an apparatus for fusing a pipe to a fitting includes an induction heating element wholly encased or coated with a flusible thermoplastic polymeric material , a fitting having a socket or a flange . the induction heating element is adapted to be inserted into said socket or mounted on said flange , the fitting and the element together defining a throughbore , a portion of a pipe adapted to be inserted into the throughbore or mountable on said flange . the apparatus also includes a locating and maintaining member on the induction heating element with one or more projections adapted to be snap - fitted on the fitting , the pipe or both , and capable of locating and maintaining the position of the heating element relative to the fitting or the member portion . the induction fusion element is capable of fusing the fitting and the pipe portion .