Scope of IEC 62271-100 (former IEC 56 resp. IEC 60056); content; major changes in IEC 62271-100 versus IEC 60056; classification of circuit-breakers;mechanical endurance; mechanical reference characteristics; designation of test duties; TRV -values (corigendum No. 1); double earth fault tests; capacitive current switching tests; tolerances for test quantities. Guide for application of IEC 62271-100 and IEC 62271-1 (former IEC 694 resp. IEC 60694) as well as related standards and technical report; informations concerning the background and interpretation of these standards; addresses utility, consultant and industrial engineers who specify, develop, test and apply high-voltage circuit-breakers; overview of the content.