A switching device for switching a high operating voltage is described. The switching device-includes a first switching arrangement with a first self-conducting switching element), which has a control connector and a first and second main connector for forming a switching section. The switching device may include a second switching arrangement having a first and a second connector for forming a switching section, which is wired serially in respect to the switching section of the first switching arrangement. The second switching arrangement includes an optically triggerable switching element for switching the switching section of the second switching arrangement so it becomes conductive. The second connector of the second switching arrangement is connected with the control connector of the first self-conducting switching element.