A distribution grounding switch for an electricity distribution network has a first electrical terminal adapted connectable to a mains line, a second electrical terminal connectable to a lateral line, a first vacuum bottle having a pair of contactors therein, a second vacuum bottle having a pair of contactors therein, and a magnetic linkage cooperative with one of the pair of contactors of the first vacuum bottle and one of the pair of contactors of the second vacuum bottle so as to cause the pair of contactors of the first vacuum bottle the close while generally simultaneously causing the pair of contactors of the second vacuum bottle to open. The mechanical linkage also causes the pair of contactors of the first vacuum bottle to open generally simultaneously with the closing of the pair of contactors of the second vacuum bottle.