This direct current shutoff device comprises: a circuit breaker (4) provided on a primary line (PL) wherethrough the direct current flows; a resonance circuit containing a capacitor (10) and a variable reactor device (11) connected in series; a charger (20) for charging the capacitor (10) through the variable reactor device (11) at charging time; and a switch (17) for connecting the resonance circuit in parallel with the circuit breaker (4) during a shutoff operation in which the circuit breaker (4) is to disconnect the circuit and causing a current in the opposite direction to the direct current to flow from the capacitor (10) through the variable reactor device (11) to the circuit breaker (4). Consequently, an overcurrent can be prevented from flowing in the capacitor (10) during a charging operation.
