Resistance wire

Resistance wire is electrical wire used for its resistance. It is routinely used at high temperatures, so normally also has high melting point. Resistance wire is usually used for high-power resistors and heating elements, which produce heat used in electric heaters, electric ovens and toasters, and many other appliances.

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.

Constantan is used where resistance is required to not change with temperature. Constantan is readily solderable, though soldered joints have limited temperature range.

Many elements and alloys have been used as resistance wire for special purposes. Copper is also included for comparison.

Many elements and alloys have been used as resistance wire for special purposes. Copper is also included for comparison.

Material             Resistance (ohm-cmil/ft) (ohm-cm) Aluminum             15.94   2.650 e-6 Brass                42.1    7.0 e-6 Carbon (amorphous)           3.8-4.1 e-6 Constantan           272.97  45.38 e-6 Copper               10.09   1.678 e-6 Iron                 57.81   9.61 e-6 Manganin             290     48.21 e-6 Molybdenum           32.12   5.34 e-6 Nichrome             675     112.2 e-6 Nichrome V           650     108.1 e-6 Nickel               41.69   6.93 e-6 Platinum             63.16   10.5 e-6 Stainless steel (304) 541    90 e-6 Steel (0.5% Carbon)  100     16.62 e-6 Tungsten             31.76   5.28 e-6 Zinc                 35.49   5.90 e-6