Abstract: A high temperature electrical resistance heater for use within a high temperature furnace. The heater comprises an elongated tubular element which includes a first axially extending helical section of high resistance and a second axially extending tubular section which is contiguous with and electrically and thermally joined to the helical section and of low resistance. An elongated solid or tubular rod is disposed coaxially within the tubular element and is affixed at one end to the confronting end of the helical section. Fastening elements are provided to maintain the coaxial position of the rod within the tubular element and to maintain the helical section in compression. The coaxial ends of the rod and tubular section include electrical terminals for connection to an external power source. In an alternative embodiment, a second elongated tubular element is coaxially disposed within the first tubular element and includes both a helical section of high resistance and a tubular section of low resistance.