Ceiling fans that are intended for outdoor installations come in two distinct UL rating categories, wet or damp. When purchasing an indoor outdoor ceiling fan for your home, always check the UL or Underwriters Laboratories rating. UL is a testing facility that has been testing electrical and insulation materials since 1894. A UL rating is recognized all over the world but it is a requirement for all electrical fixtures sold in the United States regardless of where a product is manufactured. The damp and wet UL ratings for electrical fixtures that are sold in the U.S. are easy to understand because they cover most outdoor conditions that occur in this continent.
A "damp" rating means the fan was designed for climates with high humidity but not for direct exposure to rain and snow. A ceiling fan with a damp rating can be installed in a covered patio or porch but only if there is no chance that wind-driven rain can reach it. Damp rated fans are also recommended for bathrooms because of its non-corrosive case and well protected wiring. Damp fans can safely be installed high up in greenhouses, barns, and even indoor swimming pool areas as long as there is no chance of water reaching the fan housing.
A "wet" rated fan can be exposed to wet conditions of wind, snow, and rain. The wiring and electrical components of a wet rated fan are safely housed in a waterproof case that is typically treated with materials that will not corrode in wet conditions. Even the fan blades are built strong enough to withstand extremely wet conditions without warping. A wet rated fixture is a little more expensive to purchase but the peace of mind is well worth the investment. If your home is fairly new then the indoor outdoor ceiling fans are likely going to be wet rated fans because most building codes require that outdoor fans have a wet rating.
When purchasing a used indoor outdoor ceiling fan for you home, always check the rating first because an item that is unrated may not have been tested for safety in outdoor conditions. I would not invest any money in a fixture that is unrated by the UL testing facility because the UL is an OSHA-recognized facility that has been doing this for a long time and is well trusted as such.
Check out these recommended resources for your next DIY home improvement project whether you are shopping for outdoor ceiling fans or have questions on how to install your outdoor ceiling fan.
Copyright 2009 Roy Yazzie. All Rights Reserved.
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