Switch having two sets of contact elements

A medium or high voltage switch (27) has a first set of contact elements (13a, 13b, 13c) and a second set of contact elements (14a, 14b, 14c). Each contact element (13a, 13b, 13c; 14a, 14b, 14c) consists of an insulating carrier (15) carrying conducting elements (16). In the closed state of the switch (27), the conducting elements (16) align to form one or more current paths (34) between terminals (8, 9) of the switch (27) along an axial direction (A). For opening the switch (27), the contact elements are mutually displaced by means of one or two drives (18, 19) along a direction (D) perpendicular to the axial direction (A). The switching arrangement (12) is arranged in a fluid-tight housing (1) in a gas of elevated pressure or in a liquid. The switch (27) has a high voltage withstand capability and fast switching times.