The conductors connecting the switch to the test circuit shall leave each switch terminal in substantially a straight line
parallel to the switch blade for an unsupported distance of at least the open gap distance of the switch. For the peak
withstand current test, a three-phase test may be performed on three-pole switches rated 48.3 kV and below; however,
the peak withstand current shall be measured in an outside phase to assure that the maximum force is produced
between adjacent phases. If a single-pole test is performed on a three-phase switch, the return conductor shall be the
adjacent phase of the three-pole switch. If the test is performed on a single pole unit, the return conductor shall be
mounted parallel to the switch blade and at the same elevation above a plane through the switch base. The spacing
from the centerline of this conductor to the centerline of the switch blade shall be equal to the minimum recommended
phase spacing for the switch.
Other configurations of conductors may be used that result in an equivalent force on the switch.