Switching device for selectively switching an electrical load, in particular for shutting down a dangerous machine installation

A switching device for selectively shutting down a dangerous machine installation in failsafe fashion, comprising:

• an input for receiving a defined input signal,
• a first output providing a first current path to the dangerous machine installation, the first current path comprising a first output switching element capable of assuming either a closed operating state or an open operating state,
• a display element capable of assuming either a first display state or an alternative second display state, and
• a control processor having a first active mode of operation and an alternative second active mode of operation;
• wherein the control processor, in the first active mode of operation, controls the first output switching element in response to the defined input signal in order to selectively close or interrupt the first current path to the dangerous machine installation;
• wherein the control processor, in the second active mode of operation, controls the first output switching element into the open operating state regardless of the defined input signal;
• wherein the display element assumes the first display state when the control processor is in the first active mode of operation and the first output switching element is in the closed operating state;
• wherein the display element assumes the alternative second display state when the control processor is in the first active mode of operation and the first output switching element is in the open operating state;
• and
• wherein the display element assumes the first display state or the alternative second display state depending on the defined input signal when the control processor is in the second active mode of operation.