The principle and method of operation of this circuit: are described as well as a proof of its equivalence to a classical circuit. The principle is to use a capacitor bank in replacement of the 60-Hz power source. As is shown, the cost of this capacitor bank is only 2. 5% of that of the equivalent transformers. Experimental verification of its operation has been established by tests on two recent 108-kV arresters from two different manufacturers. A first version of the circuit has been used so far in over 1000 tests and a bigger version which is in construction will allow duty testing of arresters rated up to 600 kV.