A switching device has an input terminal and an output terminal for connection to electrical conductors, and two switching contacts which, when closed, close a current path between the input terminal and the output terminal. A disconnect device is operatively connected to at least one of the input terminal and the output terminal for disconnecting the two switching contacts. An arc quenching chamber composed of a plurality of metal plates is arranged in the region of the switching. At least two of the metal plates abut one another at least over a region to attain high reliability and operational safety even after repeated disconnects.