A spacing element is disposed between adjacent conductor layers of a coil to permit passage of a cooling fluid therethrough. The spacing element comprises rib portions which engage and space apart confronting surfaces of conductor turns of next adjacent layers and non-contacting portions which in combination with the confronting surfaces of the conductors define a plurality of channels to permit passage of the cooling fluid through the coil. Each channel has an inlet port to receive the cooling fluid and an outlet port to discharge the cooling fluid after it has passed through the coil.