A method of supporting vertically hanging electrical resistance elements for heating furnaces or ovens in industrial operations. Each resistance element includes current-conducting legs that extend downward and upward a number of times, and the element includes along its length a number of ceramic discs that are provided with through-holes through which respective element legs extend. The upper part of the element merges with terminals that are connected to a source of electric current. The element is supported by at least one of the uppermost ceramic discs, wherein the uppermost ceramic disc supporting the element is placed in the insulation of the furnace roof above the underside of the roof. The legs of the element are short circuited at a location slightly or somewhat beneath the underside of the furnace roof with the aid of short circuiting plates.