Indoor Outdoor Ceiling Fan - Choosing UL Ratings

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.

Reprint Rights: You may reprint this article as long as you leave all of the links active and do not edit the article in any way.

Indoor Ceiling Fans and Outdoor Ceiling Fan Ratings

Indoor ceiling fans should be installed indoors only because installing them outside will cause electrical hazards when they are exposed to natural elements in the environment like rain or water. Their warranty will not be carried also if they are used inappropriately. You can refer to the following ratings if you want to determine their usability.

EPA Energy Star Rating

An Energy Star Logo on any equipment ensures the user of an energy cost saving and environmental friendly instrument. This is granted by the U.S, Department of Energy to electrical appliances or other gadgets that have passed their rigid testing. In the case of fans, they require that the lighting should be different from the fan speed control.

Underwriters Laboratories or UL Rating

This rating will determine if the outdoor ceiling fan is for "wet" or "damp" places. UL, under the umbrella of OSHA, will also test if the electrical materials or appliances are efficient and safe for consumers' use. UL has now rated billion of products worldwide.

A "damp" rating by UL indicates that the electrical material can be used in damp places. It does not mean however, that you can expose them to rain or snow. You can place these fans in greenhouses, patios, indoor swimming pools and other outdoors places but with rooftops. They can also be used in bathrooms instead of indoor fans. They should be enclosed in electrical boxes though with non-corrosive covers, that the National Electrical Code would approve.

A "wet" rating by the UL means that the fan is weather resistant and can withstand rain, wind and snow. This is because the fan has a sealed motor and wiring that is encased in a non-corrosive material. The fan blades are made of sturdy material that can withstand extreme heat or cold. This fan can also be EPA and OSHA approved.

NFPA Rating

The National Fire Protection Association developed all the electrical safety codes and fire safety in all electrical appliances. It was also the first one to establish the first National Electrical Code. Up to this day, volunteers are increasing worldwide and the association has gained worldwide acceptance and recognition.

Indoor ceiling fans are different from outdoor fans with their casings and make, but they both are rated by the same organizations who ensures that all electrical equipment undergo quality control testing and meet the high-standard requirement for the different rating companies.

Still interested to learn more about the fantastic indoor ceiling fans? Visit EveryCeilingFans now for all the quality tips, guides and reviews you need on other great fans like the Fanimation ceiling fan.