With the development of new energy, DC system is widely applied in urban rail, ships and other fields. H2-N2 mixed gas switch has been one of the effective methods to interrupt direct circuit current for its large breaking capacity and small volume. In order to study the arc characteristics of H2-N2 mixed gas switch, a detachable interrupter is designed. The arc volt-ampere characteristics of H2–N2 mixed gas switch are obtained by experiments under different current levels. The DC arc characteristics and evolution are studied through arc appearances obtained by high-speed camera. Besides, the influence of electromagnetic drive on arc appearance and the arc motion is analyzed. It is indicated that the application of electromagnetic drive is beneficial to the arc movement of DC hydrogen mixed gas and improve the rising rate of arc voltage, which is favorable to arc extinguish during interruption.