Abstract: A discharge electrode assembly (14) and the method of assembly thereof for use in a wet electrostatic precipitator includes a flat grid-like frame comprised of four vertical tubes 50, 52, 54, 56 and a pair of horizontal tubes (58, 60). Crimpable tubes (70, 72) are welded in holes formed in the end vertical tubes in a staggerred relationship to engage the tip ends of electrode wire segments (62, 64). Such wires are generally J-shaped and are inserted into the crimp tubes so that each pair of adjacent wires forms a single loop. The wires are secured to the frame only at their ends by crimping the crimp tubes.