Exemplary embodiments are directed to a direct current switching apparatus including at least a first mechanical switching device which is suitable to be positioned along an operating path of an associated DC circuit and includes a fixed contact and a corresponding movable contact which can be actuated between a closed position and an open position along the operating path, wherein an electric arc can ignite between the contacts under separation. The switching apparatus includes an electronic circuit having a semiconductor device which is suitable to be positioned along a secondary path and connected in parallel with the first mechanical switching device. The electronic circuit can be configured to commute the flow of current from the operating path to the secondary path and extinguish an electric arc ignited when the movable contact separates from the fixed contact when the first mechanical switching device fails to extinguish the same.