This invention relates to an apparatus having an
energy storage device and a motor powered by an
inverter, and a method for operating the apparatus, wherein the
energy storage device forms a series circuit with a first fuse and one or more additional fuses, wherein a driveable contact, particularly a switch, particularly a
contactor, is connected in parallel with one of the additional fuses, or a corresponding driveable contact, particularly a switch, particularly a
contactor, is connected in parallel with multiple additional fuses respectively, wherein the series circuit supplies power to the
DC voltage side interface of the
inverter, wherein a device for detecting the
voltage present in the series circuit is connected to an electronic control device, which generates a drive
signal for one contact or for multiple driveable contacts, wherein, in particular, when the
voltage is lower than a corresponding
voltage threshold, the corresponding contact is disconnected.