Abstract: An apparatus replaceably carries an electrical resistance element for a furnace. The electrical element is of serpentine configuration having a plurality of U-shaped portions. At least one plate-shaped carrying element is mechanically fastened in a block of ceramic fibrous material. The carrying element includes a plurality of through-passages into which the U-shaped portions of the electrical element are inserted. The through-passages each include side walls and transverse walls which restrain movement of the electrical element in all directions except a direction in which the electrical element is inserted and removed. The carrying element is spaced from the adjacent curved segments of the U-shaped portions. The electrical element terminates in elongated terminals which are carried by a plug of fibrous ceramic material. The electrical element is situated within a recess of the ceramic block.