Indoor & Outdoor Ceiling Fans: There is a Difference
By Tim Jackson | Jul 15, 2011
Ceiling fans enhance our indoor lives with a cooling breeze in the Summer and a beneficial circulation of warm air in the Winter. However, the benefits of ceiling fans are not exclusive to indoor environments. Outdoor ceiling fans can make a hot, sticky, mosquito infested outdoor area cool and relatively bug free! So, can one simply take a ceiling fan that they use indoors and install it outdoors?
The answer is a resounding NO!
Outdoor rated ceiling fans are more ruggedly designed and can withstand the assault of the elements where as an indoor fan would likely develop problems soon after being installed in the great outdoors, not to mention that it would likely void their warranty! Outdoor ceiling fans are designed to withstand most of what Mother Nature can throw at them including excessive heat, wind, high humidity, ice, rain, snow, and bitter cold.
There are two types of UL listings for outdoor fans. Those rated for “wet” locations and those rated for “damp” locations. Wet location fans are the most rugged. They are designed to be located in areas subject to wind driven rain, snow, or ice. These fans will have sealed motors to prevent moisture for entering the electrical components, durable powder coated finishes and often incorporate stainless steel components as well as composite blades to prevent the blades from drooping or warping over time. Damp location fans are built more durably than indoor fans but need to be protected from direct moisture. They are designed to be installed under porches, covered patios, gazebos, and other similar protected areas. Damp location fans will have a corrosion resistant coating, better insulated wiring, and more durable blades than their indoor counterparts.
It is important to look at the “UL” listing on your ceiling fans before you purchase one to make sure you are investing in the right product for the application. For more information on ceiling fans and installations in Atlanta, visit our “Ask the Expert” page on our web site www.belcoinc.com.