Protective device for a load current carrying apparatus

The object of the invention is a protective device for a load carrying apparatus for preventing or reducing an electric arc during separation of the load current carrying plug connectors ( 2 ) using a switch ( 7 ) that reduces the load current to such an extent that the load current that remains is harmless, with a protective cover ( 5 ) for the load current plug connectors ( 2 ), said cover being securable to the apparatus and making it more difficult to remove the load current plug connectors ( 2 ) as long as it is secured to the apparatus, said protective cover ( 5 ) comprising a means that is operably connected to the switch in such a manner that the load current is reduced by the switch ( 7 ) when the protective cover is removed from the apparatus, said protective cover ( 5 ) comprising electrical contacts ( 10 ) for an electrical means and for electrical connection to additional contacts on the apparatus so that the contacts ( 10 ) of the protective cover ( 5 ) are separated from the additional contacts ( 11 ) and the load current is reduced when the protective cover is being removed.