A modular circuit protection system for a hazardous environment presenting a risk of explosion via ignition of a surrounding gas or vapor dusts, fibers or flyings, the system comprising: at least one mechanical switching device (182, 304, 312); and at least one modular switch device comprising: a housing; a line-side terminal (130, 190) and a load-side terminal (134, 192) coupled to the housing; a solid state switching element (140, 162) operable in an arc-free manner to connect the load-side terminal to the line-side terminal and disconnect the load-side terminal from the line-side terminal; and a controller configured to turn the solid state switching element on to share a current load with the at least one mechanical switching device to limit arcing energy to a level below that which presents an ignition concern in the hazardous location by allowing current to flow in a parallel circuit path to the at least one mechanical switching device in case of a switching event of the at least one mechanical switching device, thereby reducing the current load on the at least mechanical switching device in case of a switching event; whereby the at least one modular switch device and the at least one mechanical switching device are each compliant for use in the hazardous environment without requiring a separately provided explosion-proof enclosure. at least one mechanical switching device (182, 304, 312); and at least one modular switch device comprising: a housing; a line-side terminal (130, 190) and a load-side terminal (134, 192) coupled to the housing; a solid state switching element (140, 162) operable in an arc-free manner to connect the load-side terminal to the line-side terminal and disconnect the load-side terminal from the line-side terminal; and a controller configured to turn the solid state switching element on to share a current load with the at least one mechanical switching device to limit arcing energy to a level below that which presents an ignition concern in the hazardous location by allowing current to flow in a parallel circuit path to the at least one mechanical switching device in case of a switching event of the at least one mechanical switching device, thereby reducing the current load on the at least mechanical switching device in case of a switching event; a housing; a line-side terminal (130, 190) and a load-side terminal (134, 192) coupled to the housing; a solid state switching element (140, 162) operable in an arc-free manner to connect the load-side terminal to the line-side terminal and disconnect the load-side terminal from the line-side terminal; and a controller configured to turn the solid state switching element on to share a current load with the at least one mechanical switching device to limit arcing energy to a level below that which presents an ignition concern in the hazardous location by allowing current to flow in a parallel circuit path to the at least one mechanical switching device in case of a switching event of the at least one mechanical switching device, thereby reducing the current load on the at least mechanical switching device in case of a switching event; whereby the at least one modular switch device and the at least one mechanical switching device are each compliant for use in the hazardous environment without requiring a separately provided explosion-proof enclosure.