The invention relates to a line protection switch (1) for protecting an electrical load circuit from an over-current which exceeds a permissible load current. In order to provide a structurally simple, compact and rapidly actuating line protection switch, it is provided with a switching member (6) which can be moved from an operating position into a protection position. Contact elements (2A, 2C) of the line protection switch (1) which can be connected to the load circuit are closed in the operating position and opened in the protection position. The line protection switch (1) according to the invention further has a retention member (10) which produces a magnetic retention field (MH) which is independent of the load current and by means of which the switching member (6) is retained in the operating position, and a counter-force member (14) which is independent of the load current and by means of which the switching member (6) is retained in the protection position. There is further provided an actuation member (15) which can be moved with the switching member (6) and through which load current flows in the operating position and which produces a magnetic actuation field (MA) which is dependent on the load current and which is superimposed on the magnetic retention field (MH).