Save yourself a few headaches and take the time to check the fan's model number, and the motor assembly part number, before ordering a replacement. Also, don't assume it would be easier to simply buy a whole new unit (box casing and all) and swap it with the existing one. First, it's no trouble to replace the motor alone. Second, many of the new units (box casing and all) require top-down installation, meaning if you don't have access from an attic above, you won't be able to install it.
All that said, this motor works great. It does what it's supposed to do. Directions were included, but unnecessary. The motor isn't silent, but it's no louder than the original. Bathrooms are the noisiest rooms in any house (hair dryers, pulsating shower heads, electric toothbrushes, etc...) so I'm confused by reviewers who complain about the moderate buzzing of an exhaust fan.
I approached the installation process slowly and deliberately from the start. As noted, replacing a motor sounded complicated, so my first step was to remove the fan grill to get an idea of what I was in for. Once I did that I noticed the model info sticker on the unit casing, so I snapped a pic of it with my cell phone and headed for my computer. The sticker provided me with the model number (It's a 678 F/678 F-F) as well as the motor assembly part number (97012040). Unfortunately, motor assembly part number 97012040 no longer exists as a Broan product and my online search turned up empty. Rather than take a risk on ordering the wrong part, I turned to the Broan website and sought help via their product Q&A forum. About a day later, a Broan customer service rep responded to say that, in the 14 years since this unit was installed, Broan changed the motor assembly part number from 97012040 to 97012038. That, of course, is this model.
Much as I appreciated the help provided by the Broan rep, I didn't buy it from their parts store. Instead, I purchased it here on Amazon for less than half the Broan list price.
In the end, the project was easier than most DIY projects because there was no need to cut and splice wires. The fan casing was already equipped with an outlet and the motor came prewired with a plug. The rest was just screws and bolts. I shut the power off at the breaker box, unplugged and unmounted the old motor, then installed the new one and plugged it in. Done and done.
I've since ordered a couple more to preemptively replace the fans in the other two bathrooms.
| Manufacturer | Broan-NuTone |
|---|---|
| Part Number | BP27 |
| Item Weight | 1 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 5.7 x 5.4 x 3.75 inches |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Item model number | BP27 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Size | No Size |
| Color | Black / White |
| Power Source | AC |
| Installation Method | Fan Only |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Air Flow Capacity | 50 Cubic Feet Per Minute |
| Included Components | Motor |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Warranty Description | Warranty |
