A typical ceiling fan uses about 50 watts, from a few watts on low with a DC motor to roughly 80-100 W on high with a standard AC motor. There is no meaningful startup surge.
- Running watts
- 50 WTypical; 5–100 W across models
- Starting watts
- NoneNo motor surge
- Per day
- 0.4 kWh8 h of use
- Current
- 0.4 AAt 120 V while running
Figures checked against DOE, ENERGY STAR and manufacturer data on . Your model's label is the final word.
Watts by model and setting
Most ceiling fan models draw between 5 and 100 W while running; a typical one draws about 50 W. Assumes about 50 W (mid to high speed, fan only) for 8 hours; light kits add their own LED wattage.
- Motor type: DC motors draw far less (about 24-36 W on high for some 52-inch models) than AC motors (about 80 W on high)
- Speed setting: low speed can use only a few watts
- Light kit: an integrated LED adds around 18 W on many models
- ENERGY STAR fans are up to 44% more efficient than conventional fans
Running a ceiling fan on a generator or power station
- Generator: at least 50 running watts. A generator rated 1,000 W or more covers it with room to spare.
- Power station: continuous output of at least 50 W. Pure sine wave output is the safe choice for motors and electronics.
| Power station capacity | Estimated runtime |
|---|---|
| 500 Wh | 8.5 h |
| 1,000 Wh | 17 h |
| 2,000 Wh | 34 h |
| 3,000 Wh | 51 h |
Based on 50 W average draw and 85% usable capacity.
- A ceiling fan is an efficient way to stay cool during an outage: a 500 Wh power station can run one on medium for many hours
- Ceiling fans are hardwired, so on a generator they need a transfer switch or interlock; a plug-in box fan is easier for portable setups
- Fans with DC motors or remote receivers run best on pure sine wave power
- Run generators outdoors only, far from doors and windows
Add it to the generator calculator
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to run a ceiling fan all day?
At 50 W for 24 hours it uses about 1.2 kWh, roughly 18 cents at 15 cents per kWh; a DC fan on low costs far less.
Do DC ceiling fans use less electricity?
Yes. ENERGY STAR-listed DC fans can draw about 24 W on high and under 2 W on low, versus about 80 W on high for many AC-motor fans.