An electrical switch for large currents is disclosed in which an electric arc generated during separation of contact members is exposed to blow-out by a magnetic field generated by current flow in a looped-region of one of the contact members. The switch includes at least two rotationally symmetric contact pieces, at least one of which has a plurality of contact elements arranged in an annular configuration in the circumferential direction. The contact elements include a looped-region which generates the magnetic field to which the electric arc is exposed. The contact elements may consist of a plurality of contact fingers accommodated by a contact piece, or may consist of a plurality of contact bars integrally formed with a contact piece. The contact elements, which extend substantially in the make/break direction of the switch, may be spring loaded or may be supported in a spring-loaded fashion.