How to install an extractor fan in a basement

Get rid of the condensation in your basement by installing an extractor fan. Here's a simple how-to guide which explains the steps involved.

Level of difficulty

Level 2: Intermediate

What you need

• Power drill
• Power saw
• Extractor fan
• Tape measure
• Glass cutter
• Chisel
• Chalk
• Mastic
• Adhesive sealing strip
• Screws
• Screwdriver
• Ducting
• Fibreglass insulation

The steps to follow

1. Purchase an extractor fan from your local DIY shop.
2. With a tape measure, measure the diameter of the fan.
3. Based on this dimension, mark the diameter on the inside of the wall.
4. Make a hole on the wall by drilling, with a power drill, along the outline you've just marked.
5. Trim away the masonry with a chisel and hammer.
6. Smooth the edges with a power saw.
7. Fit the ducting into the hole and attach the back plate of the extractor fan against the exterior wall.
8. Mark the holes for drilling on the exterior wall that will be used to feed the supply cables.
9. Position the fan casing on the inner wall and mark the drilling holes on the wall.
10. Drill the holes with a power drill and feed the supply cables.
11. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to wire the supply cables and fan.
12. When the supply cables are properly installed, fill in any gaps around the ducting with thin scraps of fibreglass insulation.
13. Screw the external plate on the exterior wall. Apply any mastic around the external plate.
14. Finish installing the extractor fan by securing the internal fan casing to the wall.

Installing a window-mounted fan

1. First, you'll need to make a hole on the glass panel.
2. Measure the diameter of your extractor fan and based on this measurement, make a hole on the glass panel with a glass cutter.
3. Place the inner clamp plate on the hole. Secure it with a foam-sealing strip to the back of the plate. Make sure it's a tight fit against the wall.
4. Fit the outer clamp plate from the outside of the glass panel and seal it with a foam-sealing strip.
5. Mount the external grill onto the outer-clamp plate.
6. Assemble the fan assembly and the shutter on the inner glass panel.
7. Follow the manufacturer's instruction to route the supply cables.
8. Turn the power on to test the extractor fan. If it doesn't work, check to see if the supply cable has been connected properly. Refer back to the manufacturer's instructions if necessary.

Related articles

• How to get rid of condensation
• How to fit a power socket

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