How to Wire a House Fan

A house fan brings in fresh air to a room if mounted in a window, for example, in a converted attic or enclosed patio. The fan is wired directly into the electric line and must be re-wired if a switch is to be added. To wire a house fan with a switch that can control whether it is on or off, acquire supplies from a hardware store. Household tools will be needed as well.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips screwdriver
• Power drill, metal drill bit
• Toggle switch
• Pliers
• 2 electrical nut connectors

Instructions

1. Go to the fuse box. Trip the circuit breaker that you believe is supplying electricity to the room where the house fan is located. Try to turn on any lights or appliances in the room to confirm that there is no electricity; if a device turns on, return the circuit breaker to its original position and trip circuit breakers one after the other until you find the right one.

2. Remove the screws from the house fan's front grill, using a Phillips screwdriver. Place the screws in a pocket so that they don't get lost. Pull the grille off and place it aside.

3. Loosen one of the two screws connected to the side of the fan's motor with the Phillips screwdriver. Unwind the wire from the screw.

4. Drill a hole in the side of the fan's frame, using a power drill. Unscrew the locking nut from the bottom of the toggle switch.

5. Run the two wires attached to the bottom of the toggle switch through the hole in the side of the fan. Place the toggle switch, bottom first, into the hole. Run the wires through the hole in the locking nut. Screw the locking nut onto the toggle switch. Place the jaws of a pliers around the nut. Tighten the nut by rotating the pliers clockwise.

6. Wind the already-stripped end of one of the wires attached to the toggle switch around the end of the wire removed from the screw on the motor. Screw an electrical nut connector over the twisted pair of wires. Wind the already-stripped end of the other wire attached to the toggle switch around the screw on the motor. Tighten the screw.

7. Place the grille back on the house fan. Reattach the screws. Restore the electrical power at the fuse box.

References

• Wiring Help: How To Wire A Switch

Resources

• State Farm: Home Electrical Safety Tips