To wire an exhaust fan in a distribution box, connect the hot (live) wire through a switch or timer, the neutral wire directly to the fan, and the ground wire to the fan's metal body and the distribution box ground.

Step-by-Step Wiring Instructions

1. Turn Off Power Before starting, switch off the circuit breaker supplying the fan to ensure safety. Use a non-contact voltage tester to confirm the power is off. 2. Identify Wires

• Hot (Live): Usually black or red, carries current from the distribution box.
• Neutral: Usually white, completes the circuit.
• Ground: Green or bare copper, ensures safety. 3. Wiring Through a Switch or Timer
• Connect the hot wire from the distribution box to one terminal of the switch or timer (often labeled "Line" or "L").
• Connect another wire from the switch/timer output terminal (often labeled "Load") to the hot wire of the exhaust fan.
• The neutral wire from the distribution box bypasses the switch and connects directly to the fan's neutral wire.
• Connect the ground wire from the distribution box to the fan's metal body and, if applicable, to the switch or timer grounding terminal . 4. Inside the Fan Junction Box
• Strip about 3/4 inch of insulation from the fan wires.
• Use wire nuts to splice black to black (hot), white to white (neutral), and connect the ground wire to the fan's grounding screw.
• Ensure all connections are secure and no bare wire is exposed. 5. Cable Management
• Use a cable clamp to secure the incoming wires to the fan junction box.
• Leave about an inch of sheathing inside the box to prevent strain on the connections . 6. Final Checks
• Double-check all connections, ensuring the hot wire passes through the switch or timer, neutral is continuous, and grounding is complete.
• Close the fan junction box and switch/timer cover.
• Restore power and test the fan operation. 7. Optional Configurations
• Timer Control: If using a timer, connect one hot wire to the source and the other to the fan, following the timer's labeling.
• GFCI Combo: For added safety, a GFCI switch can be used; connect the source hot to the switch and pigtail to the GFCI LINE terminal, then connect the fan as usual . Following these steps ensures your exhaust fan is safely wired, properly grounded, and controlled via a switch or timer from the distribution box.