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Wizzel · 10-14-2013, 07:19 PM

I would like to install a fan where my current vent is. When I take off the bottom trim I have a power wire running right through it which is the good news. The bad news is that while the idea of splicing this doesn't evade me, I'm not sure what the most standard or suggested manner to do this is. Anyone have a URL or some guidance on the best way to tap into this wire to connect a fan? Thanks

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Shadowcatche · 10-14-2013, 07:35 PM

TLI too little information. What is the OEM fan you do have, or is there one? One place to start would be FanTastic Vent - Home Page note that one of the tabs is OEM which if you are luck may be the vet you have.

Mr_D · 10-14-2013, 07:45 PM

Have you checked it to be sure the wire is powered all the time and not on a switch somewhere?
If it's powered you can use the automotive taps. One side goes over the wire to be spliced into and the other will crimp over a new line. They come in several sizes, the most common seem to be blue and they usually work on 12-14 GA wires.

KIX · 10-14-2013, 07:45 PM

Are you sure you have both a positive and negative 12v wires? I've not seen a white with red tracer in rv wiring before. At least that what it looks like in your pics

bvaughn4 · 10-14-2013, 07:52 PM

First thing you need to determine is if its 12V or 120V power in the wire. Forgive me if there is some standard color coding that I'm not familiar with. This could either be 120V for the overhead A/C or 12V. It looks like the vent is currently a passive vent with no powered air movement right?

Do you have a multimeter with pointed probes you can test the voltage? If its 12V DC, you could use a butt splice connector to add a wire for your new fan or you may prefer to have it soldered in and shrink wrapped. Be sure you've killed the power to the wire before you cut it if you choose to go with a butt splice.

I just swapped out a bathroom vent with a Fan-Tastic Fan 6600R and it truly is Fantastic!

Wizzel · 10-15-2013, 03:24 PM

There is a light just in front of the vent so my current assumption is that it's 12V but I'll have to test it with a multimeter to answer the other questions posed. I've got a Fantastic Fan in the restroom and want to add one up front so I can have one push and the other pull. The easiest thing is to probably pull the trim from that installation and check to see whether the same wire is used and how it's done. (now I think of that, duh)