to the prior art and is described in detail for example in u s pat no 4 228 314 and also in german patent 30 22 566 the shell 2 of the furnace vessel is narrowed radially inwards and forms an inwardly projecting collar 15 the bottom plate 10 projects beyond the collar 15 in the radial direction in the overlap region a ring 17 of insulating material is disposed in this way the entire bottom part of the furnace is supported on the collar 15 the bottom part of the furnace floats so to speak in the furnace vessel 1 at the same time the insulating material effects the electrical insulation between the furnace shell 2 and the bottom plate 10 and consequently the bottom contact the distribution of the connection fittings 10 can be seen in the plan view of the underside of the furnace vessel 1 shown in fig2 four fittings 9 distributed regularly over the bottom and the high current lines 18a and 18c to the positive pole of the current supply means 19 can be seen the high current lines leading from the negative pole of the current supply means 19 to the electrode 3 are designated 18b as can be seen in fig3 and 4 and in fig5 and 6 respectively the direct current arc furnace is disposed on a furnace platform 20 this platform is provided with two rolling cradles 21 22 resting on.