Abstract: A solid high silicon cast iron elongated anode has a midpoint electrical connection keeping the connection as far as possible from the ends to combat the deleterious pencil effect. The anode is made by casting using a hollow or shell core to form a small axial hole extending from one end. The sand or foundry material of the core is removed and the wall of the hole at the blind end of the hole is at least partially finished to receive a diagonally split slug to which a lead wire is connected. Alternatively the hole is formed by a steel pipe which is left in place as a hole liner. The pipe may be supported by one or more chaplets. The slug is fastened in the blind end of the hole by a driving tool rotating a threaded headed bolt with both axial and rotational force to hold the connection in the blind end of the hole as it is secured in place. The hole is filled with a potting compound sealing the connection in the center of the solid cast iron anode.