Ceiling Fan Glossary

A

ABS Plastic

A durable, rust resistant plastic commonly used for outdoor ceiling fan blades. Suitable for humid and coastal environments.

AC Motor

An Alternating Current motor that runs directly from household power. Generally lower upfront cost but uses more energy and produces more audible motor noise than most DC motors.

See also DC Motor and Motor Hum.

Airflow

The volume of air a fan moves. Measured in cubic metres per hour or CFM. Higher airflow produces stronger cooling effect.

See also RPM and High Airflow.

Alfresco

A covered outdoor living area attached to a home. Requires a Damp Rated or Outdoor Rated ceiling fan.

See also IP Rating and Coastal Rated.

App Control

Control of a ceiling fan through a smartphone application via WiFi or SMART module.

AS NZS 3000

The Australian wiring rules that govern electrical installations, including ceiling fan installation requirements. Installation must comply with this standard.

Purchase the rules here.

B

B22 Light Fitting

A bayonet globe fitting commonly used in Australia.

See also E27 Light Fitting.

Balancing Kit

A set of small weights used to correct minor blade wobble after installation.

Ball Joint Mount

A mounting system that allows installation on certain raked ceilings while keeping the fan level.

See also Ceiling Rake and Sloped Mount.

Blade MaterialThe construction material of the blades, commonly ABS plastic, timber or metal. Material influences durability, noise and corrosion resistance.Blade PitchThe angle of the blade relative to horizontal. Influences airflow performance and efficiency.Blade SpanThe total diameter of the fan from blade tip to blade tip. Determines suitability for room size.Blade WobbleNoticeable movement of blades during operation, usually caused by imbalance or incorrect installation.Brushless MotorA motor design commonly used in DC fans that improves efficiency and reduces operating noise.

See also DC Motor.

C

Canopy

The cover that conceals wiring and mounting hardware at the ceiling. See also Mounting Bracket.

CCT

Correlated Colour Temperature. Allows switching between multiple light tones such as 3000K, 4000K and 5000K. See also Kelvin and Tri Colour LED.

Cathedral Ceilings

Refers to a ceiling with a heavy rake (angle), where the roof often meets at a central point forming a triangle. This type of ceiling is traditionally used in cathedrals or basilicas, hence the name.

Ceiling Height

The measurement from floor to ceiling used to determine safe blade clearance. Minimum floor to blade height is 2.1 metres under Australian standards.

Ceiling Joist

The structural timber or steel member that supports the fan mounting bracket.

Ceiling Rake

An angled or sloped ceiling. Not all fans are suitable for raked ceilings. Check maximum supported angle.

See also Sloped Mount and Ball Joint Mount.

Coastal Rated

Designed to resist corrosion in salt air environments. Typically includes sealed motors and corrosion resistant hardware.

CRI

Colour Rendering Index. Measures how accurately a light displays colours. Higher CRI produces more natural colour appearance.

See also Lumens and Kelvin.

Covered Outdoor

An outdoor location protected from direct rainfall. Requires at minimum a Damp Rated fan.

D

Damp Rated

Suitable for covered outdoor areas where the fan is protected from direct rain but may be exposed to moisture and humidity.

Outdoor Rated.

DC Motor

A Direct Current motor that uses less power and operates more quietly than most AC motors. Often provides more speed settings and lower RPM options.

Decibel

A unit used to measure sound level. Lower decibel ratings indicate quieter operation.

Dimmable

A light that can be adjusted in brightness with compatible controls or remotes.

See also LED

Downrod

An extension rod used to lower the fan to the correct operating height in rooms with high ceilings.

See also Extension Rod

Driver

The electrical component that regulates power supplied to an LED light. See also LED and Integrated LED.

Drop (ceiling to blade)

This measurement shows the distance between the ceiling and base of the fan blades. Australian standards require a minimum of 2.1m.

Drop (total)

This provides the complete drop of the fan, from the ceiling to the lowest point on the fan. If the fan has a light the measurement will be to the base of the light unless otherwise specified.

E

E27 Light Fitting

Common screw globe fitting with a threaded base.

See also B22 Light Fitting.

Energy Efficient

Produces effective airflow while consuming lower wattage. See also Motor Watt Draw and Operating Cost.

Extension Rod

Used to extend the fan’s rod length in tall spaces, and bring blades to optimal height. Must maintain minimum clearance requirements

F

Firmware Update

A software update that improves SMART functionality or fixes connectivity issues.

Floor to Blade Height

The measurement from the floor to the lowest point of the blades. Australian standards dictate the blades must be a minimum of 2.1 metres above the ground.

Flush Mount

A ceiling fan that sits close to the ceiling. Typical for low ceiling heights. Also known as Low Profile or Hugger fan.

Forward and Reverse

Allows airflow direction to be changed for cooling in summer and warm air circulation in winter.

See also Winter Mode.

G

Google Home Compatible

Works with Google Home for voice control when SMART enabled.

Globe Type

The specific fitting and specification required for a compatible light globe.

See also B22 and E27

H

High Airflow

Typically refers to fans producing over 10000 cubic metres per hour at maximum speed. Suitable for larger spaces.

Hugger Fan

A fan mounted directly to the ceiling without a downrod. Suitable for lower ceilings.

See also, Low Profile or Flush Mount.

I

Integrated LED

A built in LED panel that forms part of the fans shape and silhouette.

In Home Warranty

A warranty period during which a technician may attend the property to repair a manufacturing fault.

IP Rating

An Ingress Protection rating that indicates resistance to dust and water. The first digit refers to solid protection (eg, dust, sand etc). The second refers to water protection.

IP44

Protected against solid objects over 1 millimetre wide, and water splashes from any direction. Common for damp rated fans.

IP66

Dust tight and protected against powerful water jets. Suitable for more exposed outdoor areas.

See also Wet Rated and Coastal Rated.

J

J Hook

A fixed mounting method that holds the fan in a set position and is not suitable for raked ceilings. See also Ceiling Rake and Sloped Mount.

K

Kelvin

The unit used to measure light colour temperature. Lower numbers are warmer and higher numbers are cooler. See also CCT and Tri Colour LED.

L

LED Light

Stands for Light Emitting Diode (LED). Can come in B22 and E27 LED globes, or as an LED panel. LED’s are considered more energy efficient and have a lifespan than outdated CFL and Halogen lights.

Licensed Electrician

A qualified electrician required by law to install ceiling fans in Australia.

See also AS NZS 3000.

Light Fitting

The part of the light unit into which the bulb is fitted.

Light Kit

A modular light fixture accessory which attaches to the bottom of certain fans. Also See Integrated Light.

Light Temperature

Refers to the colour hue of the fan’s light and is measured in Kelvins. Three most common hue’s are: Warm White, Cool White and Natural Sunlight.

See #3000k, #4200K, #5000k.

Low Profile

A ceiling fan designed for ceilings 2.4 metres or lower.

See also Hugger Fan, Flush Mount.

Low RPM Mode

A very low speed setting designed to support sleep through quiet overnight airflow.

Lumens (Lm)

A measurement of visible light output. Higher lumens equal greater brightness.

Lumen Output

The total brightness produced by the light source. Higher lumens indicate brighter light.

M

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Marine Grade Stainless Steel

Highly corrosion resistant stainless steel suitable for coastal environments. Used in older coastal-rated fan designs.

See also Costal Rated

Minimum Clearance

The required safe distance between the blades and floor or walls. Floor to blade clearance must be at least 2.1 metres.

Module

An separate part used to complete a system. Typically refers to items like additional SMART Chips or remote/wall controls.

Motor Hum

A low frequency sound sometimes produced by AC motors

Motor Housing

The outer casing that protects the fan’s internal motor components.

Motor Warranty

Warranty that covers the motor operations of the fan. Conditions differ for each manufacturer. Please visit the relevant website or contact the specific manufacturer for details.

Motor Watt Draw

The amount of electrical power consumed by the fan at each speed setting.

Mounting Bracket

The structural component that secures the fan to the ceiling. See also Ceiling Joist.

Multi Speed

A fan offering multiple selectable speed settings. Commonly higher on DC models.

N

Noise Level

The operating sound produced by the fan during use, often measured in decibels.

Neutral White

Light with a 4000K colour temperature.

See also Kelvin.

O

Open Plan Living

A large combined living space that may require a larger fan with higher airflow to service appropriately.

Outdoor Rated

A fan that is suitable for outdoor installation. May be Damp Rated or Wet Rated depending on IP Rating.

Operating Cost

The estimated electricity cost to run the fan based on wattage and usage time.

P

Pitched Ceiling

A design feature where the ceiling follows the upward angle of the roofline, rather than being flat.

See Ceiling Rake.

Pull Cord

A physical cord that connects to the fan motor and control’s operation. Common on old pre-remote fans.

R

Radio Frequency

A remote control signal type that does not require line of sight to operate.

Receiver

The component installed inside the fan that receives signals from the remote control.

Remote Control

A handheld device used to operate speed, light and reverse functions.

Replaceable LED Panel

An LED panel designed to be serviced or replaced if required.

See also Integrated LED.

Reversible

Allows fan to reverse rotation direction, and provides airflow direction for a different seasonal use.

See also Forward and Reverse.

Ripple Control

A device electricity distributors use to turn on and off high consumption equipment over the designated supply line. If an appliance is sensitive to the ripple control, it will result in an audible buzz when these signals are present. More common in NSW and QLD.

RPM

Revolutions per minute indicating blade speed at each setting.

S

Salt Air Corrosion

Deterioration of metal components caused by coastal environments.

Sealed Motor Housing

A motor enclosure designed to reduce moisture and salt ingress.

Sloped Mount

A mounting system that allows the ceiling fan to be installed on a raked ceiling.

SMART Fan

A ceiling fan that connects to WiFi for app and voice control integration.

Smart Home Integration

Compatibility with systems such as Google Home, Amazon Alexa or Apple HomeKit, allowing voice and automation control.

See also App Control and WiFi Module.

Standard Mount

The typical mounting system that usually has a short down rod extending from the mounting bracket to the body of the fan.

Summer Mode

Counter clockwise blade rotation that pushes air downward for cooling.

See also Reversible.

T

T-Hook

A device used to install a ceiling fan on a ceiling rose. Used to help hold the fan before it is mounted on the bottom of the rod.

Timer Function

A feature that allows the fan to automatically switch off after a set time period.

Tri Colour LED

Lighting that allows switching between three preset colour temperatures.

See also Kelvin and CCT.

Tuya Compatible

Uses the Tuya platform for app based control and smart home connectivity.

See also SMART Fan and App Control.

U

Undercover Outdoor

An outdoor area protected from direct rainfall and weather exposure.

Unison

using more than one ceiling fan which are controlled by the one remote/switch to function simultaneously.

V

Vaulted Ceiling

Another term for a sloped or raked ceiling.

See also Ceiling Rake.

Voice Control

Operation through compatible voice assistants when SMART enabled.

See also Smart Home Integration.

W

Wall Control

A fixed wall mounted controller that controls the ceiling fan.

Wattage

The amount of electrical power consumed by the fan or light. Lower wattage generally reduces running costs.

Wet Rated

Suitable for direct exposure to rain when installed correctly.

See also IP66 and Outdoor Rated.

WiFi Module

A component that enables internet connectivity for SMART control and app operation. See also 2.4GHz WiFi and Smart Home Integration.

X

X (pronounced “by”)

Used when specifying room measurements such as 3m x 3m. e.g. 3m x 3m. (length x width)

Y

Yoke

The structural part that connects the motor assembly to the downrod.

Z

Zero Voltage Switching

An electrical design feature that reduces motor noise and improves efficiency.