Don't risk it with a box fan and rain" type: report source_topic: Home Safety

Using a box fan in a window during a rainstorm is generally not safe.

The short version? Water and electricity don’t mix. Box fans aren’t sealed against moisture — rain can splash onto the motor, the cord, or the switch, creating a shock hazard. Even a little water inside can cause a short, trip a breaker, or start a fire.

And it’s not just about electrocution. Rain can warp the blade or rust the motor over time. Plus, if the fan is just sitting in an open window, a strong gust could knock it out and onto the ground (or someone below). Not ideal.

If you really need airflow during a storm, a closed window with a fan pulling air from inside is a better bet. Or get a fan designed for damp locations, like a bathroom exhaust fan. But that box fan? Leave it for dry days.