When you are looking to add or replace a ceiling fan in your home it is important to know what wiring is available to you in your home. That wiring will tell you if you can install an AC motor fan or need to stay with a DC motor fan, but what is the difference, you might ask? In this blog it will break down the intimate details of what sets the two motors apart.
What is an AC motor? AC stands for alternating current and our AC motors are synchronous motors. That means they work off an alternating current that revolves around a magnetic field which rotates at a synchronous speed. AC ceiling fans are cheaper to produce and this makes them more budget friendly. Because of this, they come in a wider variety of designs as well. Most homes are ready to install AC ceiling fans which makes the installation process easier. However, if the home is not set up for the wiring then you will have to run the wires through the wall to the wall switch.
The limitations that come with an AC motor are that they rely on the power supply for the speed and consistent power for revolution, therefore they are typically only able to reach up to 3 speeds. To change the direction of AC motor ceiling fans, most would require a flip of a switch on the fan itself.
Our AC motor fans require a neutral wire and separate load wires for fan & light. Please confirm that the wiring in your home is compatible before purchasing one of our AC motor smart ceiling fans because older homes may not have neutral wires. No hub required or canopy module is required or our AC models.
What is a DC motor? DC stands for direct current and most of our ceiling fans have DC motors. High startup power and torque keep a consistent current which powers the fan. They consume less energy to operate, making them highly energy-efficient. DC motors are easier to install so long as the fan has an AC adapter, which is included with all of our DC motor fans. Their maintenance is minimal as they do not require part replacements as often as AC motors.
DC motors have faster response times to start, stop, and accelerate and most have the option to reverse the revolution from the remote. DC motors are capable of up to 10 speeds and can be controlled in smarter ways, like using smart speakers or your phone as a remote. DC ceiling fans have smaller motor cases which leads to more innovative and modern designs. Audibly, DC motors are extremely quiet at any speed.
These are easier models to install and require just the black live and white neutral wires and there is no need to install the blue wiring because all of the light functions can be controlled via remote control.
Now you know what the difference is between the two types of fan motors and the wiring that is necessary to run them you can pick out your new fan. Check our products page to find the perfect model for your home.
