Attic Fan Fire Hazard

The fan s electric motor can be miswired and overheat posing a fire hazard.

Attic fan fire hazard. Besides plastics become brittle and break over time due to exposure to heat. I would find the breaker that operates the attic fan and make sure it is turned off though. Mounting attic fans may be roof mounted or gable mounted. Plastic may be a fire hazard as it may catch fire due to the overheating of the motor.

The single most common cause of residential attic fires is electrical malfunction. If there is power going to the defective. It then condenses on those surfaces. Likewise when there are flammable products nearby your heater you may be risking a fire.

The fema document previously mentioned states that a whopping 43 of all residential attic fires are caused by electrical malfunction. When dust and debris build up in your hvac s filter it can be a fire hazard. It is not a fire hazard just having things stored in the attic. Some fire safety experts believe the installation of a whole house fan or attic fan may pose an increased risk for attic fires.

Gable mounted fans are mounted on a hole in the gable wall. If you cool your home with an attic fan be sure it is constructed of quality material such as metal. And when using the fireplace keep any flammable materials such as blankets curtains and rugs away from the fireplace and never leave children unattended near a working fireplace. This fire safety measure will help remove soot and debris which could become a fire hazard.

If you have space heaters an attic is probably not the place to keep them. That said you may want to weigh the pros and cons of attic fan installation. Plastic fan parts may pose a fire hazard.