Abstract: A DC circuit breaking device is provided for interrupting the transmission of direct currents to an electric power system by making external changes to an arc generated upon contacting or separation of contacts 11 and 12 in order to rapidly extend and vibrate arc currents. In a self-excited commuting DC circuit breaking device, coils 41 and 42 opposed to a fixed and a movable contact 11 and 12, respectively, are disposed around the outer circumferences of the contacts 11 and 12, and currents flowing through a commutation circuit or the contacts 11 and 12 are allowed to flow through the opposed coils 41 and 42 so as to apply magnetic fields to the neighborhood of an arc. This constitution provides the DC circuit breaking device with high performance that it can rapidly extend and vibrate arc currents to thereby interrupt direct currents.