How to Wire an Attic Fan
An attic fan can reduce household cooling costs by circulating air in the part of that house that is heated by a roof under direct sunlight. Attic fans are typically controlled by a thermostat. They turn on and off as the temperature of the attic rises and falls. It's an easy way to keep household cooling costs under control without constant monitoring. Once an attic fan is installed, it's relatively easy to supply the fan with power from a nearby outlet or light fixture. After your attic fan is wired, sit back and wait for the attic temperature to rise and your fan to turn on.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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1
Locate the nearest electrical outlet. Turn off the circuit breaker for that outlet. Make sure the voltage is off by checking with a voltmeter. Once the voltage is removed, take off the outlet cover plate by unscrewing the cover plate screws.
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2
Use a wire stripper to strip the insulation from the black, white and green wires in your 12-2 cable with ground wire. Connect the white wire to the silver color terminal in the outlet. Connect the black wire to the bronze color terminal. Use a screwdriver to loosen and tighten each terminal. Secure the green ground wire to the green screw.
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3
Run the 12-2 cable to the wiring box on the attic fan. Strip the insulation from the end of the black and white wires. Connect the black wire to the bronze terminal and the white wire to the silver terminal. Use a screwdriver to tighten the terminals. Secure the green wire to the green ground screw.
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4
Attach the cover plate to the outlet from which you ran the 12-2 cable. Use a screwdriver to tighten the cover plate.
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5
Tighten any housing over the attic fan's electrical box.
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6
Turn on the circuit breaker and wait for your attic fan to turn on when the weather gets hot.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Keep a small bowl handy for your small parts so they don't get lost.
Household electricity is dangerous and can cause electrical shock.
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