Switch having two sets of contact elements and two drives

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 consists of an insulating carrier (15) carrying conducting elements (16). In the closed current-carrying state of the switch, 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 (13a, 13b, 13c; 14a, 14b, 14c) are mutually displaced by means of two drives (18, 19) along a direction (D) perpendicular to the axial direction (A). The switching arrangement 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.