Abstract: An arrangement of busbars for conducting direct electric current via busbars from the cathode bar ends of a longitudinally arranged electrolytic cell--in particular for manufacturing aluminum--to the traverse beam ends of the next cell is such that a fraction of the cathode bar ends, on each long side of the cell, is joined to form partial busbars (A, B) which are led from the long side of the next cell perpendicular to their longitudinal direction (x) under the cell and under the cell to a collector busbar (C) which is led under the cell in the longitudinal direction (x) to the downstream end of the traverse beam. As a result of the chosen arrangement of both partial busbars (A, B) and the collector busbar (C) in the form of a "T", optimum compensation is obtained for electromagnetic field forces and, as a result, excellent stability of the electrolytic cell.