A release for an electrical switching arrangement includes at least two switching contacts, which are arranged in a housing and are isolated if the current flowing via the switching contacts has exceeded a predetermined threshold value. The release includes an actuating element, which responds, counter to the force of a restraining apparatus, to a pressure which is generated by an arc occurring in an isolating zone of the switching contacts. The isolating zone is surrounded by the housing, and actuates a shutdown mechanism which brings about automatic interruption of the current path. The actuating element has a movable element, which forms a blocking element in a flow channel, which is connected to the isolating zone. The blocking element performs a predetermined control movement at the pressure which is intended to result in shutdown.