Abstract: A method for evaluating a condition of a switching device. The switching device includes contact parts, an electric motor and a mechanical coupling device for transforming motion from the electric motor to at least one of the contact parts. A self-diagnostic test is performed on a component of the switching device. The test includes making at least one small movement with the electric motor. A switching device includes contact parts, an electric motor, a mechanical coupling device for transforming motion from the electric motor to at least one of the contact parts, and tester for making self-diagnostic tests, wherein the tester makes small motor movements that are a fraction of a full breaking movement, thereby producing data for evaluating a condition of the switching device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for testing, controlling and regulating a switching device with contact parts, to a switching device and to a computer program therefore. The switching device comprises an electric motor (6) and a mechanical coupling device (41) for transforming motion from the electric motor to one of the contact parts (4, 5). Position, speed and/or acceleration of the contact part during operation are controlled during operation. By means of a control unit (43), the operation of the switching device is adaptively controlled in real-time. Storage means (70) are provided and contain information on measurements, events and failures in the switching device and include operation parameters. In the logs, information regarding self-diagnostic tests of the switching device can be stored as well.