Power switch with an ARC quenching device

An electrical power switch having connector bars for joining to an external power circuit, the electrical power switch comprising:

• a switch contact arrangement having a stationary contact element and a movable contact element;
• a drive apparatus coupled to the movable contact element for opening and closing the switch contact arrangement;
• an arc quenching device having at least one arc slitter, an inlet opening facing the contact elements and an outlet opening facing away from the contact elements, the arc quenching device providing switching gases;
• a flow channel adjoining the outlet opening for cooling the switching gases emerging from the arc quenching device and being curve-shaped for substantially fitting around the switch contact arrangement, the flow channel directing the switching gases to a side of the contact elements facing away from the inlet opening of the arc quenching device, the arc quenching device and the flow channel forming a sealed gas chamber;
• at least one gas baffle for deflecting the switching gases into the flow channel, the at least one gas baffle arranged substantially at the outlet opening of the arc quenching device;
• and
• a valve movable in a flow direction of the switching gases, the valve situated in the flow channel substantially near the contact elements and facing away from the inlet opening of the arc quenching device.