The NTM Tech Center has received one report of an NTM Tech Center DC ceiling fan’smounting brackets breaking and the ceiling fan falling to the floor. Thiscould create a hazardous situation. The root cause of this is excessivevibration causing a weakening of the support brackets over an extended periodof time. A properly balanced DC ceiling fan should not experience thisproblem. All new DC ceiling fans will come with an improved mounting bracketthat should eliminate this issue.
It is highly recommended that you take the following precautions:
[h3]1. Inspect the Ceiling Fan Brackets:[/h3]
Using a ladder, carefully inspect the ceiling fan brackets. Carefully look forany 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 signsof damage, they should be replaced as soon as possible. Contact the NTM TechCenter and we will send replacement brackets. It is recommended that youinspect the ceiling fan brackets at least once a year.
[h3]2. Check the Blade Balance:[/h3]
Check the balance of your DC ceiling fan, there should be very little wobbleeven at high speed. The NTM Tech Center carefully balances each ceiling fan beforeit is shipped to the field. However, sometimes they can become unbalanced inshipment or after installation. A properly balanced fan is very unlikely tohave its bracket fail. Please follow the instructions below to balance yourceiling fan.
After your fan is mounted and wiring is complete, turn the fan on and observehow much, if any, vibration or wobbling occurs. If there is any wobbling, thenadjust 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 thespot), slowly rotate the blades, one at a time to verify they all align withthe spot on the wall.
- Carefully, bend any blade that doesn’t align with the others until they areall in alignment.
- To bend the blade, grasp the hub firmly and then push up or pull down onthe tip of the blade. Be careful to not “twist” the blade when bending itupwards 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 thewobbling is barely noticeable.
[h3]3. Install a Safety Cable:[/h3]
The NTM Tech Center has made a special safety cable that can be retrofitted toexisting ceiling fans. The safety cable will hold the ceiling fan in the eventthat both brackets fail. The NTM Tech Center can mail you the safety cable at nocharge. It is recommended that you inspect the bracket first, before you orderthe safety cable, in case you need a replacement bracket as well. If you wouldlike the safety cable, please email us with the exact mailing address youwould 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 toorder as well.
Sorry for the inconvenience, we are always trying to improve our products andfix any problems that we become aware of. May God bless you and your family.