Abstract: A double break air disconnecting switch for high voltage electric power installations having a switchblade fixed to a rotatable center insulator for unitary movement therewith and fixed jaw contacts mounted at the ends of the switchblade. A pivoting contact bar which is engaged by one of the jaw contacts is supported from each outside insulator stack. Each contact bar is pivotally supported from the associated insulator stack for movement between a closed position in high pressure engagement with the jaw contact and an open position not in high pressure engagement with the associated jaw contact. During closing as the contact bar pivots from the open position to the closed position, the contact bar pivots around its longitudinal axis with respect to the jaw contact from the low pressure engagement position to the high pressure engagement position.