Hi -

First time to the website and appreciate any assistance that someone might be able to offer.

I am refurbishing an older popcorn machine. I am concerned about the wiring to the heating element. This heating element heats up to about 600F. The wiring looks old and frayed and it looks to need replacing. Currently it has what appears to be a black fabric insulation. Is this what I want to replace it with or is there something more current that I should be using.

Thank you kindly,

There are conductors with higher than normal insulation ratings... most building wire is rated for 90 degrees C... wiring used for wall mounted ovens I think contain 125 C wire...
Now 600 F = about 315 C so if these wires are in very proximity to the element I would try to get wire rated as close as you can.
You do realize you are accepting the liability for this experiment!
Anyway, good luck.