HF GFCI Breakers Enhance Safety and Interoperability

Introduction to HF GFCI Breakers

HF for circuit breakers is a proposed enhancement to existing standards, focusing on high-frequency applications. This standard aims to address the unique challenges posed by high-frequency currents on circuit breakers from increasingly common sources in homes, such as variable frequency drives in HVAC and pool equipment, and loads from in-home electric vehicle charging. The standard includes specifications for improved materials, design modifications, and testing procedures to ensure reliable performance under high-frequency conditions.

As part of the HF proposal, the governing standard for personnel-protection ground fault devices, UL 943, has been updated to align more closely with UL 101, the standard for appliances. UL 101 accounts for the Measurement Indication Unit (MIU), and UL 943 will now incorporate a similar unit called the Interoperability Indication Unit (IIU). Both the IIU and MIU are "60 Hz-equivalent" calculations that account for the effect of current on the human body, de-rating higher frequency currents that are considered less dangerous.

HF in Action

The Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) samples the amplitude and frequency of the leakage current. The microprocessor then de-rates the leakage current amplitude based on the "Frequency Factor (FF)" shown in Exhibit 1. Finally, the circuit breaker's tripping algorithm prescribes a specific amount of time for the breaker to trip based on the amplitude of the leakage current. Eaton's implementation trips faster than the maximum time allowed, but still pauses long enough to disregard transients.

Benefits of HF

The new curves suggested in the "HF" standard will standardize the responses of GFCI devices to high-frequency leakage currents. The additions to UL 101 will ensure less overlap between appliance leakage and GFCI protection. Importantly, safety will not be compromised in the name of convenience when following the HF suggested trip curve.

HF Prioritizes Both Interoperability and Safety

Interoperability is crucial, but safety is paramount. The "HF" standard is less strict for the "must trip" curve and allows for more interoperability, but, importantly, it provides less protection against electrical shock. The "HF" standard strikes a balance between these two important factors.

HF circuit breakers closely follow the proposed "must trip" line, maximizing safety and interoperability (as illustrated in Exhibit 2). This ensures that the breaker will trip above the "6mA-equivalent" line based on a table that de-rates the magnitude of leakage current according to frequency.

Eaton's Unique Implementation

Eaton's approach to HF is unique in the industry. By adhering to the "HF" standard, Eaton is setting a new benchmark for safety and interoperability for ground fault circuit breakers. This innovation ensures that Eaton's devices provide maximum protection while maintaining compatibility.

Learn more at Eaton.com/HF.

Exhibit 1: Frequency Factor Weighted Table

Exhibit 2: UL 943 - HF Curves

This exhibit visually represents the relationship between frequency and leakage current thresholds for UL 943 compliant GFCI breakers. It displays two curves: "Must-not-Trip leakage current (mA)" and "Shall-Trip leakage current (mA)" plotted against "Frequency Measured (Hz)". The data shows that as the frequency increases, both the must-not-trip and shall-trip leakage current values also increase, indicating a de-rating effect for higher frequencies.

Chart SB2.2: 60Hz-Equivalent Trip Thresholds