The current commutation process is a key performance factor in a resistive fault current limiter. The main aspect of the research is associated with the fact that the current commutating characteristic of the current can be diverted into the Current Limiting Resistor (CLR) from the Vacuum Circuit Breaker (VCB). The test platform based on the VCB and the CLR in parallel connection is established. A high-speed CMOS camera is used to investigate the development of the vacuum arc in the current commutating process. The influence of the current amplitude (5~15 kA), the CLR resistance (10~4500 mΩ), the arcing time, the Transverse Magnetic Field (TMF) and the current frequency on the time of the current commutation and the current at the moment of the completion transition is analyzed. The mathematical description of the vacuum arc commutating characteristic is obtained. The interaction between the vacuum arc and the TMF is discussed. This paper provides the foundation for the structure and parameter optimization of the resistive fault current limiter. This work is supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 51977195 and No. 51777025).