When it comes to industrial control systems, reliability and precision are critical. The Schneider Electric GVAE1 Auxiliary Contact stands out as a dependable component designed to enhance safety, efficiency, and automation in motor starter applications. This auxiliary contact block is widely used in control circuits to signal ON/OFF states, interlock devices, and provide feedback to PLCs and indicator lamps. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore every technical detail, variant, and practical application of the GVAE1, giving you all the insights you need before adding it to your electrical setup.
Understanding the Schneider Electric GVAE1 Auxiliary Contact
The Schneider Electric GVAE1 Auxiliary Contact is a front-mounted accessory for TeSys Deca manual motor starters (GV2 and GV3 series). It features one normally open (NO) and one normally closed (NC) contact, making it ideal for dual signaling applications. This configuration allows it to transmit both ON and OFF states to external control systems, enabling precise monitoring and enhanced safety in industrial environments.
Engineers and panel builders choose the Schneider Electric GVAE1 Auxiliary Contact because it offers plug-and-play integration, compact design, and durable performance under demanding electrical conditions. Its design supports a simple clip-on mounting system that ensures quick installation on compatible Schneider starters without requiring additional tools or hardware.
Key Technical Specifications of the Schneider Electric GVAE1 Auxiliary Contact
Understanding the technical data of the Schneider Electric GVAE1 Auxiliary Contact is crucial for proper integration into industrial systems. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its specifications:
Electrical Ratings and Capacity
- Contact Configuration: 1NO + 1NC (single changeover contact)
- Operational Voltage (Ue): 24–240 VAC / 24–60 VDC
- Insulation Voltage (Ui): 250 V (IEC), 300 V (UL 508/CSA)
- Thermal Current (Ith): 2.5 A
- Contact Ratings: 2 A @ 240 VAC, 1 A @ 60 VDC
- Electrical Life: Approx. 100,000 operations at rated load
- Mechanical Life: 100,000 cycles
These figures reflect a solid balance between durability and performance, making the Schneider Electric GVAE1 Auxiliary Contact suitable for control circuits that require dependable ON/OFF signaling.
Physical and Installation Details
- Mounting Type: Front-mounted (clips directly onto the GV2/GV3 starter)
- Terminals: Screw clamp type
- Conductor Size: 0.75–2.5 mm² (solid or ferruled)
- Tightening Torque: 1.4 N·m
- Dimensions: Height 11 mm × Width 45 mm × Depth 29 mm
- Weight: 0.02 kg
The Schneider Electric GVAE1 Auxiliary Contact maintains a compact footprint that fits neatly on the front of compatible motor starters, making it ideal for space-constrained control panels.
Compliance and Certifications
Schneider Electric ensures that every component meets global safety and performance standards. The Schneider Electric GVAE1 Auxiliary Contact is fully certified and compliant with multiple international standards, giving engineers confidence in its quality and safety.
Certifications:
- UL 508 (U.S. Industrial Control Equipment Standard)
- CSA C22.2 No. 14 (Canadian Standards Association)
- IEC 60947-5-1 (Low-Voltage Switchgear)
- CCC (China Compulsory Certification)
- EAC (Eurasian Conformity)
- CE and UKCA Marks (European and UK compliance)
In addition, it meets RoHS and REACH environmental standards under Schneider’s Green Premium program, meaning the GVAE1 Auxiliary Contact is eco-designed and free from restricted hazardous substances.
The product’s UL94-V0 flame resistance rating ensures superior fire safety, and IEC 60335-1 compliance certifies it for use in household and HVAC-related equipment.
Variants and Related Models
The Schneider Electric GVAE1 Auxiliary Contact is part of a modular family of accessories designed for TeSys Deca motor starters. Understanding the available variants can help you choose the right configuration for your specific control or signaling needs.
GVAE Series Variants:
- GVAE1: 1NO + 1NC, front-mount (standard model)
- GVAE113: Similar configuration, offering an identical 1NO + 1NC setup with slightly modified design features for certain starters.
- GVAE20: 2NO contacts (two normally-open contacts)
- GVAE21: 2NC contacts (two normally-closed contacts)
- GVAD0110: Fault/alarm auxiliary block featuring 1NO + 1NC where the NC contact closes only during overload or short-circuit conditions.
The flexibility of these models allows engineers to design control systems that meet a range of application requirements, from simple ON/OFF indicators to more complex interlocking and fault signaling systems.
Compatibility and Accessories
The Schneider Electric GVAE1 Auxiliary Contact is designed primarily for use with:
- GV2 series: GV2-L, GV2-P, GV2-RT, GV2-LE, GV2-ME models
- GV3 series: GV3-L and GV3-P models
- LS1D32: Certain circuit breaker models within this line
No special mounting kits are required—the block simply clips onto the starter’s front face. Engineers also commonly pair the GVAE1 with other accessories like fault contact blocks (GVAD series), mechanical interlocks, and undervoltage release modules for complete system functionality.
In automation environments, the Schneider Electric GVAE1 Auxiliary Contact is often wired to pilot lamps, relays, or PLC inputs to provide real-time system feedback.
Mounting and Installation Guide
Installing the Schneider Electric GVAE1 Auxiliary Contact is straightforward, but precision and safety are essential. Here’s a step-by-step guide for installation:
- Ensure Power Is Off: Always de-energize the circuit before installation.
- Align and Clip: Position the GVAE1 module on the front face of the GV2 or GV3 starter, ensuring the rails engage correctly. Push gently until it clicks into place.
- Wire Connections: Connect conductors (0.75–2.5 mm²) to the screw-clamp terminals. Each pole supports two terminals for flexible wiring.
- Tighten Screws: Apply a torque of approximately 1.4 N·m for secure electrical contact.
- Function Check: Manually toggle the starter to verify that the NO and NC contacts operate as expected. Use a multimeter or pilot lamp for confirmation.
Schneider Electric recommends using only one auxiliary block per side of the starter. The GVAE1 attaches to the front (top) side, while a GVAD fault block (if used) fits on the left side.
Applications and Common Use Cases
The Schneider Electric GVAE1 Auxiliary Contact plays a key role in automation and motor control systems by providing reliable signaling and feedback. Here are some common applications:
1. Motor Control Panels
In motor control centers (MCCs), the GVAE1 Auxiliary Contact indicates the ON/OFF status of motor starters. The NO contact typically powers an indicator lamp or sends a run signal to a PLC, while the NC contact can disable interlocked equipment for safety.
2. HVAC Systems
For heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, the GVAE1 provides control feedback for compressors, fans, and pumps. This ensures that operation is correctly sequenced and monitored.
3. Industrial Process Automation
Factories rely on the Schneider Electric GVAE1 Auxiliary Contact to communicate starter states to centralized PLC systems, enhancing process control, safety, and diagnostics.
4. Domestic and Appliance Starters
The GVAE1 meets IEC 60335-1 standards, making it suitable for household equipment and small appliances that use motor protection devices.
5. Safety Interlocking Systems
In complex electrical systems, the GVAE1 helps enforce safe startup sequences and prevents simultaneous activation of incompatible circuits.
Why Choose Schneider Electric GVAE1 Auxiliary Contact?
Choosing the Schneider Electric GVAE1 Auxiliary Contact means choosing durability, precision, and compatibility backed by decades of engineering excellence. Here are the top reasons professionals prefer this model:
- Trusted Brand Reliability: Schneider Electric is globally recognized for high-quality industrial control products.
- Simple Installation: The front-mount, clip-on design minimizes wiring time and reduces panel complexity.
- Safety and Compliance: Full certification across global standards ensures reliable and safe operation.
- Compact and Robust: Its small footprint and high mechanical endurance make it suitable for tight enclosures.
- Versatile Use: Whether for HVAC, industrial automation, or domestic applications, the GVAE1 performs consistently.
Real-World Example: GVAE1 in a Pump Control System
Consider an industrial pump controlled by a GV2 motor starter. Adding a Schneider Electric GVAE1 Auxiliary Contact allows the operator to monitor pump status remotely. When the pump starts, the NO contact closes, illuminating a green “RUN” indicator on the control panel. If the system trips due to overload, the starter turns off, opening the NO contact and extinguishing the lamp, signaling the operator to check the system.
When paired with a fault block like GVAD0110, a red “TRIP” lamp could activate on overload, offering clear visual feedback for troubleshooting. This integration enhances operational awareness and minimizes downtime.
Maintenance and Best Practices
Although the Schneider Electric GVAE1 Auxiliary Contact requires minimal maintenance, following these best practices ensures longevity and optimal performance:
- Always verify torque levels after periodic maintenance.
- Inspect wiring for corrosion or loosening.
- Keep contacts free of dust or oil to maintain conductivity.
- Replace auxiliary blocks after reaching mechanical life expectancy or during system overhauls.
By observing these guidelines, engineers can maximize uptime and ensure continued safety in their control systems.
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Conclusion: Enhance Control Precision with Schneider Electric GVAE1 Auxiliary Contact
The Schneider Electric GVAE1 Auxiliary Contact delivers dependable performance and flexible integration for industrial and commercial applications. Its 1NO + 1NC configuration enables efficient monitoring, signaling, and interlocking functions across a variety of systems—from motor control centers to HVAC and automation lines.
If you’re looking to improve your system’s control reliability, explore the Schneider Electric GVAE1 Auxiliary Contact product page for complete specifications, pricing, and availability. This small yet powerful accessory could make a significant difference in your system’s efficiency and safety.
