The Ceiling Fan: Where did it come from? | Stuff of Genius

Originally born in Germany, Philip Diehl immigrated to the US in 1868. Although he has several fascinating inventions to his name, the ceiling fan remains his most well-known innovation.

Stuff of Genius tells the story behind everyday inventions. From the bikini to super wheat and everything in between. Viewers will learn the stories of unsung inventor heroes and their trials, tribulations and successes.

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Behold… the ceiling fan. But where did it come from?

Meet Philip Deihl, born in Germany in 1847.

Although Philip grew up in Germany, he immigrated to the United States in 1868.

After stints at local machine shops, Philip found a job working for the Singer Manufacturing Company.

During his time at the plant, Philip began working on several groundbreaking inventions, including improved light bulbs, a bobbin driver with an ‘oscillating shuttle’ and, of course, ceiling fans.

Philip did not invent the electric fan itself.

That distinction goes to Schuyler Wheeler, who invented the first electric fan in 1882.

Philip’s ceiling fan was the culmination of several other inventions – first, the fan concept designed by Wheeler, and second, the electric motors he had earlier experimented with during his time at Singer.

Philip patented his electric fan in 1887, and his timing couldn’t have been better: With electricity grids springing up around the country, electric ceiling fans became more than just a convenient way to catch a breeze: They became status symbols, and soon they could be found all across the United States.