By Conner Flynn
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Ceiling fans serve a great purpose in our homes and have been around, in some fashion, since at least the 1600’s. Some versions were even noted as being around during the Roman Empire. Long before electricity was founded and utilized, ceiling fans were operated manually to help keep those who had one stay cool and comfortable in hot weather. Fans have a fascinating place in history, even if under-told, eventually making their way to built-in electricity driven ceiling fans. Even those who now have air conditioning still rely on ceiling fans to circulate the air and keep rooms comfortable and cool.
Looking back in time, the first noted ceiling fan was found in India in the 17th century. Called the punkah, this fan like device was made from palm leaves or cloth and hung from the ceiling. They moved manually, when a servant pulled a cord, turning the palms, or cloth, and moving the air. Today, like the rest of the world, India is still a huge mecca for ceiling fans.
Around 1860 the first ceiling fan was installed in the United States. It did not yet run off electricity, but rather utilized a belt system and water, or steam, energy. Due to being belt driven, a network of fans could be installed throughout a large building, making them popular in offices, department stores, and even restaurants. Typically, the wealthy were able to install these massive units to help keep their employees comfortable and productive.
In 1882 a man named Philip Diehl, who worked for the Singer sewing machine company, invented an electric ceiling mounted fan using a sewing machine motor. Later he added a light component making it a multi-functional investment. A German immigrant, Diehl surely didn’t realize the magnitude of his invention.
Each model of ceiling fan, either belt driven or electric, was widely popular in the South, as heat was as much an issue then as it is now. Four blade ceiling fans, as opposed to its two-blade predecessor, started to surface around World War I.
Ceiling fans were not primarily found commercially until around the 1920’s. While some wealthy citizens were able to afford a fan in their homes, in the early part of the 20th century, they were not cost effective for the first two decades for the vast majority.
Around the world, sales of ceiling fans also started to take off and despite the decline that hit in the middle of the 20th century in the US, the ceiling fan was still a great commodity world-wide. Especially in very hot climates, such as India, which still depended on a cooling system.
The advent of the air conditioner temporarily halted the popularity of the ceiling fan in the US around 1950. Now room temperatures could be dramatically reduced rather than just buy a couple of degrees. But still, they were not cost effective for all, and the ceiling fan remained an affordable option for most families. So much that, the design of the ceiling fan continued to change. With the addition of more fan blades, energy efficient technology, and aerodynamic sciences, ceiling fans sales continued to rise world-wide, and eventually again in the US in the late 20th century.
Ceiling fans are beneficial because:
Ceiling fans will most likely never go out of style. Even with central air conditioning systems, and window mounted air conditioners, ceiling fans are still the most affordable way of getting air to move and circulate. With many different sizes, designs, and styles, ceiling fans can be used both indoors and outdoors, and work well in a small apartment or a large factory.
I have just tried to wire a separate breaker box for installing a dryer in a home that had no 220 in it. I took wire from the Main circuit bow put the white wire on one side the black wire on the other side and the ground with the grounds. Than ran it to the new box hooking it up the same way on new (separate) box, put a double poled breaker in and ran to the dryer receptacle. If i test the white with ground and black with ground i have 110 on both but testing them together I have nothing. I thought the problem was with dryer bought new dryer still works but dont heat. Any suggestions greatly appreciated
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