Abstract: A method for operating a circuit-breaker by means of which one is able by using a vacuum circuit-breaker, to interrupt inductive circuits without causing disturbing overvoltages. The switching operation of the vacuum circuit-breaker is influenced by a tripping control device, which is supplied with a measured value of the tripping delay of the vacuum circuit-breaker from the instant the tripping signal is output to the instant the contact members are separated as a correcting quantity, in the case of an opening operation that occurred previously. The temperature of the actuator unit of the vacuum circuit-breaker, the standstill time of the circuit-breaker, as well as the operating voltage and temperature of a tripping solenoid can be used as further correcting quantities. The described method is suited for application vacuum circuit-breakers in circuits with inductive components.