The invention relates to an electrical switchgear (1), especially a generator switch (1), and a method for improved switching gas cooling. According to the invention, gas jets (12) are formed by a nozzle body (10) in the exhaust region (7), said gas jets are directed towards a deflector (14, 140), and are then subjected to turbulence. Said deflector forms part of the switching chamber housing (3) and has a high heat capacity and/or heat conductivity, such that the switching gas is cooled in a highly efficient manner by turbulent convection of the switching gas turbulence (13) on the deflector (14, 140). Forms of embodiment include the shape of the deflector (14, 140) and the nozzle body (10). The invention is advantageous, inter alia, in that the switching chamber housing (3) is protected from hot gases, the cooling of the switching gas is improved, and the switching capacity is increased.