Which type of heating element is typically used in electric water heaters?

In electric water heaters, immersion heaters are commonly used as heating elements. An immersion heater is a type of heating device that is submerged directly in the water tank. It operates by converting electrical energy into heat, which is then transferred to the surrounding water, effectively raising its temperature.

This method of heating is efficient because it allows for direct heating of the water, enabling rapid warming. Immersion heaters can be found in various sizes and capacities, depending on the specific requirements of the electric water heater. They are designed to withstand the harsh conditions of being in direct contact with water, making them reliable and effective for this purpose.

Other types of heating elements, such as resistance coils, are indeed also used in electric water heaters, but immersion heaters specifically refer to the devices that are immersed directly in the water. Therefore, the answer focuses on the immersion nature that is characteristic of this heating method.