HOW-TO LIBRARY Thousands of Helpful How-Tos. Countless Ideas.

Installing a Bathroom Exhaust Fan

Skill Level: Intermediate
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Moisture can be a problem in the bathroom. It can cause paint to peel, doors to warp and
the accumulation of mold spores. A simple exhaust fan can greatly reduce or eliminate the
many problems created by excess moisture. The details of installing your exhaust fan may
differ by model. This how-to describes the process in general. Specific installation
instructions are included by fan manufacturers with their product. Lowes is happy to
provide this information as a service to you.

Tools & Materials

Tools Materials
Phillips and straight screwdrivers Electrical cable (2-wire or 3-wire with ground NM type)
Wire strippers/cutters Wire nuts
Jig saw or drywall saw Flexible dryer vent duct
Drill/driver Dryer vent clamps
Electrical Tester Soffit vent
Pencil Exhaust fan unit

What Are Your Options?

Many types of bathroom exhaust fans are available, from the simplest fans, to more elaborate models with built in lights, heaters and timer
switches. Some models are designed to be mounted on the ceiling, while others are mounted to the walls.

Wiring at the Switch

Wiring at the switch should be performed after the unit has been installed. However, since your choice of switching for the installation
determines the type of cable that must be run from the switch to the fan unit, the information is included here first.

When working with electricity always:

1. Turn off the power.
2. Test the wires to ensure the power is off.
3. Lock the panel box, so no one can accidentally turn the power back on while you are working.
4. Check with local authorities to see if a permit is required.
5. Have your work checked by an inspector.
6. Wear eye goggles and a dust mask.
7. To avoid overloading the circuit, consult a licensed electrician.

Wiring Options

Installing a fan/light combination as a replacement for an existing light fixture is an easy project. The wiring is already in place, so the
project requires no special knowledge of electrical wiring. For this installation, the light switch will operate both the fan and the light at
the same time.

If you wish to operate the light and fan independently by separate switches, it will be necessary to run a 3-wire cable between the unit
and the existing light switch and install a double switch at the electrical box. The switches should be wired as indicated in the drawing.
HOW-TO LIBRARY Thousands of Helpful How-Tos. Countless Ideas.

Installing a Bathroom Exhaust Fan

page 2 of 3

Wiring Options

Exhaust fans with lights/heaters/and or timers may require additional cable from the existing switch box to the fan. Consult the manu
facturers instructions. These more sophisticated exhaust fans often include their own timers and switches which are designed to fit the
existing switch box.

Installation
1. Shut off the power to the circuit before you begin any work. Lock out the circuit or the panel so no one can turn the circuit on while you
are working. From the attic, remove any insulation from above the area of the ceiling in which you plan to mount the fan.If you are
replacing a light fixture with the fan unit, remove the existing fixture and disconnect all electrical connections.

2. If possible, place the housing in a position which will allow you to fasten it directly to a ceiling joist. If this is not possible because of the
location of the original light fixture, install a wooden braces between joists to provide a solid attachment point for the fan housing. Hold
the housing in place against the ceiling and mark around it to define the perimeter of your cut. Drill pilot holes in the corners, and cut
along the lines with a drywall saw or jigsaw.

3. Secure the fan housing in place.

4. Run a length of cable from the existing light switch to the exhaust fan unit. If you wish to have separate switches operating the fan and
light functions, use 3-wire cable. If your unit includes a heater and/or timer, additional cable may be required. Consult the manufacturers
instructions. This step is not necessary if you are replacing an existing fixture and do not require independent switch operation for the
fan and light.

5. Make the necessary electrical connections at the fan unit using wire nuts. Follow the wiring diagram provided by the manufacturer.
Simple fan installations may only require wiring bare copper to bare copper, white to white and black to black, while more elaborate units
with lights and/or fans will require more connections. Attach the ground wire to the grounding clip provided on the housing. Push the
wires into the wiring box area of the housing and install the cover.

6. Connect the duct to the fan housing.

7. Follow the instructions of the units manufacturer regarding how far away from the fan the insulation should be kept. Some units allow
insulation to be right next to the housing. Others, particularly those with lights or heaters, may require that you add dams between the
joists to keep the insulation a minimum distance away from the unit.

8. From inside of the bathroom, install the unit cover.

9. Wire the cable into the existing electrical circuit at the wall switch.

Venting the Fan

This is an important part of fan installation. Improper venting of the fan can cause moisture problems which arise as a result of condensa-
tion forming within the vent. This condensation can run back down the duct, leaking around the fan and creating stains and problems in the
surrounding building materials. Dont vent the moisture directly into the attic. After all, your goal is to avoid moisture problems, not transfer
them to a different area of the house.
 HOW-TO LIBRARY Thousands of Helpful How-Tos. Countless Ideas.

Installing a Bathroom Exhaust Fan

page 3 of 3

Venting the Fan (contd)

When possible, vent the fan through the nearest soffit. This allows you to make the vent installation under the overhang of the roof,
preventing the need for a roof vent.

The fan unit can be connected to the soffit vent using flexible plastic duct material. The duct material is easy to cut and it is expandable,
which helps make fitting an easy task. Just clamp one end of the duct to the vent shroud on the fan housing and the other end to the vent.
Installing the duct horizontally across the attic reduces the possibility of condensation trickling back down around the fan. Insulating the
duct with insulation wrap also reduces the formation of condensation within it.

Some fans are designed to be installed in the wall instead of the ceiling. These fans are mounted on exterior walls and are ducted directly
outside. For these installations, hoods with gravity-hinged dampers are installed against the homes exterior siding immediately behind the
fan. These hoods are similar to the type commonly used for venting clothes dryers.

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