Ceiling Fan Parts Glossary

Balancing Kit: Balances wobbling ceiling fans, using self-adhesive weights and a plastic clip.

Blades/paddles: Flat wood or metal arms angled to circulate air. Pitch (8- to 15-degree angle to the horizon) determines blade performance.

Blade Arm: Bracket that attaches blades to motor. Canopy: Cover for the mounting bracket. Capacitor: Powers the ceiling fan motor. Central Diffusing Light: Distributes light; reduces glare and intensity.

Collar Cover: Hides mounting hardware between the downrod and the motor housing.

Downrod: Short or long extension rods running from ceiling bracket to fan.

Filter: Area of the light kit that contains light sockets.

Glass Cluster: Ring of lamps with matching glass diffusers.

Hugger: Mounts ceiling fans directly to ceilings, with no downrod.

Junction Box/Outlet Box: Metal box housing ceiling fan wires; located above the ceiling to support ceiling fan's weight.

Light Kit: Light fixture attached to the bottom of the ceiling fan.

Motor Housing: Decorative structure of the ceiling fan that houses the motor.

Mounting Bracket: Connects the ceiling fan to the junction box.

Multi-Mount: Used on sloped ceilings; ceiling fans hang without downrods, for a traditional appearance and a hugging effect.

Remote Control: Operate ceiling fans from a distance; universal options available.

Reverse Switch: Changes electrical current to change blade rotation.

Rotor: Turning part of the ceiling fan motor.

Safety Cable: Secures installation of ceiling fans over 35 lbs.

Sealed Bearings: Permanently lubricated motor bearings that ensure smooth-running ceiling fan blades.

Sloped Ceiling Kit: A kit for hanging ceiling fans from slanted ceilings.

Stator: The non-moving part of the ceiling fan's motor.

Switch Housing/Hub: Directly below the motor housing; location of pull chains and reverse switch.

Wall Control: Ceiling fan controls that replace the wall switch.