Abstract: An electric furnace, in particular a plasma furnace, includes an electrode axially displaceable and pivotable in an electrode retaining device. In order to provide for a freedom of motion as large as possible to the electrode, thereby reliably preventing local overheatings of the material to be heated and melted, the electrode is mounted on the electrode retaining device by a spherical bearing so as to be universally movable. The electrode is axially displaceably guided in the bearing and is movable relative to the bearing by at least one adjustment device engaging at the bearing with one end and at the electrode with the other end. At least two adjustment devices, which are directed at an angle to each other, seen in the axial direction of the electrode, are each hinged to the electrode retaining device with one end and to the bearing with the other end.