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A '''heating element''' is a device which converts electricity into heat energy using the method of [[joule]] heating. Somewhat similar to an incandescent light, electricity is run through a specially developed connection.  However, rather than producing light, the resistive heating elements generate heat.

A '''heating element''' is a device which converts electricity into heat energy using the method of [[joule]] (or "resistance") heating. Electricity is run through a specially developed connection, which allows the electric flow, but resists it enough that a significant amount of it is converted to heat.<ref>http://www.explainthatstuff.com/heating-elements.html</ref><br />

Heating elements are generally long, curving and often coiled strips.  This kind of design allows for enough length to make efficient use of electricity, and enough surface area to release the heat into its environment.

[http://www.explainthatstuff.com/heating-elements.html]

Heating elements are made from a conductive (though resistive) material--although other materials may be usable, metal is generally preferred. They are usually made from alloys containing primarily either iron or nickel.