Abstract: An arc suppressing switch having a plurality of discrete conductors operative to allow a flow of electricity between a pair of terminals along each of the plurality of discrete conductors when the switch is closed. The conductors are oriented to distribute the total current flowing through the switch among the discrete conductors; and so that the current in each of the discrete conductors is substantially simultaneously interrupted when the switch is opened to prevent the production of an arc across the gap created at the break. The switch preferably has an intermediate contact layer containing the plurality of discrete conductors positioned between internal contact plates so that when the switch is closed a first side of the intermediate layer contacts one of the contact plates and a second side of the intermediate layer contacts the other contact plate to allow a flow of electricity between the pair of contact plates along each of the plurality of discrete conductors.