Receptacle location gas fireplace insert

[DJFNEC2005]

Hi,
I know this is the place to come for answers. I did a search and have not come up with a definite answer so I am going to ask the masses for their opinions please.

I have a customer that will be installing a gas fireplace insert into an existing prefab sheet metal enclosed ceramic fireplace. There is a receptacle to tap off of to the right of the fireplace and 2 above the mantle. The unit will draw 1.5A @ 120v.

My question is has anyone ever installed a receptacle within an existing fireplace behind the insert for this purpose? What about heat buildup back there? Is the area behind the insert ok for NM cable? I'm thinking it should be BX/MC cable anyway for protection because of the penetration through the sheet metal but not sure if the heat will exceed the temperature rating of the cable.

I have seen the blowers that have a cord coming out the front to plug into a receptacle outside the fireplace but this is the first request I have had for one to be installed inside the fireplace and am just unsure of any potential violations. My first reaction to doing this just didn't feel right. This is a home in Northern NJ.

Any comments from people who have done this type of install would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

All the units I have wired were direct wired but I would bet the insert will not have much heat coming out the back so nm should be fine

 

[mcclary's electrical]

Dennis is right, ther's not much heat back there. For a small unit, I usually just use NM from another receptacle to a switch to turn fireplace on and off, and to turn blower on and off.(stack switch or two gang) Run 14/3 from switch to whip behind insert. Leave the whip long enough to set insert close to fire place, install in factory KO, wire it, then slide it into place. You'll be fine. I've done lots of them this way

 

[DJFNEC2005]

Thanks for the help. This is an insert that will be installed into an existing fireplace. I would need to drill through the ceramic firebox of the fireplace and then drill a hole through the sheet metal enclosure to get the wire inside the fireplace. I am worried about damage to the NM cable coming through the sheet metal walls. That's why I am thinking of using BX cable. I was also thinking i might be able to just drill the hole and use a plastic bushing like on metal studs. Anyway, Thanks for the reply's.