Abstract: A switchgear device for breaking a bidirectional direct current in an electric line comprising at least two connection terminals, and an even number of pairs of separable contacts, of arc chutes associated with distinct pairs of separable contacts, and of tripping mechanisms associated with distinct pairs of separable contacts and connected to one another by a mechanical link, each arc chute being provided with an arc extinguishing chamber and with permanent magnets presenting a polarity enabling an electric arc to be removed to said arc extinguishing chamber when the current is flowing in the electric line in a predefined direction, said predefined direction being different for one half of the arc chutes.