A switching circuit for switching electric potentials, such as a capacitive high voltage load in an X-ray generator is structured into plural stages having an electronic switch, wherein the electronic switches of the different stages are arranged in series, in order to form a series conduction line for switching the electric potentials. The plural stages draw energy from the series conduction line during the time period when the series conduction line is blocked and charge an energy storage. This stored energy can be utilized for closing the series conduction line and maintaining this closed state. Further, disclosed is a method for discharging an electric load by means of a switching circuit. Also disclosed are a high voltage generator, an X-ray generator and a medical imaging system, each having such a switching circuit.