Can a paddle (ceiling) fan with a light kit be installed such that a single wall switch operates the light, but the motor is connected directly to the feed ?
Why, or why not?

Yes it can. Why not?

Motor disconnecting means?
Appliance disconnecting means?
What is a typical HP rating of a ceiling fan?

I've wondered about this on occasion.

[This message has been edited by Redsy (edited 07-31-2003).]

someone might think that the switch being off means that there is no energy at the assembly. ouch!

The same thing could be said of an ordinary ceiling light with the feed in the ceiling box. When the light switch is off, a homeowner/DIY could think it's safe to work on. (same "ouch")!

I guess the thread about the disconnecting means for the attic ventilating fan got me wondering if the same issue applies to paddle fans.
Is a paddle fan an appliance?
What is a typical HP rating?
Does 422.32 apply?
What about 430.109(6)(C)?
I know this may seem a bit much, but it is a motor.

Redsy,

I've done this type of installation more times than I can remember, but never thought twice about it. I had been trying to find some hp ratings for these motors, but no luck yet, but I've seen .9 amp ratings so I'd guess they're less than 1/8 hp anyway.

Bill

Have not seen a horspower rating on a residential cieling fan instructions sheet.

I think they are "Fractional / Fractional" HP Motors

Would imagine the HP rating on the commonly used PSC motor for those ceiling fans is like 1/16 HP at best!

Any more than that would prove to be LETHAL if someone stuck their head up high enough to engage the blades!
(Brings back memories of the '70s classic horror movie - "Dawn of the Dead").

Hands and Fingers would be lossed at an alarming rate!

Also, it would move so much Air at high speed, the effect would be annoying rather than pleasant!

Scott35

Even if you held a ceiling fan to the most strick motor disconnect rules, the type of fan you are refering to always has a switch on the unit to shut off the fan (otherwise the fan would run constantly without a wall switch). Listed pieces of equipment are allowed to have a unit-mounted, factory-installed switch count as a motor disconnect. So since the disconnect doesn't have to be separate from the unit on larger scales then why do you figure a small unit might need it?

Triple,
I don't really believe that ceiling fans need discos, just wondered about the concept.
However, due to the design (below the hanging motor), the unit switch doesn't really permit de-energization for removal of the motor.