A medium voltage circuit breaker switching pole includes: a fixed contact of a vacuum interrupter; a movable contact of the interrupter; and a threaded drive element. The movable contact is configured to move along a longitudinal axis of the interrupter. A centre axis of the drive element is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the interrupter. When in an open configuration the fixed contact and movable contact are separated from one another. When in a closed configuration the fixed contact and movable contact are in contact with one another. Rotation of the drive element about its centre axis in a first direction is configured to transition the switching pole from the open configuration to the closed configuration. Rotation of the drive element about its centre axis in a second direction counter to the first direction is configured to transition the switching pole from the closed configuration to the open configuration.