Abstract: A heating element comprises an electrically nonconducting support body having a pair of opposite faces and formed with a plurality of throughgoing holes opening at the faces, respective electrically energizable heating capsules in the holes and each having one end exposed at one of the faces and an opposite end exposed at the other of the faces, and a pair of respective conductors lying on the faces in electrical contact with the respective exposed ends of the capsules. A tight hermetic skin surrounds and encapsulates the body with the capsules in the holes and the conductors on the faces. A pair of respective wires extending through the skin and connected to the conductors serve for passing electricity through the heating capsules. The skin effectively protects the assembly from moisture when installed in a heater. In addition this skin protects the heating element prior to installation and can in fact eliminate the need for a shipping package.