Are floor fans a fire hazard is left on all day?

Question

My boyfriend heard that if you leave on a floor fan all day long it could cause a fire hazard. I rather leave it on for our dog then having on our window unit to save electricity

Answer 1

All electric motors get hot, but fan motors continue to cool themselves off by air being circulated around it.  If your fan is in good working order, and can be assured that it will not tip over nor be knocked over by your dog, then your fan will be fine.  otherwise if the movement of air around the motor stops it can potentially get very hot, and may cause a fire.

Answer 2

Not if it is in good working order, but it may get knocked over by your dog, and cause some issues.

Answer 3

The problem with most floor fans is they have shaft bushings instead of bearings like a quality box or ceiling fan.  A bushing cannot hold much lubrication so a fan left running all day long will likely develop a hot bushing, which will then begin to seize.  This will usually load the motor until it trips the circuit breaker.  A ruined fan and a stinking, burned motor smell may await you when you get home but the actual fire hazard is very small.  Use the window unit.  It's probably cheaper in the long run than buying fans, and is more comfortable for the dog.

Answer 4

It shouldn't be a problem. Touch it when it's been running for hours. If it's warm, that's okay. If it's hot, throw it out and buy another.

I agree with the answer that suggests that there's a potential problem only if your dog can knock it over. Consider bracing it securely.

Answer 5

Unless there is a problem with the fan's wiring, there shouldn't be a problem. Last year it was horrendously hot where I live, and the fans stayed on 24/7.

Answer 6

if you are worried about something going wrong then i suggest you change over the regular outlet you will use to plug in the fan to a GFI one. If there is even the slighteset problem with the fan it will automatically shut off the power in milliseconds. you can buy one for 10 dollars or less.