Abstract: An electrical device comprising: a first current path having a primary switch therein, and means for coupling to an electrical supply; and a diversionary current path having semiconductor switching means therein, the semiconductor switching means being operable to bypass the primary switch; the device being arranged such that, in use, a first current flowing from the supply along the first current path can be diverted, on the operation of the semiconductor switching means, along the diversionary current path, bypassing the primary switch; wherein the diversionary current path comprises a controllable electrical supply operable to supply a second current whilst the semiconductor switching means are in a state of conduction, the second current being such as to cause substantially zero current to flow through the primary switch, such that the primary switch can then be opened under a condition of substantially zero load current.