<p>Graphite electrodes are widely used and consumed in electric arc furnaces (EAFs). The consumption of graphite electrodes accounts for a significant portion of steelmaking costs. Therefore, by reducing electrode consumption, the costs of steel production can be significantly reduced. In this study, to improve the oxidation resistance and surface electrical conductivity of graphite electrodes, Al and Cu/Al coatings were deposited on the graphite surface by wire arc spraying. The oxidation protective ability of the coated electrodes was investigated using repeated isothermal oxidation tests at 600 °C and 1200 °C for 6 h. The oxidation behaviour of the coatings was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray analysis. Results indicate that the coatings efficiently enhanced the oxidation resistance of graphite at 1200 °C and reduced the weight loss rate of graphite by a factor of three after 6 h of oxidation. The excellent oxidation protection provided by the coating at 1200 °C is attributed to the formation of a dense, protective α-Al₂O₃ layer on the surface. Weight-loss measurements indicate that the oxidation performance of the coatings improved over long-term exposures. This could be due to pores being plugged by oxidation products, which hinder further oxygen penetration through the coatings. In contrast, the coatings provided inferior oxidation resistance for graphite at 600 °C. This is because the generated oxide phases did not provide protection against oxidation at 600 °C. After undergoing oxidation, the Al coating formed only Al₂O₃, while the Cu/Al coating resulted in the generation of CuO, Cu₂O, Al₂O_3, and CuAlO₂. As a result of the superior oxidation protection offered by Al₂O₃, the Al coating provided better oxidation protection than the Cu/Al coating. This study suggests that the high-temperature consumption of graphite electrodes might be reduced if they are coated with Al and Cu/Al.</p>