Ceiling Fans

When searching for a ceiling fan, you want a fixture that will tastefully match your décor, but the world of ceiling fan can introduce a complexity of technical terms and parts that can make you feel lost and confused when deciding what to purchase. Our glossary of ceiling fan related terms is here to aid you in the search for the perfect ceiling fan. If you can’t find the answer here, call us with any questions you may have. We have a trained staff of ceiling fan experts, here to help you.

• Key Terms
• Styles
• Types

Balancing Kit: A kit containing lead self adhesive weights and a plastic clip to balance wobbling fan blades and achieve equilibrium.

Ball:: The ball mounts to the mounting bracket, sliding tightly into the slot located on the bracket.

Blades:: Flat surfaces that rotate through the air, creating air flow. Also known as paddles, fan blades are usually made of wood, metal, or plastic.

Blade Arm:: The metal bracket which attaches the blade to the motor is called the blade arm.

Blade Pitch:: Measured in degrees, the blade pitch is the angle between the blades of the fan and the horizon. A higher degree of blade pitch, results in a higher amount of air movement. Too little blade pitch can cause too much RPM which, as a result, can create noise from air swirling around the blade.

Canopy:: The decorative cover in which the mounting bracket is enclosed.

Capacitor:: A device used to provide extra power to the fan motor for needed power used to turn fan blades. Every induction motor has a start/run capacitor.

• Triple Capacitor: Triple capacitor fans contain two extra capacitors as well as the start/run capacitor. Their purpose is to reduce voltage entering the fan motor and control fan speed. Commonly, they are all in one case or housing.

Central Diffusing Light:: Provides general diffused illumination. A larger diffuser creates a softer light.

CFM:: Cubic Feet per Minute. The CFM is used to measure air flow. The higher the CFM, means the more air movement the fan is creating.

Collar Cover:: A decorative cover, hiding the mounting hardware which connects the fan’s downrod to the motor housing.

Downrod:: A metal pipe which extends from the ceiling bracket to the top of the fan. Commonly, fans come with downrods ranging from 3-5” but longer downrods are available.

• Downrod Threading: When the installation of longer downrods is necessary, the threaded end must be installed in the ball, allowing the smooth end to make solid contact in the fan yoke thus preventing wobbling.

Glass Cluster:: Consists of a fitter with a ring of lamps, typically four, and matching glass diffusers.

Fan Controls:: Essentially all fans sold to residential users include controls (a pull chain). When fans have a multi-speed motor, the pull chain controls a 1-2-3 switch. Fans which also have lighting require 2 controls (for the fan, and lighting).

• Fan/Light Controls: Also called “dual controls”, control light intensity and fan speed from one device.
• Handheld Controls: Allows you to operate your fan from a remote location without extra wiring. Remote controls make fans more versatile and convenient.
• Multiple Controls: A control rated for more than one fan or 5 or more amps.
• Quiet Controls: Used to operate fans at discrete speeds (3 speed or 4 speed).
• Wall Controls: An electrical wall box which allows you to turn the fan on/off. A fan/light switch is available but requires the running of an additional wire from fan to switch.

Fitter:: The fitter is the metal part of a light kit, which attaches to the fan and contains the light socket(s). Often shades are sold separately.

Hugger:: A particular style of fan, in which the motor mounts directly to the ceiling. Used on lower ceilings.

Light Kit:: Contains a light fixture which can be attached to the bottom of a fan.

Motor Housing:: The decorative body which houses the motor. The motor housing shields the internal motor parts, and aligns the rotor (moving part of the motor) and stator (non-moving part of the motor) within the motor. Also contained in the motor housing is the plug which will connect the plug in the switch housing.

Mounting Bracket:: Device that attaches the fan to the electrical junction box on the ceiling. In order for the fan to operate smoothly, this must be a secure attachment!

Multi-mount:: Multi-mount fans create the same effect of hugger fans because they can be hung with the downrod. but they retain an appearance of a more traditional fan. Multi-mounts can be used on high ceilings and sloped-ceilings up to 30 degrees.

Outlet Box:: The metal box, also called a junction box, is mounted above the ceiling. It is where the fan’s wires attach to the house wiring. It is also the location where the fan attaches to the ceiling. Fans should always be mounted from outlet/junction boxes that say “For use with ceiling fans”. Never use plastic boxes for the installation of ceiling fans unless the box says “For use with ceiling fans”!

Reverse Switch:: Controls the motor rotation by changing the electrical current flow.

Rotor:: The moving part of the fan’s motor. The rotor converts electromagnetic force to drive fan blades.

• External Rotor: Located on the outside of the stator, this motor was created for ceiling fan use and is more efficient than an internal rotor.
• Internal Rotor: Located on the inside of the stator, this motor is used primarily for washing machines, dryers, etc as a general purpose appliance motor.

RPM:: Revolutions per Minute. Increasing the RPM does not necessarily mean more air is being moved because airflow is a combination of speed, blade pitch, and several other factors.

Safety Cable:: Required for all fans sold in Canada and fans over 35 lbs. sold in the USA. Safety Cables help provide a secure installation and suspension of ceiling fans.

Sloped Ceiling Kit:: A mounting system (optional) which allows fans to be suspended from ceilings with pitches above 30 degrees.

Stator:: The non-moving part of the fan’s motor which creates magnetic force used to drive the motor.

Switch Housing:: The part of the fan’s motor where switches are located to change fan speed, rotational direction, and sometimes light kit function.

UL and CUL Listed:: Underwriters Laboratory, Inc., like Electrical Testing Laboratory (ETL), is an independent, not-for-profit product safety testing and certification organization.

Uplights:: A light fixture that concentrates light in an upward direction. Uplights are used to create soft illumination and can be used alone or together other lights.

Yoke:: Connects the downrod to the fan.

Antique: Whether you wish to bring back the days of the Pilgrims or desire the styles from “Gone with the Wind”, the antique fixture sends you back to days of yore. These fixtures will bring a warming touch to your home. Usually characterized by burnished or brushed metal, this style is often reflected in traditional fixtures as well.

Arts and Crafts: Created in the early 20th century, to revolt against the industrial revolution, the American Arts and Crafts Movement drew inspiration from the materials, choosing to highlight the grain of the wood or form of the metal. Furniture and architectural details were designed to take advantage of machines allowing the individual craftsmen to assemble the furniture and finish the wood. This style is now known to incorporate rich wood and earth tones with strong metal finishes.

Art Deco: The period termed "art deco" manifested itself roughly between the two world wars, or 1920 to 1939. As with many other art movements, even work of today is still being influenced by the past. This period of design and style did not just affect architecture, but all of the fine and applied arts as well. Art Deco was a "modernization" of many artistic styles and themes from the past. You can easily detect in many examples of Art Deco the influence of Far and Middle Eastern design, Greek and Roman themes, and even Egyptian and Mayan influence. Art Deco style is characterized by geometric and angular shapes, chrome, glass, shiny fabrics, mirrors and mirror tiles and theatrical contrasts such as highly polished wood and glossy black lacquer mixed with satin and furs.

Child Ceiling Fan: Whether you have children or you are young at heart, this category includes fans designed with children in mind. Designs tend to be animal inspired, sports or related, airplane themed, etc. to spark the imagination.

Contemporary/Modern: Contemporary and modern pieces feature neutral elements and bold color. Clean lines, sculptural furnishings, art, industrial elements and bold color characterize these furnishings. This style is known for its underlying simplicity of line, shape, form, and attention to practical functions as compared to the dramatic and lavish appearances of traditional furniture styles. Contemporary fixtures often incorporate classic and traditional features in subtle, understated ways. Its simplicity and clean lines combine with strong geometric shapes and symmetry, incorporating classic and traditional features in sleek and understated ways. The inspiration for these fixtures is drawn from manufacturing/architecture and organic forms.

Industrial: Industrial fans are high powered fans designed for cooling large areas or job environments. These fans help make industrial areas safer because they distribute the air at a faster speed, helping to get rid of fumes and chemicals.

Mission: An early 20th century American offshoot of the Arts and Crafts Movement, mission can be identified by its clean straight lines, evoking the same organic beauty as Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural designs. Its style is simple, utilitarian and uniquely American. Mission style fixtures are the distinctive product of the simple woodworking and exposed joinery used by Spanish missionaries in Southwestern North America. Fumed oak is the material most characteristic of this style, and accents of warm colored fabrics and leathers complete the look.

Nautical: Based on life by the sea, nautical styles range from a lighthouse lamp to an end table bound in natural fiber rope. Nautical décor reflects the seaside beauty by using clean, simple lines that are inspired by the designs of New England beaches and Caribbean architecture. Most often used for cottages by the sea or to decorate outdoor settings, nautical styled furnishings bring the relaxed spirit of the water to your home.

Novelty: When looking for a piece to dress up an otherwise ordinary setting, a novelty style fixture will meet your needs. Traditionally finished in bright colors and characterized by a monkey swinging off of a lamp post or a pine tree stenciled into a wall sconce, these fixtures are sure to be a conversation piece or add pizzazz to an otherwise mild decor.

Oriental: Influenced by the people and culture of the East/Orient, oriental fixtures will add a look of romance and intrigue to your home. Oriental furnishings are most often characterized by porcelain lamp bases, paper lanterns, shoji screens, sleek lines, ornate details of flowers or animals and metallic finishes. Often finished in the browns and golds’ that are influenced by historic empires this style can blend with either traditional or modern décor.

Rustic: The rustic style is cozy and welcoming. Rustic fixtures offer the charming comforts of an alpine cabin. They inspire the intimate coziness of a ski lodge in Aspen or a log cabin in the woods of Maine. Characterized by natural finishes with emphasis on grains, these fixtures invite hibernation – minus the bears. The Rustic look is often exemplified by antler chandeliers or ceiling fan light kits. If you are looking for a rustic lamp, we carry a variety of table lamps accented by deer, moose and antler.

Southwestern: There are distinct characteristics in the southwestern style that can easily be explained by imagining a desert scene. Picture all colors of the desert, the green of cactus, the red mountains of the Grand Canyon, and the Native American heritage that comes from the Arizona, New Mexico regions of the United States. The all natural organic version of southwestern is over scaled furniture made from log pole, and the use of rugged materials such as iron, stones and wood. The city version of southwestern uses plastic cactus decorations and wall hangings, coyote figurines and the use of peach and teal coloring. General colors and characteristics are Native American Indian accents, organic materials such as iron, adobe, wood and smooth rocks, brightly-colored patterned fabrics inter mixed with natural colors, oversized furniture and colors that are seen in the desert sunset, hills and prairies.

Tiffany: This style loosely refers to glass-shaded lamps, windows and other decor made from a mosaic of opalescent colored glass panels. Invented by Louis Comfort Tiffany, this look applies the Art Nouveau stylized designs from the early 20th century. Tiffany presents a cornucopia of themes... Stained glass Art Deco lighting and retro lamps are popular today. Mission and Prairie styled lamps, Bungalow chandeliers and Arts & Crafts lanterns come alive in vibrant colors and styles.

Traditional: Based on historic design models, this style is characteristically ornate, orderly, and bold. Straight lines are often contrasted with curved details, and brass, iron, and hand-painted wood often appears. More grand than casual, these furnishings have ornate or showy details and have often old world flair. The classic details of traditional furniture are reflections of the periods and influences of years gone by. The classic details of traditional fixtures are reflections of the periods and influences of years gone by; Colonial, French Country and Neo-Classical design ideals are blended in this style. You will recognize it when you see it – the traditional furniture style has been the popular choice for home furnishings for over a century.

Transitional: Transitional bridges the gap between too ornate and too sleek. While the materials used are more similar to traditional furniture (lots of metals and heavy woods), the lines are more open and clean without being too sleek and sterile. Transitional fixtures are versatile, blending seamlessly into almost any setting. Transitional fixtures combine both contemporary and traditional styles by joining austere lines with fancy curves with sleek, brushed metals. It easily adapts and blends in with a wide range of styles. The versatility of transitional fixtures make it a good choice if you’re not sure which of the less flexible styles suits your taste or your home – transitional fixtures work in pretty much any setting.

Tropical: Tropically styled furnishings capture the essence of island living. Usually characterized by rattan and grass weaves, deep-stained woods and warm bamboo, tropical fixtures bring back the memories from your Caribbean vacation.

Whimsical: Looking to add a touch of intricacy and luxury to your home? The whimsical style is the perfect way to bring extra special pieces into your décor without going over the top. Each whimsical piece is beautifully scrolled, craved, or painted with complex and dazzling craftsmanship. This style is similar to the traditional style because of its attention to detail, which makes the two a perfect pair. Try incorporating a few extraordinary whimsical pieces into your traditional or contemporary décor, and see how your home instantly sparkles!

Bathroom Ceiling Fan: Bathroom ceiling fans are used to clear out the hot and humid air that occurs when the shower is running.

Home Décor Ceiling Fan: Ceiling fans are not only useful for warming and cooling purposes but can also add style to a home and accent any new or existing décor.

Heating Ceiling Fan: Ceiling fans are not solely intended for cooling a room. Heat rises naturally, and with the use of a heating ceiling fan, warm air that collects by the ceiling gets forced down towards the floor. During the chilly winter months, you will find that heating ceiling fans are a great way to save money and energy.

Industrial Ceiling Fan: Made for large spaces, industrial ceiling fans are used for garages, warehouses, auditoriums, gymnasiums, and more. Remember that industrial ceiling fans usually require a high ceiling clearance because of their scale and power.

Outdoor Ceiling Fan: Listed for damp or wet locations, an outdoor ceiling fan has the ability to be mounted on porches and decks while withstanding the elements. Outdoor ceiling fans are a wonderful way to create artificial breezes and cool down your exterior living spaces.

Paddle Ceiling Fan: Comprised of the same traditional motor structure of other ceiling fans, these differ in their blade selection. The wide paddle style of the blades is both useful for decorative aesthetic and increased surface area for superior air flow.

Portable Fans: Perhaps you need a fan on the counter to cool off your kitchen while you cook, or a desk fan to make your office more comfortable. Wall fans, floor fans, desk fans, etc. are all portable fans that you can move with ease to satisfy your cooling needs.