Heating devices like electric heaters, toasters, hair dryers, etc. work on the principle of conversion of electrical energy into heat energy. The coils inside these devices are responsible for the conversion of electrical energy into heat energy. The material used for these coils is important as it should have high resistivity, high melting point, and should not oxidize easily.

One of the most commonly used materials for the heating coils is Nichrome.

What is Nichrome?
Nichrome is an alloy made up of nickel, chromium, and sometimes iron. It has a very high resistivity, which means it opposes the flow of electric current. This high resistivity causes the wire to heat up when an electric current is passed through it.

Advantages of using Nichrome for heating coils:
- High resistivity: Nichrome has a very high resistivity, which means it can withstand high temperatures without breaking or melting.
- Oxidation resistance: Nichrome has a chromium layer that protects it from oxidation and corrosion. This makes it a durable material for heating coils.
- High melting point: Nichrome has a high melting point, which means it can withstand high temperatures without melting. This is important for heating devices that require high temperatures.
- Cost-effective: Nichrome is a cost-effective material for heating coils, which makes it a popular choice for manufacturers.

Other materials used for heating coils:
- Tungsten: Tungsten is another popular material used for heating coils. It has a very high melting point, which makes it suitable for high-temperature applications.
- Kanthal: Kanthal is an iron-chromium-aluminum alloy that is used for heating coils. It has a high resistivity and can withstand high temperatures.
- Copper: Copper has a low resistivity, which means it is not suitable for heating coils. However, it is sometimes used as a base material for heating coils.

In conclusion, Nichrome is the most commonly used material for heating coils due to its high resistivity, oxidation resistance, high melting point, and cost-effectiveness. Other materials like Tungsten and Kanthal are also used for specific applications.

Nichrome