Outdoor Fans: Damp vs. Wet

There seems to be some confusion when people order fans that they want for an outside location. Not all outdoor fans are created equal. It is not as as simple as "outdoor" and "indoor" use. There are two ratings that you will need to look for in choosing a fan. They are "damp" and wet".

DAMP

"Damp" means that the fan can withstand moisture but not direct contact with water. A damp-rated fan is typically installed under a safely covered area such as a sunroom, patio or even in a bathroom. An example of a damp-rated fan would be the Ball Fan by The Modern Fan Company (pictured below). View some damp-rated fans now at www.lumens.com

WET

"Wet" means that the fan is made to withstand direct contact with water, i.e. rain. A wet-rated fan can be installed in uncovered areas such as a gazebo, a deck with a pergola, or onto a beam for an uncovered patio area. An example of such a fan is the Shores Fan by Monte Carlo (pictured below). View some wet-rated fans now at www.lumens.com

Something to keep in mind when selecting outdoor fans is that even though they are rated for outdoor use, these are fans constantly exposed to the elements and are not to be considered invulnerable. If you decide to go with a fan that has wooden blades, eventually the blades can warp after a few years . If you choose a fan with a painted finish on the blades, that finish can start to peel off after some time. With those things in mind, it may be wise to throw in an extra blade set with your fan purchase.

Questions on these types of fans? Or, to order call 1.877.445.4486