An arc furnace electrode for the production of electric steel, comprising a metallic top portion and a consumable, replaceable bottom portion threadably interconnected. The top portion is provided with coolant feed and return ducts and includes a protective covering. The protective covering is represented by a detachable surmounted sheath of electrically conductive heat resistant material. The sheath is subdivided into individual segments. The electrode includes internally disposed recesses advantageously accommodating elastic and electrically conductive materials especially advantageous properties.
