Brief overview of IP codes for fans

A ceiling fan that shall be used in damp rooms or in the garden needs to fulfil certain requirements that are not relevant for fans in living rooms and bedrooms.
Outdoors, the device is exposed to rain, hail, differences in temperature, insects and air pollution. In industrial factories or storage facilities it must withstand water jets during cleaning work as well as exhalation of foodstuffs or production work. Common household damp rooms like the bathroom, guest WC, utility room, basement and kitchen experience high humidity and splashes of water. The most important criterion for a suitable ceiling fan is an appropriate IP code. A water-proof construction protects sensitive electrics on the inside of the fan from dust and water ingress.

The abbreviation IP stands for International Protection Code. The first digit shows if the device is protected against fine dust, coarse particles or contact with body parts. The protection against contact is particularly interesting for environments with chipped woods and increased occurrence of dust. The second digit indicates protection against water ingress. The motor of these special fans features a special casing that prevents moisture from infiltrating and ensures a long service life.

Mould in bathrooms and WC

In a bathroom the humidity levels are usually far above the average 40-60%. On one hand the rooms are small, on the other hand a lot of moisture is released there. Almost every time the bathroom is used, water will flow. Whether one is washing their hands, using the toilet, taking a shower or bath; in some small homes the laundry rack is often put up inside the bathtub to dry wet clothes. Without a sufficient amount of ventilation, mould is bound to grow.

In bathrooms without any windows, you will usually find an exhaust shaft. It extracts the damp and hot air and transports it away from the building. A hygrometer will tell you how quickly humidity decreases in your bathroom. These handy devices are available at a low price online or from electrical retailers. If it takes a long time until moisture has reduced to a normal level, it is recommended to opt for a special fan that is suitable for humidity or outdoor use. In the long term, humidity can lead to damage of devices if they are not constructed to deal with this.

Even if there is a window a ceiling fan comes in quite handy. In order to move the humid air to the outside there must be draught. Without a fan you can achieve this by opening the window in the room as well as in other rooms and keep the doors open. After a few minutes the moisture content should have already decreased in the bathroom so there is no acute threat of mould growth. In some situations it is not feasible to open all doors and windows: If there are visitors or occupants need to leave the house to go shopping, etc. In that case a ceiling fan is helpful as it circulates air and moves it faster to the outside. A ceiling fan with lights can perform two tasks at once, namely provide lighting and ventilation.

Special case: kitchen

Not only steam is a common occurrence in kitchens though, but also grease and odour. Often ventilation is regulated by exhaust fume hoods on top of the stove or simply by opening windows. Ceiling fans are often used to support existing ventilation. However, the ceiling appliance must be mounted at a generous distance from the stove/kettle/sink or have a special certification for use in kitchens. Otherwise you will face risks due to grease deposit and fire, motor damage as well as short circuits. Sometimes ceiling fans are suitable for use in damp areas but not for use in the kitchen. Always check the product description or manufacturer’s manual for this information.

Outdoor ceiling fan or pedestal fan?

Stylish and cool: Outdoor ceiling fans. In the garden, on the balcony or patio… a ceiling fan is a welcome appliance.

More fields of application:
Garage and carport
Conservatory
Garden shed
Street café
Hotel grounds

Ceiling fans can also be mounted to a large tripod or other mount. A solid wooden beam or metal construction can be used if the fan’s weight is about 5 kg (depending on the model). In outdoor areas like a porch a special fan can be more beneficial than a conventional portable fan.