This guide is intended to provide a basis for synthetic testing of circuit breakers (see ANSI/IEEEC37.04-1979 [2]) and to establish the criteria for testing to demonstrate the short-circuit current rating of circuit breakers on a single phase basis. It is recognized that other test requirements exist (such as capacitor switching@ or line dropping) but they will be reserved for future consideration. The guide contains typical circuits for demonstrating interrupting capability. These circuits are those in general use and their inclusion should not exclude the development of additional circuits to demonstrate specific capabilities. The purpose of this guide is to establish criteria for synthetic testing and for the proper evaluation of results. Such criteria will establish validity of the test method without imposing restraints on innovation and improvement of test circuitry.