IEEE Std C37.09-2018 PDF

Full title and description

IEEE C37.09-2018 — IEEE Standard Test Procedures for AC High-Voltage Circuit Breakers with Rated Maximum Voltage Above 1000 V. This standard specifies the test procedures used to verify assigned ratings of AC high-voltage circuit breakers (indoor and outdoor) with rated maximum voltages above 1 000 V, including dielectric, short‑circuit, transient recovery voltage, capacitor‑switching, mechanical endurance and production tests.

Abstract

Provides standardized test methods and accepted measurement techniques for verifying performance and assigned ratings of AC high‑voltage circuit breakers (typical ratings from about 4.76 kV up to 800 kV and continuous currents in common rating ranges). The procedures cover design, type, production and field tests but exclude generator circuit breakers (covered by IEC/IEEE 62271‑37‑013). Color graphics are used in the standard and color viewing/printing is recommended for proper interpretation.

General information

• Status: Active standard.
• Publication date: Published April 11, 2019 (Board approval 5 December 2018).
• Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Power & Energy Society / PE/SWG – Switchgear.
• ICS / categories: Electrical engineering — switchgear / electrical accessories (commonly classified under ICS groups for switches and switchgear).
• Edition / version: 2018 edition (designated C37.09‑2018); supersedes C37.09‑1999; has a corrigendum issued in 2021 and an amendment item listed for 2025.
• Number of pages: Approximately 118–119 pages (published PDF length commonly listed as 118 or 119 pages in bibliographic sellers).

Scope

Applies to AC high‑voltage circuit breakers with rated maximum voltages above 1 000 V. The standard defines test procedures to verify assigned ratings defined in IEEE Std C37.04 and describes accepted test methods for continuous current, dielectric withstand, short‑circuit interrupting capability, transient recovery voltage (TRV), capacitor‑switching, mechanical endurance, load current and out‑of‑phase switching. It includes production and field installation tests and explicitly excludes generator circuit breakers (refer to IEC/IEEE 62271‑37‑013).

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions of test categories: design, type, production, field and conformance tests.
• Procedures for dielectric and power‑frequency withstand testing.
• Short‑circuit interrupting tests and short‑line fault performance.
• Transient recovery voltage (TRV) measurement and requirements.
• Capacitor‑switching and capacitance current switching test treatment.
• Mechanical endurance and operating duty cycles (including arcing‑time and operating duty verification).
• Unit testing, single‑phase and three‑phase testing procedures, synthetic testing methods and test data reporting requirements.
• Production and factory‑acceptance testing procedures for routine verification of assigned ratings.

Typical use and users

Used by high‑voltage circuit breaker manufacturers, independent test laboratories, utility test departments, commissioning engineers and third‑party certifiers to plan and perform type and routine tests, to develop test reports, and to verify that breakers meet their assigned ratings and performance claims. Procurement and specification engineers reference it when writing technical requirements for breaker supply and acceptance.

Related standards

Commonly cross‑referenced standards include IEEE Std C37.04 (ratings and preferred voltage/current steps), IEC/IEEE 62271‑37‑013 (generator circuit breakers), earlier IEEE C37.09 editions (C37.09‑1999), and related C37 series documents (for example C37.016 and other switchgear/circuit‑switcher standards). The 2018 edition has an official corrigendum (C37.09‑2018/Cor 1‑2021) and an amendment project listed as C37.09a‑2025 that addresses clarifications and modifications to test procedures.

Keywords

high‑voltage circuit breaker, test procedures, dielectric withstand, short‑circuit current, transient recovery voltage (TRV), capacitor switching, mechanical endurance, production testing, unit test, synthetic test, arcing time, operating duty.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEEE C37.09‑2018 is the IEEE Standard that specifies test procedures for AC high‑voltage circuit breakers with rated maximum voltages above 1 000 V; it standardizes methods for verifying assigned ratings and performance.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers design/type/production/field tests for dielectric strength, short‑circuit interrupting capability, transient recovery voltage, capacitor switching, mechanical endurance, load current and related capabilities for high‑voltage breakers (excluding generator circuit breakers). It also provides requirements for test reporting and accepted measurement techniques.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers, test laboratories, utilities, commissioning and protection engineers, procurement/specification writers, and certification bodies use the standard for specifying, performing and documenting breaker tests.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2018 edition is the current active edition (published April 11, 2019). It superseded the 1999 edition and has a corrigendum issued in 2021; an amendment project (C37.09a‑2025) has been recorded to address additional modifications. Users should check for corrigenda or amendments before application.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the IEEE C37 series of standards covering switchgear and circuit breaker testing and ratings; it is commonly used alongside IEEE Std C37.04 and other C37 documents.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: High‑voltage circuit breaker, test procedures, dielectric, short‑circuit, TRV, capacitor switching, mechanical endurance, production testing, unit test.