A switching device has an input terminal and an output terminal for connection to electrical conductors, and two switching contacts which, when closed, close a current path between the input terminal and the output terminal. A disconnect device for disconnecting the two switching contacts is operatively connected to a short-circuit trigger device which is arranged in the region of the input terminal and triggers the disconnect device. The short-circuit trigger device includes a U-shaped yoke and a movable hinged armature, which simplifies the design.