If you plan to install a ceiling fan in an outdoor location, it’s important to purchase a fan designed specifically 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 casing is sealed or designed to prevent water or moisture from coming into contact with the interior of the actual motor.
- The cabling is of a higher grade with additional shielding.
- Screws and other components are often made of stainless steel.
- The finish on the motor housing and hardware is usually a weather resistant powder coat, stainless steel, or has an added protective coating that can withstand exposure to the elements.
- The sheets are likely made of ABS plastic rather than 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 outdoor use
- 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 noticeable 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 purchase is UL listed for the application you need, 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:
Damp 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-in 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 in virtually any location indoors or outdoors, covered or uncovered. Therefore, you can install a moisture-rated outdoor ceiling fan in an open gazebo, latticed deck, or other similar shade structure, as well as under a covered porch or patio. Since damp-rated outdoor fans are virtually waterproof, you can hose them down…which is a great reason to buy a damp-rated fan, even if all you need is a damp-rated model.
Frequently asked questions about outdoor fans:
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. Additionally, 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 every room in the house.
I live in a very windy area and have had issues with blades breaking… are there outdoor fans that are made to withstand high winds?
In fact, high winds can cut the blades of a ceiling fan, particularly the cheaper models that use lightweight materials. Usually it is the metal blade brackets that hold the blades to the fan that break rather than the blades themselves. So if you are in an area prone to high winds, outdoor fans that do not have blade brackets 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 with blades that snap on and off. However, I suppose if any fan manufacturer came up with such a fan, it would be a bestseller.
Cable routing and junction box installation can be difficult in many outdoor applications. Are there battery operated outdoor ceiling fans?
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. These days, 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 specifically designed for the fan you are considering and is rated for the correct application (damp or wet), then you should not use it. If a remote or wall control is important to you, look for outdoor fans that have such a control included with the fan.
Can any lighting fixture 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 buy a lamp that is made by the fan manufacturer and has the same rating. If you want an outdoor fan with a lamp, your best bet is to buy one that comes with one, that way you can be sure they are compatible.
