A switching system for distributing electrical energy, comprising switching devices (2, 3, 4) arranged in housing assemblies, the switching contacts (7, 8) of which can be actuated to open and close in a predetermined actuating direction in order to control the flow of energy from or to at least one transformer, a switching system, an energy generation plant, an energy storage device or other electrical equipment; wherein the actuating means (12, 13, 14) of the switching contacts (7, 8) are arranged substantially adjacent to the switching contacts (7, 8); wherein a first and a second switching device (2, 3) are arranged so as to have a substantially vertical direction of actuation and the switching contacts (7, 8) of the first and second switching devices (2, 3) are directed towards each other; wherein a third switching device having a substantially horizontal direction of actuation is arranged at least partially above the first or second switching device (2, 3); and wherein a branch is designed to connect the third switching device to a downstream transformer, a downstream switching system, a downstream energy generation plant, a downstream energy storage device or other downstream electrical equipment; and wherein a voltage measuring means and a current measuring means are provided which are designed to measure voltage and current in said branch, characterized in that said branch comprises an overcurrent protection element which has a substantially vertical installation position; and that the voltage measuring means and the current measuring means are arranged adjacent to an outer housing wall and have their rear sides abutting said outer housing wall and/or secured thereto. switching devices (2, 3, 4) arranged in housing assemblies, the switching contacts (7, 8) of which can be actuated to open and close in a predetermined actuating direction in order to control the flow of energy from or to at least one transformer, a switching system, an energy generation plant, an energy storage device or other electrical equipment; wherein the actuating means (12, 13, 14) of the switching contacts (7, 8) are arranged substantially adjacent to the switching contacts (7, 8); wherein a first and a second switching device (2, 3) are arranged so as to have a substantially vertical direction of actuation and the switching contacts (7, 8) of the first and second switching devices (2, 3) are directed towards each other; wherein a third switching device having a substantially horizontal direction of actuation is arranged at least partially above the first or second switching device (2, 3); and wherein a branch is designed to connect the third switching device to a downstream transformer, a downstream switching system, a downstream energy generation plant, a downstream energy storage device or other downstream electrical equipment; and wherein a voltage measuring means and a current measuring means are provided which are designed to measure voltage and current in said branch, characterized in that said branch comprises an overcurrent protection element which has a substantially vertical installation position; and that the voltage measuring means and the current measuring means are arranged adjacent to an outer housing wall and have their rear sides abutting said outer housing wall and/or secured thereto.