Electrical – Do the quick connectors in the new bathroom fan need to be in a junction box

code-complianceelectricaljunction-boxwiring

I recently replaced a bathroom extractor fan. The new model uses "quick connect" electrical connectors, where I stick the house wiring into this little plastic device, and apparently that's all! The previous extractor fan used wire nuts in a metal-enclosed space similar to a junction box, but for this new model the wires just dangle out of the extractor fan module, and there's nothing in the instructions about a junction box.

Leaving the wires dangling next to the insulation in the ceiling kinda freaks me out. Is that really what I'm supposed to do, or are the connections supposed to be enclosed in something?

Best Answer

All connections must be in a junction box. They're mentioned several times in the instruction manual.

Pull the wire through the hole and into the junction box (not included). Using a quick connector, secure 120 VAC house wiring from the wall switch to the fan as shown in the wiring diagram on page 3.

It is odd that this model doesn't provide an integrated box, but you're expected to provide one. Either that or we're all misled by poorly-written instructions and the connections should be made inside the fan housing as with every other fan ever made. Ever. Be sure to use a strain relief on the knockout (which is also usually included).