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The switching point in a high- or medium-voltage switch comprises two fixed contact members (1, 2), a rotating, electrically conductive bridging contact member (3), and a drive for moving the bridging contact member (3) When the switching point is closed, the bridging contact member (3) is fit in between the fixed contact members (1, 2) and short-circuits them. The drive is composed of two coils (5, 6) which surround the bridging contact member (3) and are arranged in such a manner that the bridging contact member (3) can be caused to rotate by a current in a respective one of the coils. The energy which needs to be applied to rotate the bridging contact member is less , than for contact members which move in translation in comparable switching points. The energy required for opening and closing the switching point is thus produced.