Electrical separators for batteries, especially lithium batteries, having a shutdown mechanism. A process for their production. An electrical separator is used in batteries and other systems in which electrodes have to be separated from each other while maintaining ion conductivity. Safety is very important in lithium batteries, since in contrast to other types of battery (Pb, NiCd, NiMeH) the solvent for the electrolyte is not water but a combustible solvent. A separator for lithium cells must possess a shutdown mechanism while not being able to melt down. This is achieved by an electrical separator having a shutdown layer which comprises particles which melt at a desired temperature, close the pores of the separator, and so stop ion flow. Since the separator also comprises a porous inorganic (ceramic) layer on a carrier, the cells cannot melt down as a result of a completely melted separator.