The invention relates to a power circuit breaker that is suitable for switching electrical voltages. The power circuit breaker according to the invention comprises two main electrodes, to each of which a respective pole of the voltage to be switched can be connected. During the switching process, at least one of said main electrodes follows a switching path. The power circuit breaker is characterized in that secondary electrodes are additionally provided, which protrude into the vicinity of the switching path and are designed and arranged in such a way that arcs can be produced (a) between the main electrodes and the secondary electrodes and (b) between the individual secondary electrodes during the switching process. The power circuit breaker according to the invention can be advantageously used in vehicles and in ultra-high-voltage AC and HVDC (high-voltage direct current) transmission systems and causes arcs to be extinguished as early as possible during the switching process.