The aim of this paper is to study the cloud of gas and particles formed around high current arcs. A high-speed camera will be used to study the arc cloud formation. In addition measurements of the radiation escaping from the cloud will be performed. Electrode material, gap, test current, and movement of the arc were found to influence the properties of the arc cloud. Preliminary results with frame subtraction method indicate that this is a method which is useful when studying the arc cloud formation.