An electronic switch has a first semiconductor switch arranged between a first source-side terminal and a first consumer-side terminal first, and a switch embodied as a thyristor and arranged between the first consumer-side terminal and a second source-side terminal. The switch is configured to generate a thermal overload from a short-circuit current produced when the switch closes. The thermal overload causes the first semiconductor switch to irreversibly transition into an open state due to a modification inside the first semiconductor switch caused by the thermal overload. This improves the switching behavior of the electronic switch in the event of a fault. Furthermore, an electrical network with at least one electronic switch connected to an energy source and a method for operating such an electronic switch or such an electrical network is also described.