HIITIO, a manufacturer of DC and AC protection devices, today announced the launch of its HQ140 GFCI Circuit Breaker, a 1″ plug-in device offering 5mA personnel-grade ground-fault protection for residential and light commercial electrical panels. The HQ140 is designed to meet 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements for GFCI protection in dwelling-unit locations.
Addressing a Gap in Standard Overcurrent Protection
Standard molded-case circuit breakers, such as HIITIO’s UL 489 miniature circuit breaker line, are built to respond to overcurrent and short-circuit conditions but do not detect small ground-fault leakage currents. In wet or high-contact areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and outdoor circuits, this leaves a shock risk that overcurrent protection alone does not address.
The HQ140 combines overcurrent protection with a rated residual operating current (IΔn) of 5mA, allowing it to trip at leakage levels associated with personnel protection — before current reaches the threshold of a shock hazard. The unit is built to UL 489 (molded-case circuit breakers) and UL 943 (5mA Class A GFCIs) construction standards.
Key Specifications
The HQ140 is available in current ratings from 15A to 40A, rated for 120V, 60Hz, single-pole applications. Additional specifications include:
- Rated breaking capacity (Icn): 10kA
- Rated residual making/breaking capacity (IΔm): 3,000A
- Rated impulse withstand voltage (Uimp): 4kV
- Surge current resistance (8/20μs): 3kA
- Electrical life: 6,000 operations; mechanical life: 10,000 operations
- Protection degree: IP20
- Weight: approximately 190g
- Available in T (long pigtail) and S (short pigtail) configurations to accommodate different panel depths
The breaker uses a 1″ plug-in/snap-on form factor designed to install into standard load center slots without requiring panel modification — the same footprint as HIITIO’s existing UL Plug-in Homeline miniature circuit breaker line. A visual trip indicator and monthly test button allow property owners to verify device function without an electrician visit.
Applications
The HQ140 is intended for use in NEC-designated GFCI-required locations, including kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, garages, and outdoor receptacles. Applications include new residential construction, panel retrofits and upgrades, and light commercial installations where panel compatibility allows.
Manufacturing Background
HIITIO has manufactured DC and AC protection devices for 20 years, with a product portfolio spanning HVDC contactors, semiconductor fuses, DC miniature circuit breakers, solid-state circuit breakers (SSCBs), and solid-state transformers (SSTs). The company operates a 30,000-square-meter manufacturing facility with an in-house testing laboratory and reports a customer base of more than 500 companies across more than 50 countries and regions, supporting both OEM and distributor requirements at piece and bulk order volumes.
Get Started with the HQ140
Ready to standardize on personnel-grade GFCI protection? HIITIO’s engineering team can help you evaluate panel compatibility, confirm pigtail configuration, and provide UL 489/943 compliance documentation for your project — whether you’re specifying a single retrofit or planning a multi-unit development. Visit the HQ140 product page to request a sample unit or bulk pricing quote, or contact our team directly to speak with an engineer.
