Outdoor Ceiling Fans

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ScooterB

ScooterB

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NW Arkansas
Hi Gang, this is my first post. I have consulted the forum many times before and I really appreciate all of you and your input. I hope this is being posted in the right section of the forum; if not please forgive.

I need to install two fans in an outdoor porch area. I know that the fans will need to be installed using the appropriate boxes, but my dilemma is this: Has anyone seen an outdoor (wet/damp location) for ceiling fans?

And if not, what should be the right choice? I wouldn't feel comfortable using an indoor rated box because of the knockouts allowing moisture into the box.

Any and all guidance would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!
 
The fan must be damp location rated. I would not worry about the box esp. if it is concealed in the joist behind sheetrock or plywood.

If the box is exposed you could put a wp box out there but the fan cover will still leave gaps-- I don't think it is necessary.
 
Dennis Alwon said:
The fan must be damp location rated. I would not worry about the box esp. if it is concealed in the joist behind sheetrock or plywood.

If the box is exposed you could put a wp box out there but the fan cover will still leave gaps-- I don't think it is necessary.
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The box will need to be FAN rated. I believe in a prior thread, that someone posted a box designed just for the purpose of your type of installation. Maybe you can google to try and locate it.
 
Pierre C Belarge said:
The box will need to be FAN rated. I believe in a prior thread, that someone posted a box designed just for the purpose of your type of installation. Maybe you can google to try and locate it.
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Yes, I am sorry I assumed the op knew it had to be fan rated. I thought he was thinking it had to be damp rated as well.

Also, the box does not really have to be fan rated. I use a regular octagon box attached to a 2x6 and then use screws that are long enough to catch the wood. This way the box is not supporting the fan and there is no violation.
 
Pierre C Belarge said:
The box will need to be FAN rated.
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That is one way to do it, or you are welcome to use a standard box and support the fan from the structure.

Fan boxes are not required by the NEC if you do not intend to support the fan from the box.
 
Thanks for the replies everyone. The fans are UL listed for wet location so there is no problem. I just have a hard time installing a fan for a wet location and then use standard fan box that isn't. Seems to be contradictory.

I'll take a look at the website that guschash mentioned. I did try googling for something but all I got was the fans, nothing about the boxes.

Thanks again!
 
As a follow up: After looking around and calling the supply houses, this is what I have decided to do: I will use a standard interior fan box but I will make the connections using weatherproof/water resistant wire nuts. That was my concern mostly. I didn't want the connections to corrode. Since the fans are UL listed the only other problem I had was the connections to the incoming power. I figure that if I use the correct wirenuts, I should be okay.

Any comments or concerns, please advise!

Thanks again!
 
mark henderson said:
I tried to find a weatherproof bell box that was rated for a fan. I could not find one. Anyone ever seen one of them?

Mark
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Never seen one but you really wouldn't need it since you can independently support the fan from the structure rather than the box. I have been doing this forever it seems.
 
Never seen one but you really wouldn't need it since you can independently support the fan from the structure rather than the box. I have been doing this forever it seems.
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I guess I am picturing running pipe up on old work and how you would get a fitting in if it is mounted directly to the structure.

Mark
 
Dennis Alwon said:
Yes, I am sorry I assumed the op knew it had to be fan rated. I thought he was thinking it had to be damp rated as well.

Also, the box does not really have to be fan rated. I use a regular octagon box attached to a 2x6 and then use screws that are long enough to catch the wood. This way the box is not supporting the fan and there is no violation.
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Does your proposed installation comply with 314.27(D) and 422.18? :)
 
wbalsam1 said:
Does your proposed installation comply with 314.27(D) and 422.18? :)
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He's not using the box to support the fan... he could use a standard box if he wants to... Many times I have had to use
6" lags to mount the fan bracket to a beam with a standard box...
 
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wbalsam1 said:
Does your proposed installation comply with 314.27(D) and 422.18? :)
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I guess stickboy answered for me but I want to reiterate. Why wouldn't it. It absolutely complies. I be curious to know why you think it would not.
 
outdoor pad fans

outdoor pad fans

HI>> i have used just pad fan rated box several times in patio & inspectors thought it good..
Hope this helps.
 
Dennis Alwon said:
I guess stickboy answered for me but I want to reiterate. Why wouldn't it. It absolutely complies. I be curious to know why you think it would not.
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On further examination, I do not believe the provisions I cited are applicable to your circumstances. I learn something everyday on this forum and today hasn't let me down, either. :)
 
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