Ceiling Fans

The quality of the fans is rated by their performance in moving the air effectively and quietly. This is conditioned by such factors as the pitch, length, and number of ceiling fan blades, and their revolutions per minute (rpms).The angular edges of the ceiling fan blades are termed as the pitches which are particularly important for the effective replacement of the air. This shape enables the blade to apply pressure to the air in front of it and consequently the air is forced downwards.

Higher pitches allow more replacement of air. High quality ceiling fan blades have a pitch of 12-14 degrees. A blade pitch as low as 8 or 10 degrees leads to poorer performance. While the short ceiling fan blades with minimum pitches can swirl at a high speed, they do not make for much air circulation and they are noisier than the types of fans with longer blades and higher pitches though they rotate more slowly.

These days ceiling fan blades are available in a range of color and designs. Different materials like solid wood, cross-laminated veneer and less-expensive veneered constant-density boards are used to render the ceiling fan blades a smart and contemporary looks. The trendy get ups include a metal finish, or a wooden looks. The use of woven bamboo and fabrics has also become popular. Contrast or reversible ceiling fan blades are yet another innovative addition to the whole gamut of ceiling fan blade designing. With two different finishes on both sides of the blade, they add to the glamour quotient of your interior.

Then there are those stylist outdoor ceiling fan blades made up of washable sail cloth stretched over a frame. Some of the leading brands also offer a replacement ceiling fan blade which allows you to bring a touch of change and alteration to your interiors all round the year.

In the present age of amazing electronic gizmos, ceiling fans bring a welcome relief to your soaring energy bills. It is probably the most energy efficient way of keeping you cool throughout the summer and warm in the winters. How much energy you can save depends on how skillfully you can use them. For that, you have to learn about the science of proper ceiling fan direction.

Efficiency of a ceiling fan depends on the volume of air it can replace. When it rotates clockwise, the replacement of the air is less and the consumption of energy is correspondingly minimized. Based on this simple rule, inflicting a change in the ceiling fan direction, you can make your ceiling fans eat up less energy.

The trick of creating proper ceiling fan direction is, operate your ceiling fan anti- clockwise in the summers and clockwise in the winters. The counterclockwise ceiling fan direction allows the circulation of the wind in the downward direction and consequently creates a cool atmosphere. A 4 - 8 percent savings in your cooling expenses is possible for every one degree raise in the thermostat.

Similarly by changing ceiling fan direction in the winters, you can save nearly 2 percent on heating charges for every degree the thermostat is lowered. A clockwise ceiling fan direction will break up the warm air that accumulates in the ceiling and force it down into the room. In the places with a long and penetrating winter, fans are available with a special winter setting. They release speedy air intermittently to blend warm and cool air.

These reversible ceiling fans prove to be particularly beneficial in the areas with an extreme climatic condition. In the summer set the ceiling fan direction in the antilock wise motion and enjoy its cool impact and in the winters set ceiling fan direction in the opposite direction to get the maximum warmth. However the reversible fans work most effectively in the rooms with very high ceilings.

Most contemporary ceiling fans incorporate this reversible spinning feature, because the ceiling fan direction is regarded as the key to efficient management of energy. The unit comes complete with a reversible switch accordingly. At the time of your purchase check at the side of the switch housing for the directional switch. Since not all the fans come with a reversible switch, be cautious at the time of your purchase.

The lighting scheme provides the finishing touch to the decoration of your rooms. Accordingly the modern electrical appliances are designed to enhance the beauty of your rooms. In quest for design innovations, ceiling fan lights emerged as a great idea from both functional and aesthetic points of view. As such most of the leading brands nowadays provide for the arrangements of ornamental "fitters" tucked beneath the blades to support lamps and their decorative shades.

With a ceiling fan light kit, you can make the most gorgeous decoration statement. An elaborate ceiling fan light kit is ideal for a big hall type room with a high ceiling. A small and simple ceiling fan light on the other hand can lend a stylish look to an otherwise plain interior. So it is always recommended to select the ceiling fan light according to your room size, height of the ceiling, colors of the walls and the type of illumination desired.

The ceiling fan lights are available in the wide assortments of neon, glass globes or simple bulbs. Shades are mostly available in glass and crystal materials. If you plan to install a ceiling fan light in the outdoors, go for the weather proof UL rated light kit only, both for the purpose of safety and durability.

Most of the contemporary fans are adaptable to the attachment of ceiling fan light kit having a link to the fan’s switch housing and requires only a simple electrical connection.

In order to fix a ceiling fan light, first access the wiring by loosening the screws of the fan's switch housing bracket on the bottom. Among the bundle of wires you have to look for two wires meant for ceiling fan light. One will be white (neutral), the other, black, and red or blue (hot). Then attach the adapter ring. In order to make the wiring connections with the two labeled wires, join the two neutral wires with a wire connector and the fixture's hot wire to the labeled wire bracket. Now fix the light kit to the fan with the screws and connect to power. Ceiling Fan Wiring

Ceiling fan wiring is meant to provide power connection to the fan. If done with proper care it's safe and easy.

The ceiling fan wiring is divided into two parts:

1. Wiring from fan terminal box (if provided) to internal motor or circuitry and

2. Wiring from switch box or switch unit up to the ceiling fan.

The first part of ceiling fan wiring falls under the fan maker's scope and the rest is taken care of by the user. This part may be put inside a concealed unit called concealed wiring. The wire from the switch box comes through this concealed unit up to the fan terminal box.

There are usually three types of ceiling Fan wires:

1. Power wire, or phase wire, or hot wire.

2. Neutral and

3. The ground or earth.

Color Code:

At the time of ceiling fan wiring, a defined Color code helps to identify the types of wires. For the hot wire or the power wire, different color combination such as black or red are used depending upon the industry standard, whereas generally white color is used for ground wires.

Gauge:

For the purpose of ceiling fan wiring, proper gauge of wire is to be used. Though gauge usually varies with the current rating of the equipment, no. 12 or no. 14 is to be used for such wiring. No. 14 is the smallest permitted ceiling fan wiring under most codes.

Proper copper multistranded wires are used for ceiling fan wiring. The ends of the wire must be dressed properly and crimped with a crimping tool. These steps are followed in order to rule out connectivity problems.

However, Ceiling fan wiring varies with the instructions of the manual provided by different brands.

Safety:

• Before giving final connection, power in the loop should be switched off either tripping the MCB or circuit breaker. A neon tester can be used to check if the power is off. In case of any doubt, remove the main fuse or trip the main breaker. However, removing the main fuse or tripping the main breaker will shut off the power to the entire house.

• Wherever two wires are joined externally, proper insulation with insulation tape is to be put for safety.

Continuity of ceiling fan wiring is to be checked with a proper continuity tester device before giving power. Proper connectivity of these wires with terminal box and switches also to be checked. Ceiling Fan Wiring

Ceiling fan wiring is meant to provide power connection to the fan. If done with proper care it's safe and easy.

The ceiling fan wiring is divided into two parts:

1. Wiring from fan terminal box (if provided) to internal motor or circuitry and

2. Wiring from switch box or switch unit up to the ceiling fan.

The first part of ceiling fan wiring falls under the fan maker's scope and the rest is taken care of by the user. This part may be put inside a concealed unit called concealed wiring. The wire from the switch box comes through this concealed unit up to the fan terminal box.

There are usually three types of ceiling Fan wires:

1. Power wire, or phase wire, or hot wire.

2. Neutral and

3. The ground or earth.

Color Code:

At the time of ceiling fan wiring, a defined Color code helps to identify the types of wires. For the hot wire or the power wire, different color combination such as black or red are used depending upon the industry standard, whereas generally white color is used for ground wires.

Gauge:

For the purpose of ceiling fan wiring, proper gauge of wire is to be used. Though gauge usually varies with the current rating of the equipment, no. 12 or no. 14 is to be used for such wiring. No. 14 is the smallest permitted ceiling fan wiring under most codes.

Proper copper multistranded wires are used for ceiling fan wiring. The ends of the wire must be dressed properly and crimped with a crimping tool. These steps are followed in order to rule out connectivity problems.

However, Ceiling fan wiring varies with the instructions of the manual provided by different brands.

Safety:

Before giving final connection, power in the loop should be switched off either tripping the MCB or circuit breaker. A neon tester can be used to check if the power is off. In case of any doubt, remove the main fuse or trip the main breaker. However, removing the main fuse or tripping the main breaker will shut off the power to the entire house.

• Wherever two wires are joined externally, proper insulation with insulation tape is to be put for safety.

Continuity of ceiling fan wiring is to be checked with a proper continuity tester device before giving power. Proper connectivity of these wires with terminal box and switches also to be checked. Contemporary Ceiling Fans

When the first ceiling fan appeared in the post industrial- revolution Europe, few could imagine that one day it would become the most widely used electrical home appliance. The lasting popularity of a product depends on the proper improvisations and innovations. Ceiling fans too have undergone many stages of experimentations which have revolutionized the entire way of how the contemporary ceiling fans work and how they look.

The contemporary ceiling fans boast of improved quality of sophisticated and powerful motors. Unlike the ceiling fans of bygone era, with larger but weaker motor and small blades prone to make noises and wobbling, the contemporary ceiling fans comprise slim, speedy motor and long and decently carved blades. As a result, the contemporary ceiling fans are much quieter and capable of producing better speed in terms of cfm(cubic feet per minute).

From the perspective of design, the contemporary ceiling fans are the demonstration of aesthetics and practicality. They are no longer viewed as a mere object of household utility; they have become an integral part of a smart and efficient home décor. The contemporary ceiling fans have come a long way through the routs of innovation to have introduced such alluring finishes as metal finishes with high luster, stylish granite finish or an elegant rosewood finish or simple monochromatic colors and many more which are sure to inspire your artistic sensibilities.

The introduction of high quality materials like natural solid wood, cross-laminated veneer or plywood, and veneered constant-density board have made these contemporary ceiling fans even more attractive.

The contemporary ceiling fans are put up with many more extra ordinary features like reversible blade, replacement blade, remote controlled regulation of power supply, special accessories attachment facilities and so on.

With the help of replacement blade you will be able to break the monotony of your interior decoration, the reversible or direction changing fans ensures better energy efficiency, while the accessories help you to add a new dimension to your exclusive interior. The remote control facilities are meant to provide extra comfort to keep with the fast paced modern life style.

In addition to the automatic on- off facilities most of the sophisticated remotes automatically adjust fan speed to suit changes in room temperature. Most of the leading brands like AireTek ,Casablanca, Hunter, Minka Aire, Monte Carlo, Westinghouse and WestWinds incorporate all these features in their products. How to Install Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fan installation involves two main aspects – mechanical and electrical.

Before the actual ceiling fan installation procedure starts, consider a few constructional aspects of your home.

First of all, get the wiring of the house examined by a professional electrician. You have to make sure that proper wiring for ceiling fan installation is available in the house. Also remember that some ceilings may need to be braced to support the additional weight of a ceiling fan. So a ceiling bracing must be inserted during the time of construction itself.

Now mark the area from where you intend the fan to hang. Hanging the fan from the middle of the ceiling ensures best air circulation. Avoid ceiling fan installation directly over a bed. The actual ceiling fan installation can be broadly divided into assembling the fan and mounting it.

Assembling the fan

The assembling procedure varies with different brands. In order to assemble the various parts of a ceiling fan you have to follow the manual provided with the unit.

If the fan blades are less than 10"-12" away from the ceiling, there is no harm in installing the blades before hanging the fan.

Mounting

•Fix the mounting bracket to the electrical box tightly with the screws.

•In the time of the wiring, use the "working hook” provided with the mounting bracket to hang the fan on.

•Match the wires by following the standard color coding system (white to white, black or blue to black or blue and so on). Each connection should be covered with a securely screwed-on wire nut.

•Push back all extra wiring up into the electrical box.

•The fan should be electrically grounded to the metal box with the green or bare copper grounding wires. Connect the ground wires from the box, the fan and the power supply together with a wire nut, or a pigtail like wire which you have to attach to the box with a screw.

•Next slip back the ceiling cover to its full height and make it tight so that it does not move from its place.

•If you have a beamed ceiling you have to use a special beam mount for ceiling fan installation.

Improper ceiling fan installation causes disturbances like wobbling, noise etc. But a proper ceiling fan installation adds to its longevity.

Doing up the interior of your childrens room is a rewarding experience. It is a huge responsibility too. Because it is one corner of your house where safety and security can not be compromised at any cost. And this is particularly true of the electrical items of the room.

A light and the fan being the basic needs of any room, buy a suitable Kids Ceiling fan keeping in mind the following points:

Make sure that the Kids Ceiling fan of your choice is of high international standard. Most of the top companies sell specially designed Kids Ceiling fans.

In general avoid buying such Kids Ceiling fans which may cause your child’s irritation. Sound and constant wobbling of the fan are the two common sources of disturbances. A weak motor and improper curvature of the blades along with minute variation in the fan blade weight distribution are responsible for producing noise. Always go for the Kids Ceiling fan which has a motor having sealed bearings requiring no lubrication. Also be sure that the Kids Ceiling fan of your choice is approved by U.L. or an equivalent testing agency. Choosing the right fan blade pitch is also important for the prevention of noise. Make sure that the blade has a pitch of 12 to 14 degrees.

Be particularly cautious about the location of the installation. Check out whether the ceiling is properly braced. Avoid installing the Kids Ceiling fan just above the bed and use the rod with the length as short as possible.

Next important point in consideration is the looks of the Kids Ceiling fan. Vibrant colors naturally attract the young minds. Especially for very young children, the continuous spinning of a colorful object overhead causes a great source of joy. In stead of uniform color scheme, you can opt for the Kids Ceiling fan with blades with cartoon or wild life motifs painted on them. Kids Ceiling fans in the shape of a particular object like football or animal like leopard are also available in the market.

Just sneak into the kids section of the website of the fan maker of your choice. For a personalized touch, you can paint some funny things on the blade yourself.

If the ceiling of the kid's room is less than 8 feet, then do not opt for a lighting attachment. Modern Ceiling Fans

Modern is the name of most trusted ceiling fan brand in the industry. Much of its reputation can be attributed to the genius of Ron Rezek, the creative brain behind the vast assortment of contemporary ceiling fans, rich in technology, elaborate in designs yet precise in simplicity and abundant in utility.

The Modern ceiling fans have an international repute and that is mainly due on its design or model variations which can be adaptable to the standard local codes in any part of the world. Here is the list some of the popular Modern ceiling fan models.

Altus,Altus Hugger, Aurora, Aurora Hugge, Ball, Ball Hugger,Cirrus, Cirrus Hugger, Eclipse, Flute, Halo, Industry, Lapa, Nimbus, Pharos, Stratos, UFO, Whirlybird.

The specialties of the Modern ceiling fans are they are easier to install, flexible in specification and simple to maintain. All Modern ceiling fan models are also C.E., U.L. and C.U.L. approved and available in 220V/50Hz.

The standard dimensions of Modern ceiling fans:

The blade diameter or blade span of Modern ceiling fans varies between 36” to 52”. 52" blade diameter (blade span) is standard; other than that costs little extra.

•Most of the Modern ceiling fan models come with Maple or Mahogany blades. Curved Plastic Blades also come with some of the Modern ceiling fan models without any extra charges. Replacement blades between the dimensions of 42 to 50 are also available on the basis of advance order.

•Fan Down Rods are available up to 72" long.

The Modern ceiling fans claim to keep wobbling at the minimum. The main cause of wobbling is the uneven weight distribution of the fan blades. Modern ceiling fan blades are designed to be within one gram weight difference to avoid wobble. However, it is not possible to do away with wobbling all together due to changes in installation location, airflow and other details. A small tool is provided with every modern ceiling fan unit to help balance the fan and thereby reduce wobbling.

However, only the Industry Fan model has a pull chain for the purpose of automatic control. No other Modern ceiling fan model is provided with this facility. You have to arrange separately for the control most appropriate for your needs. Outdoor Ceiling Fans

Come summer and it is the time for outdoor parties and other outdoor entertainments. But why allow the sultry weather come into your way of fun and enjoyment? Just install an outdoor ceiling fan and watch how it stirs up cool breeze to add up to your comfort at the time of rejoice.

You can install an outdoor ceiling fan in any of the open place of your home; in the porch, in the balcony, in the deck, in the court yard and so on. The only condition is that the place should have a ceiling to get the fan hung from.

Selection of the right kind of outdoor Ceiling fan is really a matter of confusion. The thumb rule is: never compromise with quality for a cheaper version. Always go for the UL rated outdoor ceiling fans only. Because the outdoor ceiling fans are subject to constant exposure to the heat, humidity and wind. Every component of a high quality outdoor ceiling fan is expected to be weather proof including a sealed rust-proof motor, rust-free stainless steel hard wares and zinc coated metals. The blades of your outdoor ceiling fans should be made of plastic or ABS resin instead of normal plywood.

However, the blades made of washable sail cloth stretched over a frame have become very popular for their trendy and vibrant looks. To make your outdoor sessions more sensational, install an outdoor ceiling fan with appropriate lighting fittings, again essentially of an UL rating.

Hunter's, Casablanca and Fasco are some of the names to be reckoned with who offer an extensive range of international standard outdoor ceiling fans. Depending on their capacity to withstand climatic decay, the outdoor ceiling fans can be divided into two broad types: "damp location" and "wet location". While damp location fan is suitable for the normal climatic conditions with normal rainfall, the wet location fans are supposed to be installed in the places with more extreme climatic conditions. They are particularly suitable for the areas near sea.

Before venturing into any particular brand of outdoor ceiling fan, do some independent research about the performances and durability, customer satisfaction and complaints about the product. Take notice of the size of the motor and blades, their color and finishing. Check out for the best warranty options. All these information will help you to take an informed decision. Rustic Ceiling Fans

The finer traits of your personality get reflected through the ways you decorate the interiors of your home. If you want to bring a touch of romance and imagination to your home décor, you can plan the whole furnishing on a rustic theme. The term rustic refers to something hand crafted out of rare raw materials and signifies direct connection with the country craftsmanship. In addition to the furniture, rustic ceiling fan is a wonderful way of expressing your high regards for aesthetics.

The rustic ceiling fans with their intricate artistry bear an unmistakable antique expression which takes you back to the days of Victorian opulence and laid back luxuries. Most of the leading fan manufacturing companies supply rustic ceiling fans. In order to create the sturdy and hand crafted ambience, these rustic ceiling fans are manufactured with special high quality materials.

The leading brands of Rustic Ceiling Fans are provided with heavy duty induction motor. But the real charms of Rustic ceiling fans emanate from their alluring blades. With a skillful craftsmanship the Rustic Ceiling Fans are given the looks of hollowed out log, or weathered iron plates, and many more spectacular finishes. To retain the flavor of nature and outdoor, sometimes the blades of these Rustic Ceiling Fans are painted wild life and other natural motifs on it. In most cases blades are made with natural pines. To ensure a better replacement of air, they usually come with a total blade span of up to 52”.

The blades in some of the rustic ceiling fans lure your eyes with irregular shapes of a leaf or flower petal. One interesting point about the rustic ceiling fans is the separate parts including the motor and blades can be bought separately and by assembling the parts of your choice you can create your own customized rustic ceiling fan.

The accessories like extension rods, slope adaptor and light kits are also provided either with the unit itself or provisions is made to attach them separately.

The industry leaders like Marco Polo and Casablanca are famous for producing such fans. If you are keen on creating the magic of an old world charm or intend to ornate your newly bought weekend home, rustic ceiling fans will definitely earn you the distinction of an excellent home maker.