Perhaps you can recall that helpless feeling after taking your car or truck into the shop for repairs. Standing there just wishing that you knew what all the terms and parts that the mechanic was talking about. Well it's the same thing with ceiling fans today.
You see there have been just so many advancements over the years that have brought ever more terminology to the table. Add to that, that ceiling fans are made up of a number of components and options that have always existed.
Fan Blades
Fan blades are actually referred to a paddles and fans can come with configurations of between two to six of them. Even so, the most popular configurations are three and four paddle fans.
Motor Housings
The decorative encasement that encloses the motor and bulk of the fan is referred to as the fans motor housing.
Blade Irons
Blade Irons are the flanges that extend off of the motor housing that the paddles attach to with a series of screws.
Uplights and Downlights
Lighting features are one of the many options that you'll have for a fan. Downlights are mounted under the paddles on the motor housing and project light downward. Uplights are mounted above the paddles on the fans motor housing and project light upward.
Ceiling Adapter
A low ceiling adapter is a special device that must be ordered from a manufacturer. It's used to mount fans in low ceiling situations that aren't configured to be flush mounted.
The Switch Housing
The switch housing is a cup shaped metal configuration that's mounted center on the bottom side of the fan housing. Its purpose is to contain component switching mechanisms and also an oil reservoir in fans that have a self oiling mechanism.
Downrods
Downrods are metal poles that attach to the ceiling and the fan. They come in several lengths and what length you use will be determined by your ceiling height.