Ceiling fans for vaulted barn aisle

[saje]

I think that because your barn IS so bright just from the openness and the general ambient light that you wouldn’t get that strobe effect that’s so disturbing.

I’m actually thinking about ceiling fans too because the barn could use a bit more air flow, but the horses don’t seem to like being in the stalls with the box fans on. They make ME feel better, but no matter the setting they want no part of it. glad I didn’t hardwire in fans after all!

I wonder if there’s a way to put up a test fan…?

[GypsyQ]

[QUOTE=Badger;8244343]

I can see how it would be a problem if the sole light source was a lightbulb above the fan blades, as the running fan would be constantly making the light blink on/off/on/off/on/off. But with the generous skylights in my barn, unless it’s a moonless night, there is always some ambient light.[/QUOTE]

And it’s in situations like that where I’ve experienced it…the lightbulb was the main or only source of light. I can’t recall noticing it in barns with an alternative overhead light source.

[Badger]

Thanks for the additional explanation, Gumtree. It’s helpful.

[DHCarrotfeeder]

[QUOTE=Badger;8243360]
The basket fans in our stalls and run-in sheds are noisy, and I’m thinking about adding some additional ceiling fans along the barn aisle to QUIETLY help move air, provide some cooling breeze, etc. And I have some questions:

1. How high should a fan be for safety with horses? The idea of a horse inadvertently rearing up into a ceiling fan is gasp worthy, so I want that sucker out of the way. But on the other hand, the lower a fan is the more the air can be felt by the horses and people on the ground. There is a beam at 18’ up where the fans will be installed, so there is plenty of clearance. But by adding a down rod and lowering the fans the wind chill effect should be increased. So what is the best height?

2. Everything I read about the DC motors is that they are super efficient and really quiet. Anyone have experience with these that you can share?

At this point, I am looking at a few different large fans with DC motors that span from 65" to 84". I’m looking at outdoor damp rated as they will be exposed to dust and humidity but not direct rain/water. Aisle is 12’ wide. Barn is basically 36’ wide.[/QUOTE]

First, don’t confuse raging torrents of air with good circulation. Small fans that move air fast are loud, cheap, inefficient, and unreliable.

If I had that much headspace, I’d look into some BigAss fans (that’s a brand) or similar. Larger and slower is the way to go. Not sure if they are DC offhand. They do cost a bit more up-front but it’s a wise investment.