A huge variety of household appliances contain heating elements. The two basic types are the exposed single-wire element, most often used in hairdryers, fan heaters and toasters, and the metal-sheathed element used in ovens, grills, iron sole plates and immersion heaters.
This type of element is simply an exposed length of conductor which heats up when a current is passed along it due to the resistance properties of wire. As it is an exposed conductor, it must be housed and supported in a way that avoids accidental contact which could cause electric shock or burns. It must also be housed in a way that allows the heat generated to dissipate and do the job intended. For instance, a toaster needs a large aperture in which to place the bread so that it rests near the exposed element for it to function correctly. Read the rest of this entry »
