Ceiling fan light kits, explained
Branched, bowl, and uplight designs.
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Kit styles
ENERGY STAR describes branched or stemmed kits with 3 or 4 arms pointing up or down, bowl kits attached to or below the fan housing, and uplight designs that sit on top of the housing and point at the ceiling.
How kits are sold
ENERGY STAR says kits come integrated into the fan, included with it, or sold separately. Many separate kits are "universal", but some only fit fans of the same brand.
Compatibility
ENERGY STAR says compatibility information should be on the product packaging. If it does not say a kit fits your fan, ask the maker.
Energy
ENERGY STAR suggests an ENERGY STAR certified light kit if you add lighting to a fan.
Fitting a kit
Adding a light kit means wiring. ESFI strongly recommends hiring a qualified, licensed electrician for any electrical work in your home.
Sources: ENERGY STAR, Ceiling Fan Accessories and Purchasing Choices; ENERGY STAR, Ceiling Fans Made Easy (PDF); ESFI, Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Electrical Safety.
FAQ
General information only. Ceiling fans and light fixtures are electrical equipment. Hire a licensed electrician for any installation, wiring, electrical box, switch, or light kit work, and follow the fan maker's manual and your local electrical code. Before cleaning, changing a bulb, or checking a fan, turn it off and let the blades stop and the bulbs cool; turn off power at the circuit breaker before any work near the fan's wiring. Use a stable ladder, and if you are not comfortable working overhead, call a pro. Never use a bulb above the maximum wattage marked on the fixture. If a fan or light flickers, buzzes, smells hot, or trips a breaker, stop using it and call a licensed electrician.
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Check the fixture first.
