An alternating current vacuum switching device for switching an electrical circuit under load and no load conditions, and optionally short-circuit conditions is disclosed. The switching device comprises: a vacuum evacuated housing; first and second electrodes within the housing; and an actuator for moving the first electrode relative to the second electrode to mechanically engage and disengage the electrodes to perform a switching function, wherein the first electrode is wholly located within the vacuum evacuated housing such that movement of the switching function occurs solely within the housing. By having movement of the switching function solely within the housing, the reliability of the vacuum switching device is improved.