Ceiling Fans, Outdoor Ceiling Fans, Casablanca Ceiling Fans, & Hunter Ceiling Fans: Choosing the Right Ceiling Fan Motor, Find the Perfect Motor to Fit Your Fan!

Choosing the Right Ceiling Fan Motor

Find the Perfect Motor to Fit Your Fan!

The heart of every ceiling fan is the motor. Although hidden, without a proper functioning or good quality motor, the fan will begin to have issues causing you unnecessary displeasure. The motor is responsible for quiet operation while driving the blades for air movement. Search for high quality motors, heavy duty windings, and sealed bearings that are permanently lubricated. This will ensure your motor a long life span. Quality ceiling fan motors have precision ground motor windings and motor sizes matched to the length of the blade. This guide will help you determine the best choice of motor for your fan.

Types of Motors:

There are two basic types of motors to best suit your ceiling fan:

1. Stators- the term “flywheel” should come to mind when you reference stator. The stator consists of a center shaft rotation while the ceiling fan blades are mounted on the rubber flywheel. Since the center shaft is the only rotating object as opposed to the entire body, less of a strain is placed on the motor, making it more efficient, reliable and longer-lasting. You in turn have a cooler, more comfortable room.
2. Spinners- this is the most cost effective direct drive ceiling fan motor. The blades are mounted directly onto the motor with no rubber cushion to absorb the vibration. Keep in mind these motors are normally ranked by their size, which will be further discussed later on in the guide.

The following are other options for motors that are mainly used outside the home:

1. Industrial Cast Iron- this motor is normally used in severe and hostile environments, or in treacherous weather regions.
2. Commercial Service- this motor is used in schools, office buildings, and in other government sanctioned facilities.
3. HVAC- this motor is used as a conditioning application or for air movement/circulation.

Types of Rotors:

There are two types of rotors that you should know about, as they are essential to the stator.

1.Internal Rotor- located on the outside of the stator, this motor was originally used as a general appliance motor.
2.External Rotor- specifically developed for ceiling fans, this rotor is located on the outside of the stator. This rotor is essentially more efficient than the internal rotor motor.

Ranks of Motors:

This short and concise ranking system should help guide you along to choosing the best type of motor to utilize with your ceiling fan.

1. Best Performance Grade-this is the durable Performance Stack motor, which is a well constructed large motor that remains quiet while circulating a more functional amount of air, regardless of speed. This durable motor should last for years on end.
2. Very Good Choice Grade- this highly durable Pancake Motor was made with price in mind. The function of this motor comes very close to matching the Performance Stack with regards to air circulation and durability and can run for roughly 12 hours at a time and under; however, do recall that price, not efficiency, is the motivating factor as to why this choice of rank exists.
3. Moderately Economic Grade- this ceiling fan motor was designed to offer the lowest prices. It’s a lower grade motor, in which various components were selected for price rather than performance. Although this is still a durable motor, it works best in select locations only! Its normal running time is between 6 to 8 hours at a time, and under.

Images of different motors and their ranks:

Motor Features:

A brief synopsis of what every fan motor should entail:

Steel ball bearings
Aluminum Die-Cast end shield and heavy-gauge stator windings (protects motor from overheating)
Immensely long copper wiring for top performance
Thick motor laminations for both low and high speed torque generating

Winter Warming and Summer Cooling:

The ceiling fan can and should be used during all seasons. An efficient ceiling fan can reduce your energy bill up to 40 percent in the summer and 10 percent in the winter, using only as much as energy as a 100-watt light bulb. Here’s how:

Summer Cooling- The fan creates a “wind chill” effect, making the room “feel” cooler, even though ceiling fans don't actually reduce the temperature. So, if it's 80 degrees in your family room and you have a ceiling fan purring above, it will feel like 72 degrees! During the summer, the fan should rotate counter-clockwise.
Winter Warming- During the winter, fans re-circulate the heat in your living and dining areas, without creating a draft. The fan can make the room feel up to 15 degrees warmer, and when left on a lower speed, the warm air will have no problem traveling from the ceiling down to your floors, keeping your entire body down to your feet warm and cozy. During the winter the fan should rotate clockwise.
Additional Perks- Ceiling fans that have earned the Energy Star label are 10 percent more efficient than standard ceiling fans, meaning you save $13 to $24 a year on utility bills!

General Motor Sizes:

This section should help you along when choosing the appropriate size motor for a particular room fitting.

Measurements of the fan motor are taken in the following dimensions:

Diameter x Height of Motor

General Items:

Here are some general things you should be aware of and look for when purchasing your ceiling fan:

1. A heavy duty motor for smooth quiet performance
2. A 16 pole motor with 2000+ feet of copper windings for greater efficiency and smoother performance
3. Multiple capacitors to control starting and running
4. Die-cast aluminum rotors for cool running
5. Stamped steel or die-cast zinc housing
6. Heavy duty bearings that never need oiling because they are permanently lubricated
7. 3-speed reversible switching for summer and winter
8. 12°, 14° or 16° blade pitch which greatly increases air flow
9. Factory-installed gaskets to reduce ceiling fan noise and vibration

Fun Facts

Here are some fun facts that you should know when purchasing a ceiling fan and motor. The more knowledgeable you are the better selection you’ll make. Have fun fan shopping!

Never use a light dimmer to run a ceiling fan motor. Using a light dimmer will cause noise and damage your fan motor and components.
Fans cannot catch fire on their own. An internal remote board or capacitor may short out and burn, causing odor and smoke. If this ordeal is persistent, the motor will short, throwing the breaker on circuit and inevitably cutting the power.
Please Note: this does not mean you should be any less aware of the goings –on with your ceiling fan or motor. Please make sure to be careful with your newly installed ceiling fan.
Quality ceiling fans have precision ground motor windings and motor sizes matched to the length of the blade. This is good to know when assessing blade lengths to motor sizes.
Never buy a fan based on warranty! All fans are limited in warranties, and some retailers sell quality fans based on lifetime limited warranties; however, this may only cover the internal motor bearings and windings of the fan. A warranty is only as credible as the company issuing it, so consult a company representative to see what their specific warranty features. Remember: The true quality of the fan is based on materials used during construction rather than the warranty issued on the market.

The Advantages of a High Quality Motor

Essentially, your basic advantages of relying on a heavy duty stator motor or spinner will be acknowledged in the reliability, quality, and long lifespan of your ceiling fan. Aside from the virtual resonating silence and economic efficiency, the motor proves to be easily maintained and has an attractive motor cover, so that your fan blades remain the center of attention. Take a load off your mind and wallet and just enjoy the perks of a long lasting motor, the hidden jewel of every ceiling fan.

Here at STORE NAME, we price ourselves on superb customer service and selection. If you have any questions or concerns about ceiling fans or accessories, please call us at (800) 675-4037!!!

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