Abstract: A switch includes a contact mechanism having at least one contact and defining a longitudinal axis. Actuation of a handle moves the contact mechanism transversely to the longitudinal axis between an open position and a closed position in relation to at least one fixed contact, whereby a contact spring loads the contact mechanism to seek the closed position. A support part is operatively connected to the handle and forms an abutment for support of the contact spring. The support part is moveable relative to the contact mechanism. Operated by the handle is a locking mechanism which is constructed to hold the contact mechanism in an intermediate position between the open and closed positions to maintain the contact of the contact mechanism at an electrically insulated distance from the fixed contact. A release mechanism interacts with the locking device for releasing the contact mechanism to move to the closed position.

Abstract: In a switching device (S) for electrical installations with a housing (2) having terminals (1), it is proposed for increasing the safety margin against spark-over between electrically conducting outside sections of two adjacent, identically constructed switching elements to provide at least one shielding element (3) that is formed as one-piece on the housing in a region of the terminals (1), or at least one recess (8), indentation (8) and the like, for lengthening the leakage current path on at least one housing part and/or on at least one section formed on the housing (2). In addition, in a switching device (S) for an electrical installations having a housing (2), with at least one terminal (1), means are provided for completely unscrewing the clamping screw (15) from the clamping opening (17) for easy insertion of ring cable lugs.