A gas insulated switch including a tank filled with an insulating gas, wherein fixed and moving main current carrying contactors are positioned opposite each other, each including respectively fixed and moving arc electrodes installed therein and extending therefrom towards each other. According to a preferred embodiment, the fixed arc electrode includes an arc-proof end piece mounted adjacent and electrically connected to one end of an electric coil and an end ring mounted adjacent and electrically connected to the other end of the electric coil. During operation, upon opening and closing of the electrical connection between the fixed and moving arc electrodes, an arc is generated therebetween and a resultant current flows through the coil to generate a magnetic field. The magnetic field produces a force on the arc tending to rotate the arc circumferentially, whereby the arc is extinguished.