Abstract: An electric heating element for igniting gas fuel comprises a hermetically sealed envelope made of at least 99% pure alumina and filled with a non-oxidizing gas such as hydrogen or one of the inert gases. A self-supporting coiled coil of tungsten or other refractory metal conductor dimensioned to carry a linear power loading of at least one hundred watts per inch is disposed in the envelope with coiling of the coiled coil pressing the peripheral surfaces of the coiled conductor into thermal and mechanical contact with the interior wall of the envelope. Terminals are provided for supplying current to the conductor at said power loading to heat the exterior of the envelope wall to a temperature above 900.degree. centigrade.

Abstract: An electrical heating element for ovens, furnaces and other infrared light applications comprises an elongate tubular envelope of thermally translucent refractory material such as pure alumina enclosing an elongate coiled refractory metal conductor which is capable of carrying a linear power loading of at least one hundred watts per inch. Refractory spacers along the coiled conductor and envelope hold the conductor spaced from the envelope and coaxial therewith so that the conductor attains heat in excess of the temperature limit of the envelope.