Abstract: An electrode assembly for an electric arc furnace incorporates a water cooled sleeve which extends downwardly from an electrode clamp around a portion of a consumable electrode held by the clamp. During normal electrode movement, the sleeve is preferably telescopically received within, but spaced from, a water cooled annulus defining an opening in a furnace roof. A sliding seal is provided acting between the sleeve and the annulus, of a form which allows the sleeve to be lifted upwardly out of and re-inserted into engagement with the annulus. The annulus may be extended vertically to shroud the sleeve.