How to Install a Restaurant Exhaust Hood

Installing an exhaust hood is one of the chief ways of outfitting a kitchen for restaurant use. It involves opening your wall to receive the hood's wiring and then fastening it in place. You will probably find putting the hood in place yourself a simple enough task. The hood should clear the stovetop by at least 25 inches.

Things You'll Need

• Wire nuts
• Electric drill
• Wallboard
• Drywall screws
• Screws

Instructions

1. Switch off power to the kitchen area. The circuit breaker should have a switch controlling power to the kitchen.

2. Cut out a rectangular area on the wall where the hood is to be installed. Staple loose wiring to the studs in this area.

3. Bore holes in the studs where the wiring will be run through, if necessary.

4. Attach battens to the studs where the hood will be mounted.

5. Cut out a piece of wallboard that will fit in the hood space. Drive the wallboard in place with drywall screws.

6. Situate the hood on the piece of wallboard, screwing it in place. Pull the wiring out through the back of the hood and run it through the stud-hole, if necessary.

7. Screw the hood in place. Ideally, you can fasten it to the cabinets overhead or to each side.

8. Run the wiring through the wallboard. Attach the ground wire to the green screw. Twist the black wires and the white wires to the matching wire color. Add a wire nut to each exposed wire connection.

9. Install the air filters, halogen lights or any other pieces.

References

• Ron Hazelton's HouseCalls: How to Remove and Install a Vent Hood