An electric switching device and a method for performing electric disconnection of a load

摘要

An electric switching device comprises a quick mechanical electric switch (5) and an irradiation source (8) and at least one switching element (7) sensitive to irradiation and adapted to create an electrically well conducting current path by-passing the electric mechanical switch upon irradiation thereon through the irradiation source, but assuming an electrically insulating state in absence of irradiation thereon. Said switching element is a rectifying means (7) adapted to be reverse biased when not irradiated and conducting as a consequence of generation of free charge carriers therein through irradiation by said source.