An alternating current circuit breaker has a first galvanic separation switch and a bypass switch in a live line, a second galvanic separation switch in the neutral line, and a semiconductor switch element connected parallel to the bypass switch. A processing unit is arranged to control the first and second galvanic separation switch, the bypass switch and the semiconductor switch element. A short circuit and overcurrent detection unit is connected to the processing unit for determining a short circuit situation or overcurrent situation. The processing unit is further arranged to execute a reclosing attempt after a certain time period after tripping of the circuit breaker, wherein the time period is dependent on the type of situation causing the tripping of the circuit breaker.