Abstract: An electrode for arc furnaces comprising a top portion of metal and a replaceable bottom portion of a material which, when appropriate, is only slowly consumed having a substantially cylindrical shape and being joined each to the other by a screwmounting, for example by means of a screw nipple or the like. The top portion includes a liquid cooling device or means with a header and a return duct, and an insulating coating of high temperature stability. An inner part and an outer part of the top portion are constructed so as to be detachable each from the other. The inner part extends substantially adjacent the screw nipple and at least a portion of the inner part is provided with an insulating coating of high temperature stability, which represents a loosely surmounted moulding.

Abstract: A controlled stop circuitry which frees the operator for carrying out other duties of cycle-interrupt time, by being automatically operable, when once activated, to partially raise the electrodes and to open the transformer switch, but only after the electrode current has decreased to a safe value. More particularly, the circuitry when actuated in a designated manner, interrupts an operating cycle by raising the electrodes, while simultaneously sensing the current supplied to them, and is effective, when the current decreases to a safe level, to automatically open the transformer switch and stop movement of the electrodes in partially raised positions. The circuitry also permits, as an option to the above procedure, the carrying out of the above steps, except that it delays opening of the transformer switch until the electrodes reach the top of their travel.