hot box question

[madness522]

I have a built a hot box and the light fixtures to go in it.  The plans I based my design from called for the wiring to be inside the box and I think I want to keep it in the box.  That plan says to use high temp wire for the wiring so it dosn't melt in the heat.  The 12/2 and 14/2 wire I found at the local hardware store says it it only temp rated to something like 86 degrees.  So I called several local appliance repair centers around here and none carry high temp wiring.

For those of you that built hot boxes with the wiring inside what did you use to wire it?  Did you use conduit to help shield it from the heat?

I am gathering together the items to build my first bow and the hot box is pretty important and want to get it and the form exactly right.

Thanks for the help/input!

[Pat B]

I lined the inside of my box with foil backed foam board. This insulates the wiring plus helps the box heat up quicker and hold the heat longer.     Pat

[ChuckC]

Mine melted...  I am looking too !  
ChuckC

[Arrowslinger]

Same as Pat.  I lined the entire box with foil backed insulation board and have had no trouble with using regular wire.

[Big Dave]

What is the point of putting it on the inside. I made mine with it on the outside. Box is lined with foam and it gets plenty hot and I have had no trouble with the wire. I used an old extenson cord

[Aeronut]

I wanted my hotbox to be lightweight so I could move it by myself made it entirely of foil-backed foam insulation and the wire is inside.  I used THHN wire that I scrounged from construction jobs (I'm an electrician)and have had no problems.  THHN means it is Thermoplastic, double heat resistant.  I'm pretty sure you can get it a Home Depot or Lowes.

I use four bulbs, two 100W and two 60W, and can maintain up to 155-160* with it.  

 

 

Dennis

[madness522]

Thanks guys.  I do have the box lined with foil backed insulation board I was just worried about it getting to hot and melting the wiring.  

Dennis, I'll be looking for THHN next time I go the borg.

Big Dave I want it on the inside because I know the box will be used to sit stuff on when not in use and I don't want the possibility of pulling a wire loose or out.