Ceiling Fan Glossary

When considering buying a ceiling fan, having a glossary to use as reference can be beneficial. Although you may not need to know all the terms associated with ceiling fans, sometimes you will be faced with a question, concern, or some other reason why you would need to have a glossary for reference.

Balancing Kit - Envelop that contains plastic clips and lead weights, which are used to help balance the blades for proper operation

Blades - Made from wood, plywood, or plastic, the blades of the fan rotate, thus producing air circulation

Blade Arm - Metal bracket used to attach the blade to the motor

Blade Pitch - Angle of the blade holder located on the fan, and fans with a higher blade pitch degree produce more air circulation

Canopy - Decorative cover that encloses the mounting bracket

CFM - Amount of air moved in Cubic Feet per Minute

Collar Cover - Decorative cover used to hide the mounting hardware connecting the down rod to the motor housing

Damp Location - Fans and lights covered completely in any location where moisture might be present

Down Rod - Metal pipe that helps extends the ceiling fan from the ceiling, which vary in length and material

Fitter - Metal part of the light kit that attaches to the fan with the light socket.

Hugger - Fan style whereby the motor is mounted directly to the ceiling, popular for low ceilings

Junction Box - This special box is what protects the wires of the fan

Light Kit - Lighting fixture for the fan that is attached to the motor housing

Motor Housing - Body of the fan that is used to enclose the motor unit

Mounting Bracket - Used for attaching the fan to the ceiling

Multi-Mount - Type of fan that allows mounting without the use of a down rod, but still giving the look of a hugger fan while maintaining a traditional fan appearance

Outlet Box - Enclosure that is used to protect wires and offers support to any surface fixtures.

Paddles - Also known as the fan's blades

Remote Control - Permits operation of the fan without needing to use the manual controls

Rotor - Rotating part of the fan's motor

RPM - Stands for Revs Per Minute, which measures the speed of the fan

Sealed Bearings - Ball bearings that are permanently lubricated, common in the newer model fans

Sloped Ceiling Kit - Optional mounting system whereby a fan can be hung from ceilings with intense pitches more than 30 degrees

Stator - Stationary part of the fan's motor

Switch Housing - Also called a Hub, is the part of the fan where switches are found, typically below the motor housing

Wall Control - Device that can replace a traditional wall switch, which is used to turn the fan and/or light on and off

Wet Location - Fans and light kids designed specifically for areas of direct exposure to the elements. Testing of wet location fans include being sprayed with water in the direction most likely to cause water to enter. Installation for a wet location fan requires a recessed outlet box to be mounted to the six-inch side of the 4x6-inch wooden beam. This box would need to be sealed to ensure water does not get inside. Additionally, the canopy should never overhang the beam on either side.