The invention relates to an on-load tap changer for switching among winding taps of a step transformer without interruption. According to the invention, in each auxiliary current branch of the on-load tap changer, which operates with vacuum switching tubes as switching elements, additional switches are provided in series with the vacuum switching tubes and the respective winding tap. Said additional switches cause a complete galvanic isolation of the vacuum switching tubes in the auxiliary current branches in steady-state operation.