How to Install a Range Fan & Light

Preparation

• Before beginning the install, turn off the electrical power to the area where you’ll mount the fan and test the fan's circuit wires with a non-contact voltage tester to confirm the power is off. Protect your range by draping a thick blanket over it. That will help catch debris and prevent damage to the range surface should you drop something. Remove the old range hood and fan if you have one in place. Disconnect the wiring, and remove the mounting screws. Unpack the new fan and hood, then take off the cover that’s secured to the wiring housing.

Mounting the Hood

• Mark the locations of the mounting screws using the new hood as a template. The hood typically mounts to the bottom of the cabinet above the range, but some models mount to the wall or the ceiling above the range. If mounting a hood that exhausts to the outside, make sure it aligns with the ductwork in the cabinet, wall or ceiling. Attach the mounting screws, but do not tighten them completely. You can move the hood a little, thanks to the keyhole-shaped mounting holes in the hood. Finish tightening the mounting screws once everything lines up correctly.

Ventilating

• If you are replacing a recirculating range hood with one that exhausts outdoors, you will likely need to install ducting behind the wall or ceiling surface or through the cabinet. The placement of wall or ceiling framing will dictate which option works best for your application. Mark the location, then cut through the drywall or plywood. You may route the duct up through the attic and outside the roof or through an outside wall. Both of these options entail cutting trough exterior materials -- either siding or roofing -- to finish the installation.

Electrical Hookups

• Once you have mounted the fan and lighting assembly in place, make the electrical hookups necessary to power the equipment. Run power from an existing source if one is available, or add a circuit by tying into a nearby junction box. Strip the wires. Join the white lead from the hood to the white (neutral) circuit wire, using a wire nut. Do the same with the black lead and black (hot) circuit wire. Join the ground to an existing ground wire. Secure the circuit cable, then turn on the power and check the circuit before reattaching the cover plate to the electrical box on the new range fan and light hood assembly.