This part of IEC 62271 mainly applies to AC circuit-breakers within the scope of IEC 62271‑100. It provides the general rules for testing AC circuit-breakers, for making and breaking capacities over the range of test duties described in 7.102 to 7.111 of IEC 62271‑100:2021, by synthetic methods.

It has been proven that synthetic testing is an economical and technically correct way to test high-voltage AC circuit-breakers according to the requirements of IEC 62271‑100 and that it is equivalent to direct testing.

The methods and techniques described are those in general use. The purpose of this document is to establish criteria for synthetic testing and for the proper evaluation of results. Such criteria will establish the validity of the test method without imposing restraints on innovation of test circuitry.