The three ratings
- Dry or indoor. For indoor rooms only. Not safe outdoors.
- Damp rated. For covered areas that are protected from direct rain but may have humidity, such as a fully covered porch or patio.
- Wet rated. For direct exposure to rain and moisture, including open patios, pergolas and locations reached by misters.
A wet-rated fan can go in a damp or dry location, but a damp-rated fan should not be used where it gets wet.
Which do you need?
| Location | Rating needed |
|---|---|
| Fully covered patio with solid roof and walls on most sides | Damp |
| Covered patio with open sides that get wind-blown rain | Wet |
| Pergola or open-slat structure | Wet |
| Patio with misting system | Wet |
| Front porch exposed to weather | Wet, or damp if fully covered |
| Garage or workshop | Dry is usually fine; damp for washdown areas |
When in doubt, choose wet-rated. It costs a little more and gives you a margin of safety.
What makes a fan wet-rated
- Sealed motor housing
- Moisture-resistant blades, often ABS plastic or other synthetic materials
- Corrosion-resistant hardware and finishes
- Wet-location listed light kit, when a light is included
Arizona conditions
Arizona patios face intense sun, dust storms and monsoon rain between mid-June and the end of September. Blades that are not rated for the sun can warp, and dust builds up on housings. Choose fans with UV-resistant finishes and clean them a few times a year. See outdoor patio ceiling fan installation.
Installing an outdoor fan
The fan is only part of the system. The box, wiring and connections must also be suitable for outdoor use. An outdoor-rated fan on an indoor box is a problem. See fan-rated box upgrade.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a damp-rated fan on an open patio?
Not if rain can reach it. Use a wet-rated fan.
Can I use an indoor fan on a covered patio?
No. Indoor fans are not listed for the humidity and temperature swings outdoors.
Do wet-rated fans cost more?
Usually a bit more, but they last longer outdoors.
Keep reading
How to Choose the Best Ceiling Fan for an Arizona Home
What to look for in a ceiling fan for Arizona heat: DC motor, CFM, blade pitch, size, rating for patios and controls. A buyer's guide from local installers.
Ceiling Fan Size Guide: What Blade Span Fits Your Room?
What size ceiling fan do you need? A room-by-room guide to blade span, mounting height, clearances and when to use two fans, from Gilbert, AZ fan installers.