How-To: Install a Wall Mounted Exhaust Fan

For this how-to we are using limited installation guidelines and photos for a Laurelhurst Fan. If installing a Laurelhurst Fan, a more custom installation brochure comes with the fan. We would like to thank the owners of the Laurelhurst Fan Company for providing this information.

This basic overview should work with many wall mounted exhaust fans. Every fan has its own characteristics so check with the installation guide that came with your fan before attempting any installation.

Safety Precautions

There are a few safety precautions to cover first. For all exhaust fans you will need electrical service to the fan, with or without an independent switch. For this service you will need to hire a electrical contractor. Verify that there are no electrical wiring or other hidden utilities before cutting or drilling into any wall or ceiling. These types of fans need to be vented to the outdoors.

When selecting a fan location verify that a wall stud or other structural braces do not run through the desired location. Also verify that your fan will fit in the desired location, and that there are no exterior obstructions or foliage that will get in the way of this installation. The fan must be installed at a minimum height of 2.1 meters (7 feet) above the floor and should be placed in any location where people, especially children, could not place their fingers, hands, or other objects into the fan. Before connecting the unit to an electrical source turn off the main breaker at the service panel.

Laurelhurst Fan Company offers a full line of through-the-wall exhaust fans. Grille options range from vintage Victorian to Mid-Century modern in many different colors. They also offer custom grilles to convert your newer fan to the classic style of your home.

Visit www.laurelhurstfancompany.com for more information or call 971-570-3131.

Step 1. Scribing around the inside of the template.

If your fan didn’t come with a template use the fan to draw a guideline or to make your own template.

Step 2. Using a course saw (on drywall) follow your guideline and cut out the interior wall.

If you are cutting through lath and plaster you’ll need to scribe the line with a nail many times to keep the plaster from cracking. If the plaster cracks, patch before making the final installation.

Step 3. Scribing around inner duct of the front housing.

If your fan won’t let you have access to the exterior wall make a template the size needed for the fan you’re installing.

Step 4. Mark all the screw holes locations using a sharp object with the fan in place and level.

Step 5. Drill all screw holes and install toggle fasteners.

Use the right type of fastener for the type of wall surface you’re attaching to.

Step 6. Drill four alignment holes inside the scribed line

...to locate where to line up your exterior template (Top, bottom, left, and right.)

Step 7. Line up to the pilot holes you drilled

...from the inside and scribe around the inside of the centered exterior wall template. If you don’t have a template, cut one out of cardboard to the size recommended by your fan’s manufacture.

Step 8. Using a large bit drill a series of holes to start your cut.

Next cut a hole in exterior wall for the damper door housing that came with your fan.

Step 9. Connect your fan to the power supply feed in the manner recommended by your fan’s manufacture.

Make sure to turn off the main breaker at you electrical service box before connecting. Then test the hot wire with a voltage meter before making any connections.

Step 10. Plug in your fan and turn the power back on to test your connections.

Check to see that there’s nothing coming in contact with the fan blade before installing the grille.

Step 11. Turn the power back off

...until you secure the grille with thumbscrews or the connectors that came with your fan.