Abstract: The flat resistor comprises a stack of flat components including a first metal plate having assembly tabs bent, a first outer electrical insulator having alignment slots for receiving the tabs, a first sheet metal resistance element having slots for receiving the tabs with a clearance fit, a first inner electrical insulator having alignment slots for receiving the tabs, a metal midplate having oversize slots for receiving the tabs with a clearance fit, a second thin inner insulator having alignment slots for receiving the tabs, a second sheet metal resistance element having clearance slots for receiving the tabs, a second thin outer insulator having alignment slots for receiving the tabs, and a second metal outer plate having alignment slots for receiving the tabs, which are bent into engagement with the second plate for compressing the stack. The resistance elements have alignment tabs extending through alignment slots in the corresponding outer insulators and securely bent behind the insulators.