Open coil heating elements are coiled resistance wire (usually Ni-Chrome or Kanthal, but also others) fixed onto a supporting element.

Open coil elements are the most efficient type of electric heating element feasible for most heating applications. Used predominantly in the duct heating industry, open coil elements have open circuits that heat air directly from the suspended resistive coils. These industrial heating elements have fast heat up times that improve efficiency and have been designed for low maintenance and easily replacement parts.

Open coil heating elements most typically made for duct process heating, forced air & ovens and for pipe heating applications.