Electrodes and joints should be stored on clean cement floors to avoid electrode damage or soil adhesion. Unused electrodes should not have their packaging removed to prevent dust or debris from falling onto the joint threads or electrode ends and into the electrode holes. Electrodes should be neatly stacked in the warehouse, with the ends of the electrode stack properly supported to prevent slipping. The stack height of electrodes should generally not exceed two meters. Stored electrodes should be protected from rain and moisture to prevent cracking and accelerated oxidation during steelmaking. Electrode joints should not be placed near high temperatures to prevent the bolts from melting and overflowing.