A bottom electrode of a direct current electric arc furnace includes an electrode body extending through a hole defined in a bottom of the furnace. A circumferential flange is formed around a lower portion of the electrode body to which a ring connection member is attached. The connection member forms a ring channel defined by inner and outer walls from which inner and outer flanges radially extend in opposite directions. The inner flange is fixed to the circumferential flange of the electrode body by bolts. The outer flange is fixed to the furnace bottom for attaching the bottom electrode to the furnace bottom. The channel is located between the circumferential flange of the electrode body and an inside diameter of the hole defined in the furnace bottom for increasing radial distance between the electrode body and the hole of the furnace bottom. Insulative members are arranged on and under the circumferential flange of the electrode body for electrically isolating the electrode from the furnace bottom.