Abstract: A load disconnection switch incorporating a quench chamber is described which features a tube-like housing, a telescope-like arrangement of a quench tube and a switch rod guided for relative axial movement within the tube-like housing and releasably connected together by a coupling system the release of which is dependent on relative movement between the quench tube and the housing.The coupling system comprises at least one blocking device which is displaceably arranged in a respective radial guide in the wall of the quench tube and which engages in a recess provided in the switch rod.