Resistance wire

Resistance wire is a type of high resistance electrical wire. The wire resists the flow of electricity, and converts the electrical energy into heat.^[1]

Application for resistance wire includes resistors, heating elements, electric heaters, electric ovens, toasters, and many more.

Types

Nichrome, a non-magnetic alloy of nickel and chromium, is commonly used to make resistance wire because it has a high resistivity and resistance to oxidation at high temperatures. When used as a heating element, resistance wire is usually wound into coils. One difficulty in using nichrome wire is that common electrical solder will not stick to it, so the connections to the electrical power must be made using other methods such as crimp connectors or screw terminals.

Constantan is another material which is often used. It has low temperature dependence and is easily soldered.

Kanthal (Alloy 875/815), a family of iron-chromium-aluminium (FeCrAl) alloys used in a wide range of resistance and high-temperature applications is also used in the form of resistance wires.

Other commonly used resistance alloys include: Evanohm (Alloy 800), Advance© (Cupron or Alloy 45), Midohm© (Alloy 180), Balco (Alloy 120), Alloy 30, Alloy 60, Alloy 90^[2]

Common Alloy Trade Names

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References