Abstract: A switch for making and breaking a connection between a load circuit and a power line includes a stationary metal bar mechanically and conductively connected to the power line and a scissorlike contactor pair gripping the bar in a closure position. The bar is flanked by two metallic guard elements in the shape of elastic rods that are first engaged by the contactors upon closure and last disengaged from them upon opening of the switch. In the closure position, in which the contactors also engage the bar, the two rods are connected to that bar through a circuit breaker formed by two metallic spurs which separate during a disconnect operation after the contactors have disengaged the bar but while they are still in engagement with the rods whereby any arcing will occur only between scorchproof contact zones of these spurs.