Replacing a bathroom exhaust fan cover with light starts with shutting off the breaker, then removing the grille and light assembly carefully.
For the full breakdown, see our best Bathroom Exhaust Fan Cover With Light guide.
Before you pull on anything, know this: most Broan/NuTone covers release with spring clips pinched together, but some use a center nut or tab-and-slot lens design. Forcing the cover risks cracking the housing. The right replacement cover keeps humidity out of the attic and makes your bathroom look finished again.
Turn Off the Power First
Flip the breaker that feeds the bathroom before touching anything. The wall switch does not count as a safety measure—wiring inside the housing stays live even with the switch off, so a bare wire against metal can still shock you.
How Bath Fan Covers Come Off
Reach up and inspect the cover’s edge before pulling. The release mechanism depends on the model, and guessing wrong damages the grille or the housing clips.
Most Broan/NuTone grilles use spring clips. Squeeze the clips together from inside the housing while pulling the cover downward. Some models instead have a center nut or a tab that needs squeezing or depressing before the lens releases. A few older units, like the Broan 678 style, use a single cap nut holding a bulb pan—not spring clips at all.
If the fan has a light, you may need to unplug or unscrew the light housing to access the fan itself. Some lights are hardwired, others plug in; move the fixture aside gently rather than yanking wiring.
Choosing the Right Replacement Cover
Replacement grilles are model-specific, so match the exact model number printed on your fan housing before ordering. A cover built for one Broan line will not clip into another. Broan/NuTone replacement lens assemblies fit specific older models, including 605P, 660, 660P, 660RP, 665, 665F, 665N, 665RF, 665RP, 665RSP, 668, 668N, 668P, 668RP, and VH668P. Newer fans often share quick-install grilles like the Broan FG600, an accessory that pairs an LED light with the cover in one piece.
| Fan Model Group | Cover Release Type | Replacement Note |
|---|---|---|
| Most Broan/NuTone grilles | Spring clips, pinch and pull | Check housing for model number first |
| Broan 678-style | Cap nut and bulb pan | Remove nut, not clips |
| Older models (605–668, VH668P) | Tab-and-slot lens | Depress tab before removing lens |
| Newer quick-install models | Snap-in grille | FG600 grille pairs LED light with cover |
Wondering which style your fan uses? Squeeze the grille’s edge gently—if it flexes inward, you’ve found spring clips. If it stays rigid, look for a visible nut or tab. When you’re ready to buy, our roundup of tested bathroom exhaust fan cover with light options can help you narrow the choice.
Reinstall and Test the Fan
Align the new cover’s slots with the housing clips, then press upward until the clips seat with a click. Reconnect any light plugs or wires you detached earlier, and screw the light housing back into place. Restore power at the breaker, then flip the wall switch to confirm both the fan and light run properly.
If the cover pops loose or the light flickers, reseat the clips and check that the bulb is fully twisted in.
FAQs
FAQs
How do I know which replacement fan cover fits my unit?
Read the model number printed on the fan housing—usually visible with the grille off. Compare it against the compatibility list from the replacement part’s listing. Broan/NuTone covers are not interchangeable between model families, so a cover that fits a 668 will not clip into a newer quick-install housing.
Can I replace the cover without turning off the breaker?
No. The housing contains live wiring even when the wall switch is off, so leaving power on risks shock when the grille comes off. Flip the breaker feeding the bathroom and confirm the fan stays off with the switch on before starting any work.
Why does my new cover keep falling off?
A loose cover usually means the spring clips missed their slots or the housing tabs are worn. Reseat the cover with firm upward pressure until you hear the clips click. If it still drops, the housing clips themselves may be broken, which requires replacing the fan housing—not just the grille.
References & Sources
- Broan-NuTone. “FG600 Quick Installation Grille/Cover with LED Light.” Details the rapid-install snap-on cover for compatible fan models.
- Building America Solution Center. “DIY Guide: Clean a Bathroom Exhaust Fan.” Outlines safe removal, cleaning, and reinstallation steps for bath fan covers and lights.
- Broan-NuTone. “FG600Q Replacement Lens/Shade.” Lists compatible older fan models (605P through VH668P) for replacement lenses.
