Nichrome is a name for a nickel-chromium resistance wire, a nonmagnetic alloy of nickel and chromium. Common alloy is 80% nickel and 20% chromium, by weight.Silvery-grey in … colour, corrosion resistant and has a high melting point of 1400 C (2552 F).ypically, Nichrome is wound in wire coils to a certain electrical resistance, and current passed through to produce heat. For heating, resistance wire must be stable in air when hot. Nichrome wire forms a protective layer of chromium oxide. Kimber :).