The present invention concerns a method and equipment for replacing anodes in an electrolysis cell in which a crane with an anode gripper is used to lift out used anodes and to insert new anodes. The new anode is inserted at a height in accordance with a calculated height based on the height of the anode removed, the height of the anode removed and the height of the new anode being measured against a common reference level. Laser-based measuring equipment is arranged between a point on the crane, which is stationary in terms of height during the operation, and a point on the anode gripper, which moves together with the anode, and measures the heights stated. The measured values are processed by a PLC-based system, which determines a more precise insertion height of the new anode in accordance with a specific algorithm.