Ceiling fans are designed for three distinct environments: indoor, outdoor in a covered and protected damp area, and outdoor in a wet location potentially exposed to wind-driven rain. Like other indoor and outdoor electrical fixtures, ceiling fans must be compliant with various regulations in their design and installation. Certainly, installing an indoor ceiling fan outdoors will void its warranty, but more importantly, installing an indoor fixture for outdoor use is a fire and electrical safety hazard.
Underwriters Laboratories
Outdoor ceiling fans have a UL rating of either "wet" or "damp." Regardless of where they are manufactured, electrical fixtures sold in U.S. markets are safety rated by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), an OSHA-recognized privately operated third-party testing facility. UL was originally an insurance industry service, organized in 1894 to test electrical and insulation products for fire insurers. By 1899, UL had tested 1,000 now familiar items, such as circuit breakers, fuses, flexible cords, rheostats, insulation joints, lamps, and bushings. In 2008, UL ratings appeared on 20 billion products made in 98 countries.
DAMP
A UL "damp" rating confirms electrical fixture safety for locations with high humidity, but without direct contact with rain or snow. A damp-rated ceiling fan can be used under the roof of a covered porch or patio if it cannot be reached by wind-driven rain. Damp-rated fans are appropriate for a greenhouse above the level of the sprinklers, in a barn or other livestock building or in an enclosure for an indoor swimming pool. U.S. Department of Energy "Energy Star" program suggests that damp-rated fans should be used in bathrooms. Internal wiring for the damp ceiling fan is more robust and protected than for indoor fixtures. The case must be non-corrosive or covered with a non-corrosive coating. For safety, a damp-rated ceiling fan must be installed into an electrical box "rough in" that complies with specific requirements of the National Electrical Code (NEC). The metal box housing the wiring should be marked, "For use with ceiling fans."
WET
An Underwriters Laboratories (UL) rating of "wet" confirms that an electrical fixture is safe for use when exposed directly to wind, rain and snow. A wet-rated ceiling fan has a sealed motor and sealed wiring. The case is made of noncorrosive material or is treated with a magnetic paint powder that is baked onto its surface. The fan blade materials will maintain their shape when exposed to extremes of summer and winter temperatures and humidity. For Energy Star compliance, a wet ceiling fan manufacturer must provide EPA with the results of a "Rain Test for Wet Locations," and a test result from an OSHA Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). As with any other "wet" electrical device, a wet ceiling fan should be installed into an electrical box rough-in designed for such an installation. For safety, a professional electrician should install any necessary outdoor lines and the rough-in. If you are planning a DIY for outdoor electrical work, you should consult your local jurisdiction for permitting and inspection.
EPA Energy Star
The U.S. Department of Energy administers the Energy Star program. Energy Star sets design and safety criteria for electrical appliances in the U.S. market. Energy Star assures that ceiling fans for noncommercial use have fan speed controls separate from any lighting controls. Light packages on ceiling fans must not exceed 190 watts total and must have socket pins that will accommodate compact fluorescent bulbs. Energy Star also sets the rate of energy use by appliances and requires that information be printed on the packaging.
NFPA
The electrical codes used in all appliances were developed by the National Fire Protection Association, or NFPA, which was established in 1896 through the efforts of 20 insurance associations in the U.S. and Canada. In 1897, NFPA established the first National Electrical Code. Currently the NFPA has about 65,000 members worldwide, among whom 5,000 serve on volunteer committees that develop fire safety codes.
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