Panel Exhaust Fan Installation Guide: Cut-Out, Height & Wiring

Last updated: September 10, 2026

Cut-out sizes, mounting position, wiring practice, sealing and the commissioning checks that catch a failed install.

A panel exhaust fan is a two-hour job for someone who has done it before and a two-day job for someone who has not. This guide covers the five decisions that determine whether the installation works: where to cut, how high to mount, how to wire it, how to seal it, and what to check before you sign it off.

Electrical work must be carried out by a qualified electrician and must comply with the wiring regulations of the country of installation. The guidance below is for planning and specification purposes. It is not a substitute for local code or for a licensed installer.

Before You Cut Anything

Step 1: Cut-Out Size

The panel is larger than the hole. Use the install size below, not the panel size — a common error that leaves a fan that does not cover the opening.

ModelPanel sizeWall cut-outDuct / outlet
KLT-10B 6-inch200×200 mm160×160 mmΦ85
KLT-12B 8-inch250×250 mm205×205 mmΦ100
KLT-16B 9-inch280×280 mm225×225 mmΦ100
KLT-18B 10-inch310×310 mm245×245 mmΦ100
KLT-20B 12-inch340×340 mm290×290 mmΦ100
KLT-25B 14-inch400×400 mm330×330 mmΦ150
KLT-30B 18-inch600×600 mm480×480 mmΦ150

Cut the opening 3–5 mm larger than the stated figure so the fan body drops in without forcing. Check the squareness of the cut with a diagonal measurement — an out-of-square hole shows as a visible gap at one corner of the panel.

Step 2: Mounting Height and Position

Position matters more than height. The fan should pull air across the room, not short-circuit from the nearest opening to the nearest exit.

Step 3: Wiring

Step 4: Sealing and Weatherproofing

Step 5: Commissioning Checks

Troubleshooting After Installation

SymptomMost likely causeCheck
Fan does not startNo supply, or a tripped protective deviceProve the supply at the fan terminals; check the spur and the breaker
Airflow feels weakShutter stuck, duct disconnected, or the room is starved of make-up airShutter travel, duct connection, and whether air can enter the room
Loud humming, little airReversed rotationCorrect the wiring to the motor
RattlingLoose panel fixing or a foreign object in the impellerIsolate the supply before opening the grille
Shutter stays openDust or grease on the hinge pinsClean the pins; add a cleaning interval to the maintenance schedule
Trips on start-upIncorrect supply frequency or a motor faultConfirm the nameplate frequency against the site supply

Maintenance

Frequently Asked Questions

What size hole do I need for a panel exhaust fan?

Use the fan's install size, not its panel size. For the KLT series the wall cut-out ranges from 160 by 160 mm on the 6-inch KLT-10B to 480 by 480 mm on the 18-inch KLT-30B. Cut 3 to 5 mm oversize so the body drops in without forcing.

How high should an exhaust fan be mounted?

High on the wall, diagonally opposite the main air entry so air sweeps across the room. In a bathroom, mount opposite the door rather than directly over the shower, and avoid mounting right beside a window or door that is normally open.

Can I install a panel exhaust fan myself?

The cutting, fixing and sealing are within reach of a competent DIY installer, but the electrical connection must be made by a qualified electrician and must comply with local wiring regulations. The fan must be earthed and needs a local means of isolation.

Does an exhaust fan need its own circuit?

It needs a means of local isolation such as a fused spur, and it should be protected to suit the cable and the installation position. Whether it shares a circuit or has a dedicated one depends on local regulation and on whether the fan has a timer or sensor.

Why is my exhaust fan not extracting properly after installation?

The four usual causes are a stuck auto-shutter, a duct that has come off its spigot, a room with no path for make-up air to enter, and reversed rotation. Check those four before assuming the fan itself is faulty.

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