An electrode assembly is secured against loosening/unscrewing and cracking of carbon and/or graphite electrodes. The electrodes are connected in columns with threaded connection elements, i.e., carbon nipples. The nipples have at their equator 80 to 110% of the diameter of the electrodes. Although the electrodes are connected by the nipples, they are not in direct contact with each other. This joint design is a "hybrid" between the widespread conventional nipple joint design and the rarely used male/ female joint design. Further, the male/ female joint design geometrical design is improved by precluding end-face contact of the electrodes and thus all electrical current must pass through the fully engaged threads of the male and female surfaces and not through the end- faces of the electrodes.