Abstract: A direct current electric furnace for melting metal raw material, especially scrap iron, comprises two consumable electrodes separated from one another and both offset laterally on the side of the median plane P1 of the vessel turned towards the current source. At least four fixed electrodes are distributed on either side of the median plane and arranged substantially at the vertices of a regular polygon symmetrical with respect to the median plane and placed between the vertical projections of the consumable electrodes, the conductors of the electrodes placed towards the source being orientated directly towards the latter, parallel to the conductors of the consumable electrodes and the conductors of the electrodes placed on the side opposite to the source each comprising a first branch passing around the vertical projection of the corresponding consumable electrode and a second branch orientated towards the source parallel to the conductors connected to the consumable electrodes.