The snap-action switch has at least two electrical connections which are passed out of a microswitch housing. Located in the microswitch housing are at least one stationary contact and a movable switching contact which interacts therewith and is associated with a quick-action mechanism. The quick-action mechanism is operated via a plunger which is passed out of the microswitch housing and has a defined small preliminary movement between its quiescent position and the switching point for triggering the quick-action mechanism. The switching contact is provided on a switching arm which is articulated such that it can pivot on the quick-action mechanism in such a manner that the contact-opening width between the stationary contact and the switching contact is greater than the preliminary movement of the plunger. The contact-opening width is in this case at least 3.5 mm, and an electrical apparatus can thus be directly disconnected from the mains therewith.
