Abstract: Installation for the production of yellow phosphorus comprises an electrothermal furnace and an apparatus for preliminary melting of phosphate-quartzite charge. This apparatus communicates with the bath of the electrothermal furnace via a melt collector and a liquid seal. Said apparatus and the melt collector comprise a pipe unit forming an evaporator circuit. Electrodes are arranged in the electrothermal furnace in such a manner that the first electrode in the direction of flow of melt from the collector to the furnace is located opposite to the liquid seal. A process for the production of yellow phosphorus effected in the above-described installation comprises melting phosphates with grading less than 10 mm and quartzite comminuted into flour in the apparatus for preliminary melting, concurrent defluorination of the melt by treating it in a thin layer with overheated steam obtained from moisture contained in fuel combustion products and feeding the defluorinated melt into the electrothermal furnace.