Disconnect switch

In an electrical switch comprising relatively displaceable first and second metallic terminal members engaging each other in a closure position for connecting a power line to a load circuit,

• the combination therewith of a metallic guard element yieldably interposed between said first and second terminal members for conductive engagement, prior to engagement of said first terminal member, by said second terminal member upon relative motion of said terminal members from a disconnect position into said closure position, and circuit-breaker means inserted between said guard element and said first terminal member for establishing conductive contact therebetween in response to an initial displacement of said guard element by said second terminal member prior to engageent of the latter with said first terminal member, said circuit-breaker means comprising two coacting conductors separating upon reverse motion of said terminal members into said disconnect position after disengagement of said terminal members from each other but before loss of contact between said guard element and said second terminal member.