an electrode assembly for use in electrowinning includes a cathode in the form of a plate . the cathode has a pair of parallel vertical edges , and a horizontal bottom edge which runs between the vertical edges and defines respective corners therewith . an edge strip is mounted on each of the vertical edges as well as on the bottom edge . the bottom edge strip has an end at either corner , and each end of the bottom edge strip is in abutment with the lower end of the adjoining vertical edge strip . a corner protector is located at each corner and has a vertical channel which receives the lower end of the respective vertical edge strip , a horizontal channel which receives the respective end of the bottom edge strip , and a cutout which receives the cathode .