How to Install a Kitchen Exhaust Hood

Look under the cabinet above your stove and find the previously installed wiring that will power the exhaust hood. Determine if the wires need moving so that the hood can fit flush against the wall and cabinets by placing the hood in position as if you were ready to install.

Elongate the hole in the wall with a utility knife if needed. Take off the silver electrical cover or panel on the exhaust hood to expose the fan switch, light switch, and fan motor by removing the hex-head screw with a nut driver. Pry out the electrical knockout plug on the hood with a flathead screwdriver. Place the range hood flush against the wall and upper cabinet. Feed the wires on the wall through the knockout hole on the hood.

Secure the exhaust hood in place by adding a screw to each of the pre-drilled holes located in the hood using a drill. Turn the power off at the main circuit breaker or fuse box located in the basement or utility room. Test the wires on the wall with a voltage meter to make sure the electricity is dead. Connect the fan part of the exhaust hood wiring by connecting one black wire from the exhaust hood to the black (hot wire) on the wall.

Connect one white wire from the exhaust hood to the white wire (neutral) on the wall. Perform the same step to connect the light, black-to-black and white-to-white. Cover the connections with wire caps. Wrap the ground wire (green) on the wall around the ground screw on the exhaust hood and secure the connection by turning the screw counter clockwise with a nut driver.

Attach a cable clamp to the wires where they meet the hood assembly and tighten with a Phillips screwdriver. Tuck away the wiring by pushing it into the wire access compartment. Reinstall the silver panel or electrical cover by putting in the screw and turning it clockwise with a nut driver. Turn the power back on and test the fixture.