Important Fan Parts

Anytime you purchase a new appliance or electrical device for your home, it is important to understand how it is made and how it works, which is true with ceiling fans. The best consumers are those who have taken time to do research. This way, if something were to go wrong, you would likely have a good idea of what it is, knowing if the issue is serious or minor. Specific to ceiling fan parts, we have provided information that you will find beneficial before and after buying.

Blades

Blades are also known as paddles. The blades are what rotate and usually come in numbers of three, four, five, or six. Obviously, the smaller ceiling fans would have three, possible four blades whereas the larger designs have five or six. Additionally, ceiling fan blades come in a variety of materials and finishes. With this, you could choose a palm leaf design for an outdoor patio area, blades constructed from rich mahogany for a formal room, or blades with a unique style, perfect for contemporary rooms. In some rare occasions, customized fans come with eight blades.

Blade Badges

If you want to boost the appearance of your fan's blades, you can add badges, which are adornments that can be attached to the underside of the blade, the side everyone sees. However, blade badges also work by hiding unsightly screws.

Blade Irons

Holding the blade to the motor housing are the metal arms known as blade irons.

Down Rod

This metal pipe attaches to the top of the motor housing, allowing the fan to hang down from the ceiling. Keep in mind that down rods are available in sizes from six inches to 120 inches, depending on the height and angle of the ceiling.

Lights

Some ceiling fans do not have light fixtures while some do not. In some cases, those sold without can still have a light kit attached. Under this category are a number of options.

Uplight

This type of light fixture goes on the top of the motor housing, causing the light to reflect upwards, giving the room a warm, inviting appearance and feel.

Downlight

In this case, ambient light can be added to a ceiling fan. This type of light is also known as the "light kit", downlights are the most common type of lighting seen on ceiling fans.

Motors

Ceiling fans have electric motors, which vary in size depending on the size of the fan and the features. There are several different types of ceiling fan motors.

Motor Housing

The motor housing is much what it sounds like, a decorative housing that hides the motor.

Mounting Mechanism

The type of mounting mechanism used by your fan will depend on a number of factors. For instance, the following are a few possibilities:

Ball and Socket

In this case, mounted on the end of the down rod is a plastic or metal hemisphere.

J-Hook

Sometimes referred to as the "Claw Hook" in instruction manuals, this mounting mechanism features a metal hook that is used to connect the ceiling-mounted bolt. In most instances, the J-Hook also has a rubber bushing, which is placed between the hook itself and the ceiling bolt, which helps cut back on noise.

Low-Ceiling Adapter

For people with ceilings of eight feet or less, a low-ceiling adapter might be required. This kit provides everything needed to eliminate the installation of a down rod.

Switch

Ceiling fans use a variety of switches, which are used for operation such as turning the fan on or off, changing the blade speed, reversing the rotation of the blades, and turning attached light fixtures on or off.

Switch Housing

This is also called the Switch Cup, which is a metal cylinder that is mounted onto the center and bottom portion of the motor. The purpose of this ceiling fan part is to hide but also protect other paths on the inside of the housing to include capacitors, switches, and wiring.

More Information:

Ceiling Fan Parts: Offers information, pictures, and specifications for primary ceiling fan parts.

eFanParts: site that sells important replacement parts for ceiling fans.