Exposed Wires: The Complexities Of Electrical Installation
Why Talk to an Electrician Before Buying an Outdoor Ceiling Fan?
Loretta Hughes
Outdoor ceiling fans help you cool open areas around your home. They work well in patios, pergolas, extensions and outdoor kitchens.
While you want to choose a fan that will look as good as it works, you should consider talking to an electrician before you choose which fan to buy. Why is this a good idea?
Get Advice on Fan Sizing
An appropriately-sized outdoor fan will move enough air around your space to cool all of it. However, at this stage, you might not know which size of fan to choose.
If a fan is too small for your outdoor space, then you won't get the overall cooling effect you want. If it is too big, then it might cool too hard. It might look too bulky. You'll also waste money on a larger model that does more than you need.
An electrician can help you work out how much cooling you need in your outdoor area. They can assess the size of the space and the airflow in it. They have the experience to help you choose a fan that will cool the space as efficiently as possible.
Get Advice on Fan Safety
Outdoor ceiling fans live in potentially challenging environments. While your fan might not sit directly in the open, it might be exposed to some wind, rain and moisture.
So, you can't buy an interior fan and mount it outside. You need to buy a product with an outdoor safety rating.
Typically, these fans have sealed internal units so that water or moisture can't get into your electrics. You should also choose a fan made from materials that can withstand weather damage. For example, if you buy a metal fan, you need to be sure that the fan won't rust and allow water inside.
Your electrician can check your shortlist to make sure that you are looking at products that are suitable for outdoor use. They can help you choose materials that help keep the unit safe and in good condition.
Get Installation Advice
If you want to mount a fan on a ceiling, then you need to work out how the fan affects your current wiring configuration. Your electrician can help you decide where the fan should go and tell you how much electrical work it will take to install it.
Bear in mind, you shouldn't install the fan yourself. If you're hard-wiring the fan, then you have to use a licensed electrician to do this job.
To get started, contact a local electrician and talk to them about the ceiling fans on your shortlist.
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Jonathon here. I am currently completing my electrical apprenticeship and I have to say, it has been a challenge. Before I started, I didn’t realise that there was so much involved in wiring a house or building. Safety, efficiency, aesthetics and costs all have to be taken into account. My boss is so patient. One customer asked us to leave electrical wires exposed because he wanted an “industrial effect”. My boss explained that it would be illegal and they compromised. I have really learnt that electrical installation is one area in which people should not take short-cuts or undertake home handiwork. This blog should help you to gain a little more insight into electrical installation and its intricacies. I hope you find it enlightening. Thank you for stumbling into my corner of the blogosphere.