Changes

== History ==

== History ==

The first ceiling fans appeared in the [[1860s]] and [[1870s]], in the [[United States]]. At that time, they were not powered by any form of [[electric motor]]. Instead, a stream of running [[water]] was used, in conjunction with a [[turbine]], to drive a system of belts which would turn the blades of two-blade fan units. These systems could accommodate several fan units, and so became popular in stores, [[restaurant]]s, and offices. Some of these systems still survive today, and can be seen in parts of the [[southern United States]] where they originally proved useful.

The first ceiling fans appeared in the 1860s and 1870s, in the [[United States]]. At that time, they were not powered by any form of [[electric motor]]. Instead, a stream of running [[water]] was used, in conjunction with a [[turbine]], to drive a system of belts which would turn the blades of two-blade fan units. These systems could accommodate several fan units, and so became popular in stores, [[restaurant]]s, and offices. Some of these systems still survive today, and can be seen in parts of the [[southern United States]] where they originally proved useful.

The electrically-powered ceiling fan was invented in [[1882]] by Philip Diehl (pronounced the same as "deal"). Diehl had engineered the electric motor used in the first Singer [[sewing machine]]s, and in 1882 adapted that motor for use in a ceiling-mounted fan.  "The Diehl Electric Fan", as it was known, operated like a common modern-day ceiling fan; each fan had its own self-contained motor unit, eliminating the need for costly and bulky belt systems.<ref>The Fan Book</ref>

The electrically-powered ceiling fan was invented in 1882 by Philip Diehl (pronounced the same as "deal"). Diehl had engineered the electric motor used in the first Singer [[sewing machine]]s, and in 1882 adapted that motor for use in a ceiling-mounted fan.  "The Diehl Electric Fan", as it was known, operated like a common modern-day ceiling fan; each fan had its own self-contained motor unit, eliminating the need for costly and bulky belt systems.<ref>The Fan Book</ref>

Diehl was, almost immediately, up against fierce competition due to the commercial success of the ceiling fan. However, he continued to make improvements to his invention. One such improvement, the "Diehl Electrolier", was a light kit adapted onto the ceiling fan to compensate for any light fixture(s) displaced by the installation of the ceiling fan, and/or to add extra overhead lighting to the room.

Diehl was, almost immediately, up against fierce competition due to the commercial success of the ceiling fan. However, he continued to make improvements to his invention. One such improvement, the "Diehl Electrolier", was a light kit adapted onto the ceiling fan to compensate for any light fixture(s) displaced by the installation of the ceiling fan, and/or to add extra overhead lighting to the room.

By [[World War I]], most ceiling fans were being manufactured with four blades instead of the original two. Besides making fans quieter, this change allowed them to circulate more air, thereby making more efficient use of their motors.

By [[World War I]], most ceiling fans were being manufactured with four blades instead of the original two. Besides making fans quieter, this change allowed them to circulate more air, thereby making more efficient use of their motors.

By the [[1920s]], ceiling fans had become commonplace in the United States, and had started to take hold internationally; however, during the [[Great Depression]], ceiling fans faded out of vogue in the U.S.<ref>The Fan Book</ref> By the end of [[World War II]], ceiling fans had become almost non-existent, and remained that way into the [[1950s]]. Those which remained were considered items of nostalgia. However, the ceiling fan was still very popular in other countries, notably those with warm climates which could not afford high-energy-consuming devices, namely [[air conditioning]].

By the 1920s, ceiling fans had become commonplace in the United States, and had started to take hold internationally; however, during the [[Great Depression]], ceiling fans faded out of vogue in the U.S.<ref>The Fan Book</ref> By the end of [[World War II]], ceiling fans had become almost non-existent, and remained that way into the 1950s. Those which remained were considered items of nostalgia. However, the ceiling fan was still very popular in other countries, notably those with warm climates which could not afford high-energy-consuming devices, namely [[air conditioning]].

In the [[1960s]], some [[Oriental]] manufacturers started exporting their ceiling fans to the [[United States]]. They caught on slowly at first, but found great success during the energy crisis of the late [[1970s]], since ceiling fans consume far less energy than air conditioning units.

In the 1960s, some [[Oriental]] manufacturers started exporting their ceiling fans to the [[United States]]. They caught on slowly at first, but found great success during the energy crisis of the late 1970s, since ceiling fans consume far less energy than air conditioning units.

Due to this renewed commercial success, many American manufacturers started to produce (or significantly increase production of) ceiling fans, resulting in a revival of interest in the product. The well-known Casablanca Fan Company was founded in 1974. Other popular American manufacturers at the time included the Hunter Fan Co. (which was then a division of Robbins & Myers, Inc), FASCO (F. A. Smith Co.), [[Emerson Electric]], and Lasko; the latter two were often relabeled and sold by [[Sears-Roebuck]].

Due to this renewed commercial success, many American manufacturers started to produce (or significantly increase production of) ceiling fans, resulting in a revival of interest in the product. The well-known Casablanca Fan Company was founded in 1974. Other popular American manufacturers at the time included the Hunter Fan Co. (which was then a division of Robbins & Myers, Inc), FASCO (F. A. Smith Co.), [[Emerson Electric]], and Lasko; the latter two were often relabeled and sold by [[Sears-Roebuck]].

During the rest of the 1970s, and through to the late [[1980s]], ceiling fans remained popular in the American market. Many small American manufacturers, most of them rather short-lived, started making ceiling fans. Throughout the 1980s, the balance of sales between American-made ceiling fans and those imported from [[Oriental]] manufacturers changed dramatically. The high cost of American parts and labor became prohibitive for many consumers (for example, a ''basic'' American-made ceiling fan could cost anywhere from $100 to $250, whereas the cost of the ''fanciest'' imported fans rarely exceeded $85).

During the rest of the 1970s, and through to the late 1980s, ceiling fans remained popular in the American market. Many small American manufacturers, most of them rather short-lived, started making ceiling fans. Throughout the 1980s, the balance of sales between American-made ceiling fans and those imported from [[Oriental]] manufacturers changed dramatically. The high cost of American parts and labor became prohibitive for many consumers (for example, a ''basic'' American-made ceiling fan could cost anywhere from $100 to $250, whereas the cost of the ''fanciest'' imported fans rarely exceeded $85).

Due to the ever-reducing cost of amenities such as [[air conditioning]], ceiling fan sales once again started to decline, beginning in the early- to mid-[[1990s]]. With the reduction in sales came a reduction in research and development, as well as features. Once-standard features (such as solid wood blades, built-in [[Potentiometer|variable-speed dials]], high-quality stator/rotor ("stack") motors, and die-cast steel construction) have been largely replaced by cheap, standardized parts.

Due to the ever-reducing cost of amenities such as [[air conditioning]], ceiling fan sales once again started to decline, beginning in the early- to mid-1990s. With the reduction in sales came a reduction in research and development, as well as features. Once-standard features (such as solid wood blades, built-in [[Potentiometer|variable-speed dials]], high-quality stator/rotor ("stack") motors, and die-cast steel construction) have been largely replaced by cheap, standardized parts.

While a few companies still offer high-quality ceiling fans, the majority of fans sold today consist of: (a) a poorly-ventilated import spinner motor (commonly advertised as a "###x## [[Millimeter|mm]] direct-drive motor"), (b) particle-board or reinforced-paperboard blades with a computer-printed laminate plastic finish, and (c) a stylized decorative motor encasement ("housing") and adornments. All of these fans cost the same approximate amount to produce (between $5 and $45), since the motors and blade materials are all standardized and widely available, and inexpensive [[The Orient|overseas]] labor is used.<ref>http://www.smc.com.hk/financial_inf/fin.html</ref> However, wholesalers and retailers set prices by style, based on current decorating trends, meaning that some fan models can be priced at a 1,000 percent or greater increase over production cost ($50 to $600 retail).<ref>http://www.smc.com.hk/financial_inf/fin.html</ref> This stands in contrast to the 1970s, where production cost was between $60 and $150 for a top-of-the-line American-made fan, yet retail prices were generally $125-$300, making the average [[Markup (business)|markup]] only about 200 percent.

While a few companies still offer high-quality ceiling fans, the majority of fans sold today consist of: (a) a poorly-ventilated import spinner motor (commonly advertised as a "###x## [[Millimeter|mm]] direct-drive motor"), (b) particle-board or reinforced-paperboard blades with a computer-printed laminate plastic finish, and (c) a stylized decorative motor encasement ("housing") and adornments. All of these fans cost the same approximate amount to produce (between $5 and $45), since the motors and blade materials are all standardized and widely available, and inexpensive [[The Orient|overseas]] labor is used.<ref>http://www.smc.com.hk/financial_inf/fin.html</ref> However, wholesalers and retailers set prices by style, based on current decorating trends, meaning that some fan models can be priced at a 1,000 percent or greater increase over production cost ($50 to $600 retail).<ref>http://www.smc.com.hk/financial_inf/fin.html</ref> This stands in contrast to the 1970s, where production cost was between $60 and $150 for a top-of-the-line American-made fan, yet retail prices were generally $125-$300, making the average [[Markup (business)|markup]] only about 200 percent.

Many styles of ceiling fans have been developed over the years, in response to several different factors such as growing energy-consumption consciousness and changes in decorating styles. The advent and evolution of electronic technology has also played a major role in ceiling fan development. Following is a list of major ceiling fan styles and their defining characteristics:

Many styles of ceiling fans have been developed over the years, in response to several different factors such as growing energy-consumption consciousness and changes in decorating styles. The advent and evolution of electronic technology has also played a major role in ceiling fan development. Following is a list of major ceiling fan styles and their defining characteristics:

* '''Cast-iron ceiling fans'''. Cast-iron ceiling fans account for almost all ceiling fans made from their invention in [[1882]] through the [[1950s]]. A cast-iron housing encases a very heavy-duty oil-bath motor, usually of the [[Shaded-pole motor|shaded-pole]] variety. These fans must be oiled periodically, usually once or twice per year, since they use an oil-bath system for lubrication. Because these fans are so sturdily built, and due to their utter lack of electronic components, it is not uncommon to see cast-iron fans aged eighty years or more running strong and still in use today.

* '''Cast-iron ceiling fans'''. Cast-iron ceiling fans account for almost all ceiling fans made from their invention in 1882 through the 1950s. A cast-iron housing encases a very heavy-duty oil-bath motor, usually of the [[Shaded-pole motor|shaded-pole]] variety. These fans must be oiled periodically, usually once or twice per year, since they use an oil-bath system for lubrication. Because these fans are so sturdily built, and due to their utter lack of electronic components, it is not uncommon to see cast-iron fans aged eighty years or more running strong and still in use today.

** The '''Hunter 'Original'''' (manufactured by the Hunter Fan Co., formerly a division of Robbins & Myers, Inc.) is an example of a cast-iron ceiling fan. It has enjoyed the longest production run of any fan in history, dating from 1906 to the present (it is still being manufactured as the "Classic Original", with several spin-off models). The Original employed a [[shaded-pole motor]] from its inception until the late 1980s, at which point it was changed to a [[Electric motors#Permanent split-capacitor motor|permanent split-capacitor]] motor. Though the fan's physical appearance remained unchanged, the motor was further downgraded in 2002 when production was shipped [[The Orient|overseas]]; the motor, though still oil-lubricated, was switched to a "skeletal" design, as discussed below.

** The '''Hunter 'Original'''' (manufactured by the Hunter Fan Co., formerly a division of Robbins & Myers, Inc.) is an example of a cast-iron ceiling fan. It has enjoyed the longest production run of any fan in history, dating from 1906 to the present (it is still being manufactured as the "Classic Original", with several spin-off models). The Original employed a [[shaded-pole motor]] from its inception until the late 1980s, at which point it was changed to a [[Electric motors#Permanent split-capacitor motor|permanent split-capacitor]] motor. Though the fan's physical appearance remained unchanged, the motor was further downgraded in 2002 when production was shipped [[The Orient|overseas]]; the motor, though still oil-lubricated, was switched to a "skeletal" design, as discussed below.

* '''Stack-motor ceiling fans'''. In the late 1970s, due to rising energy costs prompted by the [[1979 energy crisis|energy crisis]], [[Emerson Electric Company|Emerson]] invented a new style of electric motor designed specifically for ceiling fans, the "stack" motor. This powerful, energy-efficient motor aided in the comeback of ceiling fans in America, since it was far less expensive to operate than air conditioning. With this design (which consists of a basic [[stator]] and squirrel-cage [[Rotor (electric)|rotor]]), the fan's blades mount to a central hub, known as a '''flywheel'''. The flywheel can be made of either metal or reinforced rubber, and can be mounted either flush with the fan's motor housing (concealed) or prominently below the fan's motor housing (known as a '''"dropped flywheel"'''). Many manufacturers used and/or developed their own stack motors, including (but not limited to) Casablanca, Emerson, FASCO, Hunter, and NuTone. Some manufacturers trademarked their personal incarnation of this motor: for example, Emerson came out with the "K55" and "K63" motors, and Casablanca with the "XLP-2000". One of the earliest stack-motor fans was the Emerson "Universal", a utilitarian fan with a dropped flywheel and blades made of [[fiberglass]] or [[plastic]]. This fan was produced from [[1976]] through [[1983]] and, while targeted at commercial settings, also found great success in residential settings. While this motor is not nearly as widely used as in the 1970s and 1980s, it can still be found in certain high-end Casablanca and Emerson fans, and the aforementioned Marley "Gillespie".

* '''Stack-motor ceiling fans'''. In the late 1970s, due to rising energy costs prompted by the [[1979 energy crisis|energy crisis]], [[Emerson Electric Company|Emerson]] invented a new style of electric motor designed specifically for ceiling fans, the "stack" motor. This powerful, energy-efficient motor aided in the comeback of ceiling fans in America, since it was far less expensive to operate than air conditioning. With this design (which consists of a basic [[stator]] and squirrel-cage [[Rotor (electric)|rotor]]), the fan's blades mount to a central hub, known as a '''flywheel'''. The flywheel can be made of either metal or reinforced rubber, and can be mounted either flush with the fan's motor housing (concealed) or prominently below the fan's motor housing (known as a '''"dropped flywheel"'''). Many manufacturers used and/or developed their own stack motors, including (but not limited to) Casablanca, Emerson, FASCO, Hunter, and NuTone. Some manufacturers trademarked their personal incarnation of this motor: for example, Emerson came out with the "K55" and "K63" motors, and Casablanca with the "XLP-2000". One of the earliest stack-motor fans was the Emerson "Universal", a utilitarian fan with a dropped flywheel and blades made of [[fiberglass]] or [[plastic]]. This fan was produced from 1976 through 1983 and, while targeted at commercial settings, also found great success in residential settings. While this motor is not nearly as widely used as in the 1970s and 1980s, it can still be found in certain high-end Casablanca and Emerson fans, and the aforementioned Marley "Gillespie".

One disadvantage of this type of fan is that the flywheel, if it is made from rubber, will degrade over time and eventually fail; this is not dangerous, but it renders the fan inoperable until the flywheel is replaced.

One disadvantage of this type of fan is that the flywheel, if it is made from rubber, will degrade over time and eventually fail; this is not dangerous, but it renders the fan inoperable until the flywheel is replaced.