Electronic circuit arrangement for use in a potentially explosive atmosphere, comprising: - a first supply line and a second supply line (2, 3) that are connectable at a first and second supply line input connection (4, 5) to an electric energy supply unit, and are electrically connectable at a first supply line output connection (7, 8) to an external electronic device for the supply of electric energy; - a switching element provided in the first supply line, which switching element can be switched between an open state, in which it electrically interrupts the first supply line, and a closed state - a first electronic circuit configured to switch the switching element from the closed state into the open state, when the electric current flowing through the first supply line exceeds a predefined first threshold value (I 1) at least for a predefined time duration; - a second electronic circuit which is configured to switch the switching element from the closed state to the open state, when the electric current flowing through the first supply line exceeds a predefined second threshold value (I 2); - a third electronic circuit which is configured to switch the switching element from the closed state into the open state, as soon as the electric current flowing through the first supply line exceeds a predefined third threshold value (I 3) for a predefined third time duration (t 3), wherein the third threshold value (I 3) is greater than the first threshold value (I 1) and smaller than the second threshold value (I 2); characterised in that - the second electronic circuit is configured such that it switches back the switching element into the closed state after falling below the second threshold (I 2); - the switching of the switching element from the closed to the open state is performed by the second circuit within a second switching time period (T 2), which is shorter than a first switching time period (T 1), which the first circuit requires for switching the switching element into the open state; - the switching element is switched from the closed state into the opened state by the third circuit within a third switch-over time duration (T 3), which is shorter than the first switch-over time duration (T 1) but longer than the second switch-over time duration (T 2). - a first supply line and a second supply line (2, 3) that are connectable at a first and second supply line input connection (4, 5) to an electric energy supply unit, and are electrically connectable at a first supply line output connection (7, 8) to an external electronic device for the supply of electric energy; - a switching element provided in the first supply line, which switching element can be switched between an open state, in which it electrically interrupts the first supply line, and a closed state - a first electronic circuit configured to switch the switching element from the closed state into the open state, when the electric current flowing through the first supply line exceeds a predefined first threshold value (I 1) at least for a predefined time duration; - a second electronic circuit which is configured to switch the switching element from the closed state to the open state, when the electric current flowing through the first supply line exceeds a predefined second threshold value (I 2); - a third electronic circuit which is configured to switch the switching element from the closed state into the open state, as soon as the electric current flowing through the first supply line exceeds a predefined third threshold value (I 3) for a predefined third time duration (t 3), wherein the third threshold value (I 3) is greater than the first threshold value (I 1) and smaller than the second threshold value (I 2); - the second electronic circuit is configured such that it switches back the switching element into the closed state after falling below the second threshold (I 2); - the switching of the switching element from the closed to the open state is performed by the second circuit within a second switching time period (T 2), which is shorter than a first switching time period (T 1), which the first circuit requires for switching the switching element into the open state; - the switching element is switched from the closed state into the opened state by the third circuit within a third switch-over time duration (T 3), which is shorter than the first switch-over time duration (T 1) but longer than the second switch-over time duration (T 2).