Abstract
The load break switch is an important component in the distribution grid. Besides its capability to break load currents reliably, it has to be able to make short-circuit currents according to the IEC 62271 standard. In this paper, the process of making a short-circuit current and the used test methods are described. A synthetic test circuit using semiconductors instead of a triggered spark gap is proposed and described thoroughly. The basic working principle has been validated with simulations in Simulink.