The NTM Tech Center has received one report of an NTM Tech Center DC ceiling fan’s mounting brackets breaking and the ceiling fan falling to the floor. This could create a hazardous situation. The root cause of this is excessive vibration causing a weakening of the support brackets over an extended period of time. A properly balanced DC ceiling fan should not experience this problem. All new DC ceiling fans will come with an improved mounting bracket that should eliminate this issue.
It is highly recommended that you take the following precautions:
1. Inspect the Ceiling Fan Brackets:
Using a ladder, carefully inspect the ceiling fan brackets. Carefully look for any deformations or cracks in the brackets. Also inspect the screws and verify that they are tight and in good condition. If any of the brackets show signs of damage, they should be replaced as soon as possible. Contact the NTM Tech Center and we will send replacement brackets. It is recommended that you inspect the ceiling fan brackets at least once a year.
2. Check the Blade Balance:
Check the balance of your DC ceiling fan, there should be very little wobble even at high speed. The NTM Tech Center carefully balances each ceiling fan before it is shipped to the field. However, sometimes they can become unbalanced in shipment or after installation. A properly balanced fan is very unlikely to have its bracket fail. Please follow the instructions below to balance your ceiling fan.
After your fan is mounted and wiring is complete, turn the fan on and observe how much, if any, vibration or wobbling occurs. If there is any wobbling, then adjust your fan blades as follows:
- Climb a ladder and get eye-level with the fan blades.
- Align the tip of one blade with a spot or mark on the wall.
- Without moving your head or eyes, (in other words, keep your eye on the spot), slowly rotate the blades, one at a time to verify they all align with the spot on the wall.
- Carefully, bend any blade that doesn’t align with the others until they are all in alignment.
- To bend the blade, grasp the hub firmly and then push up or pull down on the tip of the blade. Be careful to not “twist” the blade when bending it upwards or downwards.
- It may take several attempts to get it just right.
- Turn the fan on again and observe the fan. Repeat this process until the wobbling is barely noticeable.
3. Install a Safety Cable:
The NTM Tech Center has made a special safety cable that can be retrofitted to existing ceiling fans. The safety cable will hold the ceiling fan in the event that both brackets fail. The NTM Tech Center can mail you the safety cable at no charge. It is recommended that you inspect the bracket first, before you order the safety cable, in case you need a replacement bracket as well. If you would like the safety cable, please email us with the exact mailing address you would like it sent to, and any special instructions. You may also want to lookover the NTM Tech Center catalog in case there is something else you would like to order as well.
Sorry for the inconvenience, we are always trying to improve our products and fix any problems that we become aware of. May God bless you and your family.