To create a membrane keypad (1) for a protective device in the field of electrical
power transmission and distribution, comprising a front decorative film (2), a shielding layer arranged behind the decorative film (2), and a
printed circuit board (5) arranged behind the shielding layer, which has a central
electrode (21, 22) and at least one outer
electrode (19) that are at different electrical potentials, wherein a snap switch (24) can be moved from its initial position to its
contact position by means of
finger pressure, and the snap switch (24) in its
contact position rests against the central
electrode (21, 22), from which it automatically returns to its initial position when
finger pressure is removed, in which it does not contact the central electrode (21, 22), which enables reliable protection against electrostatic discharges and
capacitive discharge displacement and which is simultaneously simple in construction and therefore cost-effective, it is proposed thatthat the shielding layer is designed as a shielding sheet (11) which is electrically and mechanically connected to metallic conductor connecting means (14), wherein the conductor connecting means (14) are connectable to earth potential, so that a low-resistance, mechanically stable current path to earth potential is provided by means of the conductor connecting means (14).