Abstract: An electric switch is disclosed in which the swingable arms intended to approach and separate the fixed and movable contacts are a part of a linkage containing fixed and slidable pins, so that an overcurrent exceeding a preselected limit causes the contacts to be opened without rebounds. The existing, or specially provided clearances between the component parts of the linkage are exploited for providing yieldable end of stroke abutments for absorbing the shock of the contact-carrying arm.