Center pipe for plasma torch, electrode, and plasma torch

A center pipe for a plasma torch for plasma cutting, the plasma torch including a base portion and an electrode, the center pipe being inserted into the electrode in order to supply cooling water into the electrode, the center pipe comprising:

• a pipe body having a tube-like shape including a base end surface and a tip end surface opposite the base end surface in an axial direction of the tube-like shape, the pipe body being configured to be electrically connected to an electrical power source outside of the plasma torch via the base portion, the pipe body including a cooling water channel therein, and the pipe body being made of an electrically conductive material;
• and
• a contact piece arranged radially outside an external circumferential surface of the pipe body at an intermediate position between the base end surface and the tip end surface, the contact piece energizing the electrode through contact with an internal circumferential surface of the electrode, and the contact piece being made of an electrically conductive material, wherein
• the base end surface is disposed outside the electrode when the center pipe is inserted into the electrode, and
• the pipe body is configured to be electrically connected to the electrode via the contact piece.