Heizstab

Heizstab is an electrical heating element used to convert electrical energy into heat in a wide range of appliances and industrial equipment. In German technical usage the term is common, but the component is known internationally as a heating element or immersion heater. It operates on resistive heating: electric current passes through a resistive alloy, generating heat proportional to I^2R or V^2/R.

Construction usually features a metal sheath enclosing a resistive core, often Nichrome. The space between core and sheath is filled with insulating powder, typically magnesium oxide, to provide electrical insulation while conducting heat. Ends are sealed with terminals and may include threaded fittings or flanges for mounting. Materials vary by application; stainless steel, Incoloy, and copper alloys are common for different temperature and corrosion requirements.

Common forms include tubular immersion elements, cartridge heaters, flat elements, and ceramic designs. Tubular immersion heaters heat liquids in reservoirs, boilers, and tanks; cartridge heaters are compact and fit into drilled holes in solids or equipment; flat elements heat surfaces; ceramic variants suit high temperatures or specialized processes.

Safety and maintenance: Control typically relies on thermostats, sensors, and thermal cutoffs to maintain temperature and prevent overheating. Dry-running protection and corrosion resistance are important design considerations. Maintenance may involve descaling in hard water, inspecting connections, and replacing worn elements.