How to Replace a 1950s Shower Fan

Turn off the power for the 1950s fan at the main circuit breaker. In some cases, these fans may be wired into the same circuit as the bathroom lighting.

Locate the top of the fan. In many cases, this may be in an attic. Remove the electrical panel on top of the fan by loosening the screws with a screwdriver.

Use a voltmeter to check that the power for the white and black wires has been cut and is no longer live. The meter should read 0 when touching the probes to the bare wire connections on the white and black electrical cables.

Cut the connections leading from the black and white wires to the fan. The bare copper (ground) wire will typically be attached to a screw or terminal inside the fixture. Use a screwdriver to loosen the terminal before pulling off the wire.

Disconnect the fan from any ductwork or venting by loosening the connection strap or cutting any tape in place. Pull the ductwork off the fan.

Unscrew the fan body by loosening the screws on the vent face. Pull the fan body out of the casing.

Loosen any struts or connections holding the fan casing in place in the attic or crawlspace above the fan. Pull the casing out of place.

Install the new fan casing by securing it with screws or nails to the rafters in the space above the fan opening.

Install the body of the new fan through the casing opening. Feed the electrical wires through the electrical panel opening. Secure the fan body in place by screwing it into the casing.

Twist the black wire from the fan body to the black wire running to the main breaker. Repeat this process for the white wire. Secure the copper wire to the grounding screw inside the fan body.

Reconnect the ductwork for the fan and secure with tape or a retention strap.

Restore power for the fan at the circuit breaker.