Abstract: A fail-safe circuit (10) comprises a storage battery (11) for electrical charges as well as a first charge path (12) which optionally connects the storage battery (11) to a first potential (UL). A second charge path (14) and a third charge path (15) optionally connect the storage battery (11) with a second or third potential (UE1, UE2). The first and second switching devices (16, 17), which operate as function of the first and second switching events (TA, TB), each comprise a first and second switching contact (A1, B1) in the first charge path (12) and a second switching contact (A2, B2) in the second and third charge path (14, 15). The actuation coils (LC, LD) of the third and fourth switching devices (18, 19) are in the second and third charge path (14, 15) and each have a first switching contact (C1, D1) in the first charging path (12) and a second contact (C2, C2', D2, D2').