Install a Bathroom Fan

Install a Bathroom Fan

By Dave Rongey
©2008 Dave Rongey
Summary: This article shows how to install a bathroom fan. A great home improvement is adding a bathroom exhaust fan or upgrading you existing unit to a quiet low noise bathroom exhaust fan. Your options include a heat lamp to help with warm up those chilly mornings.

Benefits of Installing a Bathroom Fan:
Helps to eliminate odors and steam which contribute to mildew
and bring warmth to a cold bathroom.

Optional units to consider:

Heat Lamps - (1 or 2 lamps)

Heat with Blower - (will require a separate circuit)

Install a bathroom fan and
warm up on those chilly mornings!

Installing a bathroom fan
with an optional heat lamp.

Steps to install a bathroom fan:

OPTION: Upgrade your existing bathroom exhaust fan to a Heat Lamp Exhaust Fan.
Replace the noisy worn out exhaust fan with a unit that provides additional warmth on those cold mornings.

REMEMBER: Safety FIRST - Never Work On Energized Wires!

PARTS	POWER SOURCE	PROCEDURE	DESTINATION
Safety	Identify and Shut Off the Circuit	Lock Out & Tag Off at Power Source	Use approved wire connectors
Power	Existing Light Circuit	Install Romex	Controlling Switches
Volts	120 volt	-	120 volt - 15 amp Rated Devices
Amps	15 or 20 amp	Match the Existing Wire Gauge	Bond the Ground Wires
Wire	Romex	14/2 or 12/2	Use Romex Fitting or Plastic Bushing
Box	1 Gang Switch Box	-	2 Gang Plastic Cut-in box
Switch	Single Pole	-	2 Single Pole Switches
Device	Use Stud Finder to Locate Ceiling Joists	Locate bathroom exhaust fan unit in open ceiling joist bay	Example: Broan Model 162 bathroom exhaust fan
Venting	Check Size of Vent Fitting	Install Flex Duct and Tape Joints	Route Hose to Outside Ridge Venting or Side Vent Adapter

Install a bathroom fan - the Basic Procedure:

Locate power, install box and switch, locate and mount bathroom exhaust fan unit and vent.

IMPORTANT : See Special Instructions about Bathroom Fan Venting

Installation Pictorials Summary:

Prep
Rough In
Install
Finish

Install a bathroom fan, top of page

See also:
Home Electrical Wiring for Bathrooms
Home Electrical Wiring Diagrams for Switches
Home Electrical Wiring Diagrams for Outlets

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