Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for coating a metal strip passed through a container which holds the melted coating material. A channel is connected to the container which encloses the material in the form of a strip beneath the melt bath level. Channel currents are induced in the coating material by means of inductors and cause an electromagnetic force in order to hold the coating material back. The channel is attached to the base of the container such that it is easily detachable and comprises a plurality of parts which can be separated in the strip running direction, are sealed with respect to one another and can individually be moved away from the strip, transversely with respect to the strip running direction, to replace the channel with the strip located in it, after releasing the separation connection.