It’s hot. It’s humid. The air is not moving. Sound like a typical summer day?
In an effort to make our horses more comfortable, we often break out the barn fans this time of year. But, are the fans you are using actually much more dangerous than you have imagined? Very likely…
Often the quickest and easiest option is to go to your local store and purchase a box fan. Surely this must be safe – as many large equestrian shops sell mounting devices specifically made to install these fans…right? WRONG!! Box fans are a potentially lethal addition to your barn. Recently, a prominent facility with box fans lost 44 horses in a barn fire. Our worst nightmare.
Agriculturally-Rated Fans vs. Industrial Fans
Problems arise from box fans and many other “industrial” fans because they are not designed to be in barns (or any agricultural setting).
I’ve heard many people proclaim, “I dust my fans, so they are safe!” Moreover, blades and guards are not the problems. If the motor is not enclosed and the bearings are not sealed, all of that barn debris will get inside of it, which causes friction. Friction causes heat and possibly a fire.
So what is the big difference between industrial and agriculturally-rated fans? There are a few crucial differences between fans made for residential use versus agricultural use:
- Fully enclosed motors featuring sealed ball bearings. Residential fans are vented, exposing the motor parts to dust and dirt. This can build up in the electrical housing causing a fire.
- Thermostatic overload shutoff switch. If the fan overheats it will automatically shut off, preventing enough heat buildup which may cause a fire.
- UL507 certified motor. This means that the electrical device is rated for outdoor use – it can get wet. In wash bays, these fans can safely be used and even sprayed down to clean them off. Walk down any aisle in your local chain farm store and you will see basket fans. Certainly, these MUST be rated for agricultural use…right? WRONG!! Many of the fans that are rated “industrial” have specific exclusions on their instructions stating NOT for agricultural use!
Agriculturally-Rated Barn Fan Options
The BEST fans for barn use should cover all of the three items listed above. At a minimum, your barn fan should have points one and two above covered.
RAMM carries a full line of these fans – including an 18” basket fan, a 24” wall mount oscillating, a shutter exhaust fan, and more!
Yes, agricultural-rated fans are much more expensive than the $19.99 box fan. In response to this remark on our Facebook page, a follower wrote, “I understand the concern about cost but I will say I bit the bullet and bought the sealed motor fans years ago. I was tired of constantly replacing box fans because they didn’t last. They [the sealed motor fans] last 10-15 times longer even in the deep south under constant use. So given the time and cost savings of always having to shop and replace them and the safety factor they are well worth the cost.”
Have you met someone who has lost horses in a barn fire? It is devastating. The loss of the barn contents is hard enough, but knowing how the horses died will be with you forever. A horse owner on Facebook nearly did go through a devastating barn fire. Luckily, she was there when the fire started and no major damage occurred. It could have been so much worse. Make sure that you have agricultural-rated electrical equipment and we always recommend GFCI circuits.
Please be safe this summer and keep an eye on all electrical appliances in your barns!
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