The construction and the operating details of a simple, field distortion, dielectric switch first used by Martin at A.W.R.E. and later extensively investigated by Dokopoulos at Ju¨lich are presented. The switch, triggered by a small, fast Marx circuit, holds off approximately 110 kV and switches 70 kV at 500 kA with an inductance of 12 nH. The switch produces multiple arcs through the switch package without meticulous switch package preparation, with pitted and scarred switch electrodes, and with a relatively slow trigger system. The dielectric switch is used in a fast theta pinch system and is designed to facilitate ease of operation, switch package preparation, and repeatable performance.