The DC switch includes a housing (2) provided with a power connection terminal (2a) adapted in use to be connected to a power source, and a load connection terminal (2b) adapted in use to be connected to a load. A contact unit (1) is interposed between the power connection terminal (2a) and the load connection terminal (2b). The contact unit (1) has mechanical contacts (10), and a semiconductor switch (11) serially connected to the mechanical contacts (10). The DC switch further includes a switching mechanism unit (3) having an operating handle (30) used for manual operation and movably attached to the housing (2), a position detection unit (4) configured to detect an operating position of the operating handle (30), and a control unit (7). The switching mechanism unit (3) is configured to open and close the mechanical contacts (10) in response to the manual operation of the operating handle (30). The control unit (7) is configured to turn on the semiconductor switch (11) upon judging that the operating handle (30) has been moved to a close position from an open position based on the operating position detected by the position detection unit (4).