Abstract: A compressed gas circuit breaker is disclosed. The breaker comprises two fixed hollow contacts which are bridged by a tubular bridging contact member when the breaker is in the closed position. A blasting means provides compressed gas for quenching the arc when the bridging contact is moved to a position whereat it no longer bridges the fixed contacts. The blasting means includes a piston and a blasting cylinder which surrounds the piston. In accordance with the invention, the end portion of the blasting cylinder, which is moved from one fixed contact to the other fixed contact across the gap therebetween during the opening of the breaker is provided with an annular electrode. The latter electrode prevents a recurrence of the arc, without having to increase the gap between the contacts.