Abstract: In the method of producing steel by providing a vessel containing ferrous metal to be melted and passing electric current into the metal to melt the same by means of at least one electrode connected to an exterior source of electrical power, the improvement which comprises positioning an arc stabilizer material in proximity to the surface of the metal to be melted whereby as electric current is passed from the electrode into the metal the arc stabilizer material forms an arc adjuvant material which aids in the efficient operation of the electric arc, with the arc stabilizing material being an effective amount of a synthetic polymeric material having a low sulfur content.