The article presents the primary properties of the Mayr mathematical models, the generalised Mayr model and the Pentegov model of electric arc as well as indicates the limited possibilities of the Mayr model in the accurate representation of arc dynamic characteristics in areas where current passes through the zero. The above-named difficulties can be eliminated using the generalised Mayr model. The article describes an integral method enabling the experimental identification of parameters of the generalised Mayr model and of the Mayr model of arc powered by a source having a sinusoidal wave. The above-named method was verified numerically by simulating processes in a simple electric circuit with macromodels of undisturbed arc.