an electrical heating element with a heat conductor in the form of meander - shaped windings , in which the individual windings are held in openings separated by solid parts in at least one insulating plate . for stabilization , especially with long , narrow designs of such a heating element , a retaining rail is provided , which extends over the entire width of insulaitng plates and essentially over their length and has tabs bent over along the side edges of insulating plates to grip the plates on both sides .