Abstract: An electromagnetic switching device includes an electromagnetic drive device and at least one electrical contact that, when a starting current is applied to the drive device, can be transferred by the drive device from a disconnect position (contact opened) into a bridging position (contact closed). When the switching device is fully installed, the contact can be blocked in the disconnect position and can be mechanically blocked in the disconnect position by an arresting element that can be connected to the switching device. As a result, the contact remains in the disconnect position even when the starting current is applied to the drive device.