A switching system, comprising: a micro-electromechanical system switching circuitry; solid state switching circuitry; a first over-current protection circuitry (206 1) connected in a parallel circuit with the micro-electromechanical system switching circuitry and the solid state switching circuitry, wherein the first over-current protection circuitry is configured to suppress arc formation between contacts of the micro-electromechanical system switching circuitry; a controller coupled to the electromechanical switching circuitry, the solid state switching circuitry, and the first over-current protection circuitry, the controller configured to perform selective switching of a load current between the electromechanical switching circuitry and the solid state switching circuitry in response to a load current condition appropriate to an operational capability of a respective one of the switching circuitries; and a second over-current protection circuitry (206 2) connected in a parallel circuit with the micro-electromechanical system switching circuitry, the solid state switching circuitry, and the first over-current protection circuitry, the second over-current protection circuitry (206 2) being configured to enable protection against a fault current in a load circuit connected to the switching system without having to wait for readiness of the first over-current protection circuitry subsequent to a pulse signal having been just generated by a first pulse circuit in the first over-current protection circuitry in connection with a switching event of the micro-electromechanical system switching circuitry. a micro-electromechanical system switching circuitry; solid state switching circuitry; a first over-current protection circuitry (206 1) connected in a parallel circuit with the micro-electromechanical system switching circuitry and the solid state switching circuitry, wherein the first over-current protection circuitry is configured to suppress arc formation between contacts of the micro-electromechanical system switching circuitry; a controller coupled to the electromechanical switching circuitry, the solid state switching circuitry, and the first over-current protection circuitry, the controller configured to perform selective switching of a load current between the electromechanical switching circuitry and the solid state switching circuitry in response to a load current condition appropriate to an operational capability of a respective one of the switching circuitries; and a second over-current protection circuitry (206 2) connected in a parallel circuit with the micro-electromechanical system switching circuitry, the solid state switching circuitry, and the first over-current protection circuitry, the second over-current protection circuitry (206 2) being configured to enable protection against a fault current in a load circuit connected to the switching system without having to wait for readiness of the first over-current protection circuitry subsequent to a pulse signal having been just generated by a first pulse circuit in the first over-current protection circuitry in connection with a switching event of the micro-electromechanical system switching circuitry.