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Safety Standards for Wall Fans

Wall fans are electronically operated devices used in homes and industrial settings for cooling, ventilation and exhaust purposes. They function in much the same way as free-standing electrical fans, but are either attached to, or recessed within, a wall or ceiling.

  1. OSHA and U.L. Safety Standards

    • Wall fans sold within the United States should be tested by an independent laboratory to ensure compliance with electrical standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL). These standards are designed to protect people using, or likely to come into contact with, the appliance. Standards include a requirement for electrical insulation integrity and the enclosure of the motor and wiring terminals, so they can't be damaged or contaminated. In addition, adequate fixings must be provided for the fan to be firmly mounted to the wall.

    Kitchen and Bathroom Wall Fans

    • Wall fans intended for use in moisture-rich environments such as kitchens and bathrooms should be waterproof and of low voltage to minimize the danger from electrical shocks. They should also be wired into the main electrical circuit and operated by a pull cord or switch, rather than being plugged into a wall socket.

    Safety Features

    • Additional safety standards for wall fans include a thermal cutout feature in case of overheating and enclosure of the fan blades behind durable, steel wire guards.

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