Anyone fished 12v wires through the ceiling joists?

[MN_Ben]

I am going to install a Fan Tastic Vent in place of a standard vent in the ceiling. Currently there is a 12 wire but only works off a wall switch for the lights. I did not really want it connected to the wall switch because then we would have to turn the 3 ceiling lights on/off with a the broom handle as they are taller than we can reach.

I was hoping I could fish a set of 12v wires through the ceiling joists and was wondering if anyone here as experienced doing this. Maybe over to the fridge area.

This is for a 2008 Keystone Laredo 29RL

Thanks
Ben

[FF_PM]

I just did this same thing. I didn't want to hook into the switched ceiling light right next to kitchen vent. I used a fishing pole with a section of string attached to the last ring to pull the tip down into joist openings. Worked like a champ after an hour of using plain old fish tape. I went to the bathroom vent for power, and added a second Fantastic fan there.

[MN_Ben]

Thank you! I'll poke around more.I only looked towards the light fixture the fires time. I have a fiberglass wire puller, but it like to go in circles. I can try my old fish pole as well.
Thank you again,
Ben

[ScottG]

I've done it. It's a lot easier going side to side than length wise. My advice is to try it under an existing opening, like a ceiling light. Don't commit yourself by making big holes until your sure it can be done! 🙂

[CA_Traveler]

I use a 1/8" fiberglass wire puller in RV ceilings, walls, etc. Ditto for houses.

I also pull and leave a string for the next project.

[MNRon]

For about $20 you can also buy a remote inspection camera, or endoscope. It’s a tiny camera attached to a long stiff cable. I have one about 10ft long the transmits to my iPhone. I’ve used it to help fish wires etc in the sticks and bricks house.

Hopefully you already have a harness or wires nearby. If you do but aren’t sure what they are, you can use a pin to probe through the wire insulation along with a voltmeter to see which is hot or switched. You should cover up the pinhole with electrical tape when done. ONLY DO THIS ON LOW VOLTAGE WIRES, do NOT try this with yellow or white romex, those would be 120v!

[Roger10378]

I did the same thing several years ago. I used a coat hanger and went from the various openings that were already in the ceiling(light fixture, speaker , etc.). It didn't take much once I decided the easiest path.

[Blazing_Zippers]

I just did this exact thing. First check what path said, then see where the closest fan is, because you might be able to thief off those wires.
I've used a fishing pole type of device, or heavy gauge wire to poke around. On my trailer, the trusses had more room in the center where there is a crown in the roof. Insulation was a problem and it was hard to move it around. Your project might be a piece of cake.

[path1]

Not sure if this helps or not.
1. See if that was an option new, might already have some wires up there.
2. I removed old vent (with fan) and used a coat hanger to fish with and lifted insulation with part of fishing pole. When I took up the slack, even found more 12 volt wires. I think manufacture (at least mine) put in a pre-wired gang wire set up. My option is because they could easily add the option at a later time or even the dealer could without making the additional work into major project.