The present invention relates to a self-protection system for an electric type heating element, particularly a heating element for washing machines, water heaters and like, comprising a copper terminal element (2; 2')having a substantially extended shape, one end of which is coupled to a terminal (1; 1') of the electric heating element, within the casing (6; 6') enclosing the electric heater, a self-protection element (4, 4') for the electric heater, coupled to the other end of said copper terminal element (2; 2') in such a way that the self-protection element (4; 4') is placed externally with respect to the resistance, a ring (5; 5') outer with respect to said self-protection element (4; 4') having thermal and electric insulation properties, and a closure element (7, 9), placed in correspondence of the end of the self-protection element (4; 4') that is not coupled to the copper terminal element (2; 2') and coupled with said insulating ring (5; 5').