MEMS relay with safety function

A micromechanical electrically actuable switch, comprising:

• a first relay having a first operating contact;
• a second relay having a second operating contact, the first operating contact and the second operating contact being arranged in series in a common load path;
• a detection electrode configured to detect a position of the first operating contact;
• a control circuit configured to receive a signal from the detection electrode indicating a switching state of the first operating contact, and to output control signals to the first relay and the second relay to switch on the electrically actuable switch, and the control circuit being configured such that, upon receiving a switch-on signal:
• the control circuit switches on the first relay and the second relay when the first operating contact is in an open position, and
• the control circuit does not switch on at least the second relay when the first operating contact is in a closed position.