An electric arc torch includes a torch base, and a cooling conduit having a conduit wall forming a central axial bore and having a plurality of longitudinal cooling channels spaced circumferentially around the bore. The cooling channels extend through the conduit wall from a first end portion to a second end portion of the conduit. The cooling channels include both a plurality of cooling liquid distribution channels and a plurality of cooling liquid return channels alternately arranged within the conduit wall. The conduit includes a circumferential cooling liquid manifold in fluid communication with each of the cooling liquid distribution channels, a circumferential return manifold in fluid communication with each of the cooling liquid return channels, and a circumferential recirculation manifold in fluid communication with each of the cooling liquid distribution and return channels such that the cooling liquid distribution and return channels are in fluid communication through the circumferential recirculation manifold.