The dynamic model of a high-speed vacuum circuit breaker mechanism with spring-actuated cam and linkage is derived to simulate the high-speed closing and opening operations. Its validation for an analysis of high-speed motion behavior is checked through experiments. The characteristics of the friction on the camshaft are investigated using the nonlinear pendulum experiment. The parameters of the friction model are estimated using the optimization technique. The analysis exhibits that the friction of the pendulum depends on stick-slip, Stribeck effect and viscous damping. Comparing simulation results with actual responses using a high-speed camera, the appropriateness of derived dynamic models for the rapid closing and opening operations is shown. The spring motion, which has much influence on the closing responses, is observed.