本标准适用于额定电压超过1000伏的交流开关设备、断路器和断路器开关（如IEEE Std C37.100-1992所定义），用于室内、室外或指定开关额定值的外壳中。虽然本标准涵盖了室内、室外和外壳中使用的断路器开关的基本要求，但也包括其他标准，如IEEE Std C37。20.2-1993，IEEE标准C37。20.3-1987，IEEE标准C37。20.4-1996，IEEE标准C37。71-1984和IEEE PC37。73（D.91997）还包含了对外壳中使用的开关的要求。本标准不适用于IEEE Std 386-1995[B7]所涵盖的负载断路可分离绝缘连接器。本标准也不适用于断路器、电路开关或重合闸。

This standard applies to switching devices, interrupters, and interrupter switches (as defined in IEEE Std C37.100-1992) for alternating current, rated above 1000 volts and used indoors, outdoors, or in enclosures for which a switching rating is to be assigned.While this standard covers the basic requirements of interrupter switches used indoors, outdoors, and in enclosures, other standards such as IEEE Std C37.20.2-1993, IEEE Std C37.20.3-1987, IEEE Std C37.20.4-1996, IEEE Std C37.71-1984, and IEEE PC37.73 (D.9, 1997) also contain requirements for switches used in enclosures. This standard does not apply to load-break separable insulated connectors, which are covered by IEEE Std 386-1995 [B7]. This standard also does not apply to circuit-breakers, circuit-switchers, or reclosers.