Abstract: A movable, substantially tubular-shaped contact element coacts with a fixed set of contacts which, in turn, possesses a rim of rated current contacts, a burn-off rim electrically connected with the rated current contacts, and an intermediate electrode arranged electrically insulated from the rated current contacts. In order to prevent, during the cut-off operation, commutation of the base point of the arc from the burn-off rim back to the contact surfaces of the rated current contacts, the burn-off rim is arranged within the rim of rated current contacts and inwardly offset with respect to their contact surfaces. In the cut-on position the burn-off rim surrounds a burn-off tip secured at the end of the movable contact element. The burn-off tip engages with the intermediate electrode. Between the contact surfaces of the rated current contacts and the burn-off rim there can be arranged an insert formed of a material which, in the presence of an arc, gives off a gas.