Glossary Of Ceiling Fan Terms

Balancing Kit - The envelope containing the plastic clips and lead weights used to balance a ceiling fan.

Blade(s) - Move the airflow in a ceiling fan. Blades are made of laminated woods, ply woods or plastic.

Blade Arm - This is the metal bracket that attaches the blade to the motor.

Blade Pitch – This refers to the angle of the blade holder on the fan. Fans with a higher degree of blade pitch will move more air.

Canopy – This refers to the decorative cover which encloses the mounting bracket.

CFM – Measures the amount of air moved in Cubic Feet Per Minute.

Collar Cover – This decorative cover hides the mounting hardware which connects the fan’s downrod to the motor housing.

Damp Location – Fans and lighting fixtures must be completely covered in locations where moisture could be present.

Downrod – This refers to the metal pipe that extends from the ceiling bracket to the top of the fan. Most fans are supplied with a downrod that's 3-4 inches long. Longer downrods can be purchased for extremely high ceilings.

Fitter - The metal part of a light kit which attaches to the fan containing the light socket(s). In most cases these are sold separately from the glass shades.

Hugger - A fan style where the motor mounts directly to the ceiling. A hugger fan is extremely popular for use on a lower ceiling.

Light Kit – The lighting fixture for the fan which is attached to the motor housing.

Motor Housing – This refers to the body of the fan which encloses the motor unit.

Mounting Bracket –Used to attach the fan to the ceiling.

Multi-Mount – This type of fan allows for mounting without a downrod giving the effect of a hugger fan but retains the appearance of a traditional fan. These fans work really well on high and / or sloped ceilings.

Outlet Box / Junction Box - Enclosure that protects wires and offers support to surface fixtures.

Remote Control – Allows for operation of the fan without using the manual controls.

Rotor – The rotating part of the fan motor.

RPM – Measures the speed of the fan in Revolutions Per Minute.

Sealed Bearings – Permanently lubricated ball bearing used in most modern ceiling fans.

Sloped Ceiling Kit - An optional mounting system that allows a fan to be hung from ceilings with pitches above 30 degrees.

Stator –Stationary part of the fan’s motor.

Switch Housing / Hub - The part of the fan where the switches are located, usually below the motor housing.

Wall Control – The device which can replace a wall switch and is used to control the fan. Combination fan/light switches are available but require the running of an additional wire to the fan.