[mz2richard]

Hello everyone! I have a fan/light unit that is going to be installed on the third floor balcony of a vacation home. Are any special requirements in order since it is outside although it does have a covered roof and is 3-sided. Anhy help appreciated. Also I have (2) receptacles on each floor including 2 balcony levels. Am I required to have the new code WP gadget on all floors or just the ground level, front and back? I know the "outside" requirements, just not what si considered "outside". Thank you in advance for any help offered! :o

[tkrussell]

Any fan/light located outside as you described should be rated "For Damp Locations". Not sure if or how many you will find rated. I have seen many used outside under roofs down in Florida, they are all probably not rated.

There is no much risk since it is under a roof and walls on 3 sides. If you can find one rated, then you will be ahead. If not, the moisture may cause it to fail sooner.

The outlets need to be GFI protected. If you intended to plug in something longer that just the time to use a device, such as a portable drill to do some work, then you need to use an "In-Use" cover. These are large bubble cover that can close over the plug and keep it raintite for extended periods.

If you will always use the outlet only for a short period, then a flat filp cover plate is OK, because the outlet will not be opened for extended time.

If you cannot find a fan rated for damp location, a GFI may be a good measure of protection.

[ceilingfanrepair]

With the exception of commercial models designed for agricultural applications, most damp-rated fans are pretty poor quality. I do not recommend outdor/"porch fans" sold by home centers, these in particular I see plenty of drooping blades and underpowered motors. The best option is to use industrial/commercial fans but I have seen everything from cheap builder fans to expensive Casablancas. Hunter Originals are also a common option.

The most important thing is to have blade that will not warp. Most outdoor-rated fans have plastic blades, industrial fans have expoxy-finished metal blades. Some fans with wood blades will work fine but if the blades are cheap they will not last! Metal finishes designed not to rush and sealed housings are also a plus.

If you're set on getting an actual "designed for outdoors" residential fan, here is one with a really good motor:

http://www.thermalinc.com/ceilingfan/PorchFan.htm

Also if Emerson or Casablanca have any damp-rated K55 or XLP motors, those would also be very good, albeit more expensive.

Here's a document with more information:

http://www.ceiling-fans-n-more.com/o...iling-fans.php

If you're interested looking into industrial/commercial fans, there's a link in that document with more information on them as well.

[tkrussell]

I knew ceilingfanrepair guy would have the details on the fan. Thanks for the backup!

[ceilingfanrepair]

I was waiting for you, I wasn't sure if there were any code issues to address

[mz2richard]

Well, the owner will be picking out the light. Does it matter which type of box I use? Should I go with an outdoor light box or stick with a traditional fan box? Also, those new "bubble boxes", can I get away with just putting them on the "unprotected" ground level outlets and not worry about the balcony boxes, just stick with the flip-top style? Thanks a lot, Guys!

[tkrussell]

A paddle fan must be supported by a fan rated box.

If you use a flat weatherproof plate the outlet will only be for short term usage.

What is unprotected on the ground floor?

[mz2richard]

I have (2) outlets on the front outdoor patio, covered only by the P/T deck above it. The are just general-use outside outlets required by code in front and back; however, the back one is completely unprotected against the back of the house. These new "bubble boxes", what determines when you need to install them rather than the standard WP outlet cover? Thank you very much.

[tkrussell]

The bubble covers allow an outlet to be used for long periods, as the plug can stay in and be considered as protected. The flat covers are for short term temporary use, since if a plug is left in it is noit considered as raintite protected.