If you are planning to install a ceiling fan in an outdoor location, it is important to purchase a fan that is specifically designed for that purpose. If you install an indoor fan in an outdoor area, it is likely to short-circuit (which can be dangerous) or simply fail prematurely. Outdoor ceiling fans are designed differently than indoor ceiling fans because they must be able to harness the forces of mother nature.
Here are some of the differences between outdoor ceiling fans and those made for indoors:
- The decorative motor housing is sealed or designed to prevent water or moisture from coming into contact with the interior of the actual motor.
- The wiring is of a superior grade with additional shielding.
- Screws and other components are usually made of stainless steel.
- The finish on the motor housing and hardware is usually a weather-resistant powder coat, stainless steel, or has an additional protective coating that can withstand exposure to the elements.
- The sheets are likely to be made of ABS plastic instead of plywood. ABS is a very strong, durable material that resists warping and fading from moisture or UV exposure.
- Light fixtures are sealed at the top and designed for outdoors
- Mounting hardware is watertight or designed to prevent water from entering from above.
There are 2 types of outdoor ceiling fans, those rated for WET locations and those rated for WET locations. There is a notable difference between the two and it is important that you choose the correct type for your application. In either case, make sure the fan you buy is UL listed for your application so you know it can be installed safely without creating a potential electrical hazard.
Here are the differences between the two types of outdoor fans:
Moisture Rated Outdoor Fans they are designed to handle moisture but not direct contact with rain or running water. Therefore, a moisture-rated outdoor ceiling fan can be installed in a covered area, such as a patio or screened porch, or other areas that are protected from rain or dripping water.
Wet outdoor fans They are designed to handle direct exposure to rain. They can be installed virtually anywhere indoors or outdoors, covered or uncovered. Therefore, you can install a moisture-rated outdoor ceiling fan in an open gazebo, lattice-covered deck, or other similar shade structure, as well as under a covered porch or patio. Because wet-rated outdoor fans are virtually waterproof, you can clean them with a hose…which is a great reason to buy a wet-rated fan, even if all you need is a wet-rated model.
Outdoor Fan FAQ:
Can an outdoor ceiling fan be installed indoors?
Yes, you can install an outdoor fan in your living room or any other room in your home where you want a fan. Many people will do this simply because they like the look of a particular outdoor fan. Also, outdoor fans are highly recommended for laundry rooms and bathrooms or any other room within your home that tends to have excess humidity. In more humid climates, outdoor fans are a great option for all rooms in the house.
I live in a very windy area and have had problems with blades breaking… are there outdoor fans that are made to withstand high winds?
In fact, strong winds can snap the blades of a ceiling fan, particularly cheaper models that use lightweight materials. Usually it’s the metal blade brackets that hold the blades to the fan that break rather than the blades themselves. So if you’re in an area prone to high winds, outdoor fans that don’t have blade supports are your best bet. If the fan is going to be installed in an area 9 feet high or less, a Hugger-style outdoor fan is even better. A perfect example of such a fan is the Minka Aire Concept II Wet, which is one of the few outdoor fans that meets this criteria.
Are there outdoor fans that are designed to be easily removed or have blades that are easy to remove when a storm is coming?
This is a very common question. Unfortunately, the answer is no. There are no ceiling fans designed with a “quick disconnect” mechanism or blades that snap on and off. However, I suppose if some fan manufacturer came up with such a fan, it would be a best seller.
Running cables and installing a junction box can be difficult in many outdoor applications. Are there outdoor ceiling fans that run on batteries?
Although DC-powered ceiling fans are now available, they are not yet powerful enough to handle the needs of outdoor applications, nor are they designed to run on batteries. Currently, most DC powered ceiling fans use an AC/DC converter, so they still require electrical wiring. However, I would expect this to change in the near future…most likely in the next year or two.
Can a remote be added to an outdoor ceiling fan?
Most add-on wall or remote controls are not rated for outdoor use, so unless the control is designed specifically for the fan you are considering and is rated for the correct application (wet or damp), then you should not use it. If a wall or remote control is important to you, look for outdoor fans that have such a control included with the fan.
Can any lighting device be added to an outdoor ceiling fan?
No. Just as ceiling fans are rated for damp or wet locations, so are the light fixtures used with them. Be sure to purchase a lamp made by the manufacturer of the fan and that has the same rating. If you want an outdoor fan with a lamp, your best option is to buy one that comes with one, this way you can be sure they are compatible.