting and the motor's actual full-load amperage. This can happen in two directions: an operator sets the dial below the motor FLA to "add safety margin," which produces chronic nuisance trips during normal operation; or the dial is left at the top of the range (25A) on a motor with a 21A FLA, which means the thermal element will tolerate a level of sustained overload that the motor windings cannot. Neither outcome serves the motor or the process. The correct approach is to obtain the motor nameplate FLA, set the dial to that value or the nearest mark at or slightly above it, and verify with a clamp meter during the first power-up that measured current at full load aligns with the nameplate value.

A second pattern worth flagging is the single-phase installation attempt. The GV2ME22 is a three-phase-only device. Its thermal and magnetic elements are calibrated for three-phase current balance, and its internal architecture assumes three poles carrying equal current. Connecting it to a single-phase 230V supply does not produce a reduced-capacity result — it produces a non-functional installation. Before ordering, the site electrical supply must be confirmed as three-phase 230V or 400V. If there is any uncertainty, measuring voltage between all three supply lead pairs with a voltmeter will confirm the supply type. A third area where specialist distributor input adds genuine value is regional certification verification. The GV2ME22 carries UL508 and CSA C22.2 alongside its IEC/EN 60947 certifications, which is a meaningful advantage for equipment exported between North America and Europe. A specialist distributor can confirm which certification marks appear on the specific production lot being shipped and provide the compliance documentation that some panel shop inspectors require at installation. LeadTime.ca sources directly from the authorized distribution network and can provide this documentation on request.

Wiring and Installation Overview

The following points cover the key requirements and verification steps for a GV2ME22 installation. Engineers requiring complete wiring diagrams and step-by-step procedures should refer to the manufacturer's installation instructions supplied with the device.

  • Mount on TS35 DIN rail in horizontal or vertical orientation; the 45mm width requires two standard DIN rail module positions to be free on either side of any adjacent devices
  • Incoming supply connects to top terminals L1, L2, L3; motor outgoing connects to bottom terminals T1, T2, T3; screw clamp connections use M4 screws tightened to approximately 1.2-1.5 Nm — finger-tight plus one-quarter turn with a small flathead screwdriver; do not use power tools
  • Cable gauge: minimum 1 mm² flexible, recommended minimum 2.5 mm² for runs exceeding 5 meters, maximum 4 mm² flexible or 2.5 mm² rigid per terminal; verify cable gauge matches circuit current and run length before installation
  • Thermal dial setting must be aligned to motor nameplate FLA before first power-up; the dial is on the front face of the device and is accessible without removing the unit from the rail
  • Confirm Green (Start) and Red (Stop) pushbutton positions are accessible and unobstructed after installation; per IEC/UL convention, Green initiates the motor circuit and Red stops it — verify color assignment matches panel labeling before energizing

Compatible Modules and System Expansion

For applications that begin as simple direct-start installations but later require remote control, auxiliary contact signaling, or soft-start capability, the GV2ME22 can be incorporated into a wider Schneider TeSys architecture by pairing it with the following devices. Confirm compatibility with Schneider Electric's published accessory matrix before ordering any combination.

  • Schneider LC1D25 contactor — adds remote control switching between GV2ME22 output and motor terminals; required when manual pushbutton control is insufficient for the application
  • Schneider TL4-EU under-voltage module — separate device providing under-voltage release protection not present in the GV2ME22 itself; necessary when UV protection is mandated by site electrical standards
  • Schneider ATS soft starters — upstream soft-start device for applications where direct-start inrush is unacceptable; GV2ME22 functions as the branch protection device upstream of the soft starter in this configuration

Wrong-Part Prevention Checklist

Before placing an order for the GV2ME22, confirm all six of the following against your motor nameplate and site electrical drawings:

  1. Verify motor full-load amperage (FLA) falls within 20-25A range; if outside, do not use this model
  2. Confirm motor rated voltage is 230V or 400V three-phase; single-phase motors are incompatible
  3. Check that motor power rating does not exceed 11 kW at 400V (or 5.5 kW at 230V); oversized motors cause nuisance trips
  4. Confirm panel space allows 45mm width and 89mm height on TS35 DIN rail
  5. Verify site electrical system voltage and insulation class (690VAC rated); do not use on higher voltage systems
  6. Confirm application does not require soft-start, VFD compatibility, or integrated auxiliary contactors (GV2ME22 is direct-start pushbutton only)

If every item on this list is confirmed, the GV2ME22 is ready to order. Check current pricing and stock availability at LeadTime.ca — or contact the team if you need application confirmation before committing to the purchase order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the GV2ME22 be used on a VFD output to protect the motor from the drive side?

No. The GV2ME22 is designed for line-frequency utility supply at 50 or 60 Hz. VFD output signals operate at variable switching frequencies that cause false thermal trips in standard thermal-magnetic breakers. For VFD output motor protection, use a VFD-rated circuit breaker or install a line reactor between the drive and the motor. The GV2ME22 can serve as branch circuit protection on the input side of a VFD, but not on the output side.

Do I need a separate contactor alongside the GV2ME22, or does it replace the entire starter assembly?

For simple direct-start applications with manual pushbutton control at the panel, the GV2ME22 alone is sufficient — it provides motor protection and start-stop switching in one device. If you require remote control, motor running status feedback via auxiliary contacts, or integration with a PLC output, you will need to add a Schneider LC1D25 contactor between the GV2ME22 load terminals and the motor. The GV2ME22 has no built-in auxiliary contact outputs.

What is the correct thermal dial setting for a motor with a 22A nameplate FLA?

Set the dial to 22A or the nearest graduation at or slightly above 22A. Do not set it to 20A as a "safety margin" — this places the thermal trip threshold below the motor's normal running current and will produce chronic nuisance trips. After setting, verify with a clamp meter during the first loaded run that measured current at full load aligns with the nameplate FLA value and remains below the dial setting.

How do I distinguish a thermal overload trip from a magnetic short-circuit trip when the GV2ME22 shuts down?

A thermal overload trip leaves the breaker in a latched trip position; the device typically cannot be reset immediately because the thermal bimetal element requires a cooling period before it will allow re-latching. A magnetic short-circuit trip occurs with noticeably more force and may trip the pushbutton with an audible snap. In both cases, do not attempt to restart until the root cause is identified and cleared — a thermal trip requires confirming the thermal dial setting and motor load, while a magnetic trip requires investigating for wiring faults, motor winding shorts, or a phase-to-phase fault.

Is the GV2ME22 a direct swap for an older thermal-only motor breaker on the same TS35 DIN rail position?

In most retrofit scenarios, yes — the GV2ME22 mounts on a standard TS35 DIN rail and its screw clamp terminals accept the same cable gauges (1-4 mm² flexible, 1-2.5 mm² rigid) as most existing installations. Confirm that the 45mm width and 78.2mm depth fit within the available panel space and that the cable run lengths are within the M4 terminal capacity before removing the old device. Wiring connections follow the same L1/L2/L3 in and T1/T2/T3 out convention standard across motor circuit breakers.

What certifications does the GV2ME22 carry for North American installations?

The GV2ME22 is certified to UL508 (US industrial control equipment) and CSA C22.2 (Canadian electrical equipment standards), in addition to IEC/EN 60947-1, 60947-2, and 60947-4-1 for European and international markets. This multi-standard certification allows the device to be used in UL-listed and CSA-certified panel builds without requiring separate regional variants. For installations requiring specific certification mark documentation, a specialist distributor can confirm which marks appear on the shipped production lot.

Why Order from LeadTime.ca

  • Ships worldwide — North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and beyond from verified authorized stock
  • Technical verification before the order ships — catches FLA mismatches, voltage incompatibilities, and wrong-variant selections before they become field problems
  • Access to current stock visibility across multiple regional distribution points, with realistic lead time confirmation before you commit to a build schedule
  • Volume pricing available for OEM and repeat orders — contact the team directly for project quantities
  • Compliance documentation available on request for UL508, CSA C22.2, and IEC/EN 60947 certified installations

At-a-Glance Summary

  • Device: Motor circuit breaker, TeSys GV2, 3-pole, 20-25A thermal-magnetic with integrated pushbutton start-stop control
  • Motor class: Up to 11 kW at 400V three-phase AC-3 duty; up to 5.5 kW at 230V three-phase
  • Breaking capacity: 15 kA at 400V AC — handles typical three-phase distribution fault levels
  • Magnetic trip threshold: Fixed at approximately 13xIn, approximately 260-325A depending on thermal dial position
  • Panel footprint: 45mm wide, 89mm tall, 78.2mm deep on TS35 DIN rail; weighs 0.26 kg
  • Terminal capacity: M4 screw clamp, 1-4 mm² flexible cable or 1-2.5 mm² rigid per phase
  • Pushbutton rating: 100,000 cycles AC-3 — approximately 27 years at 10 cycles per day
  • Certifications: IEC/EN 60947-1, 60947-2, 60947-4-1; UL508; CSA C22.2; CCC; EAC; Marine (Lloyd's Register)
  • Country of origin: France
  • Not suitable for: Single-phase supply, VFD output protection, remote control, applications requiring auxiliary contacts or under-voltage release
  • Upgrade path for larger motors: GV3ME40 (32-40A, 18.5 kW at 400V); for smaller motors: GV2ME11 series

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