A slight sway at high speed is normal for many fans. A wobble that's getting worse, a fan that rocks at low speed, or a canopy that moves on the ceiling is not, and it usually points to blade balance or how the fan is fixed to the ceiling.
If you're worried about how it's mounted, switch it off and call 0421 772 661. We'll check the bracket, the fixing and the wiring.
Switch the fan off straight away if it knocks, clunks, rocks at low speed, or if you can see the canopy or bracket moving against the ceiling. A fan that comes loose is heavy and spinning. Keep people out from under it until it's been checked.
If you see cracked plaster around the fan, sparks, or smell burning, turn off that circuit at the switchboard if it's safe to reach and call an electrician. Don't take the fan down or open the canopy yourself; the mounting and wiring are together up there.
Run the fan on low, then medium, then high. A wobble only on high is often balance. A wobble at every speed, or one that's worse at low speed, suggests a mounting problem.
From the floor, watch where the fan meets the ceiling. If the canopy is moving, the fan isn't held firmly. Switch it off and leave it off.
With the fan off, look along the blades. A blade that sits lower or is warped, chipped or a different shape from the others will throw the fan off balance.
With the fan switched off at the wall, wipe the dust off every blade. Uneven dust build-up is enough to unbalance some fans.
Many fans come with a balancing kit. If yours did, follow the manual's instructions with the fan switched off at the wall. If you're not comfortable on a ladder, leave it to us.
Blade balance. Blades vary slightly in weight, and dust, warping or a knock can make it worse. This is the most common cause of a high-speed wobble and is usually fixed by cleaning and balancing, not by any electrical work.
Loose or unsuitable mounting. Fans must be fixed to the ceiling structure with the bracket supplied, not hung off plasterboard alone. Over time, screws can loosen, especially in older Inner West homes where ceiling joists may be undersized, cracked or hidden behind lath and plaster. A moving canopy is a warning sign. Re-fixing the fan is work for an electrician, since the fan has to be disconnected to do it.
Downrod or ceiling angle. A long downrod, a bent rod or a fan fitted to a raked ceiling without the right adaptor can all exaggerate movement. Getting this right is part of the install.
Motor or blade arm damage. A dropped fan, a bent blade arm or a worn motor bearing can cause wobble and noise that balancing won't fix. That's a product issue for the supplier if it's under warranty.
Call us if the canopy or bracket is moving, if the fan clunks or knocks, if it wobbles at low speed, or if cleaning and balancing hasn't helped. Also call if the fan was put up without a proper fixing to the structure or you're not sure how it was installed.
We'll isolate the circuit, check the bracket and the ceiling fixing, re-secure or re-mount the fan, and test the wiring before handing it back. More on how fans should be fitted is on our ceiling fan installation page.
A small, smooth sway at high speed is common. Knocking, rocking at low speed or a moving canopy is not normal.
If it isn't fixed to the structure properly or the fixing has loosened, it can. That's why a moving canopy means switch off and get it checked.
Many owners do, using the kit and steps in the manual, with the fan switched off. Anything involving the bracket, canopy or wiring is for an electrician.
Usually, but the fan must be fixed to a joist or a proper support, not the plaster. We check this when we install. Our guide to old wiring in Inner West terraces covers what we often find up there.
Not if the problem is the mounting. Fix the mounting first; replace the fan if it's damaged or worn.
NSW Electrical Contractor Licence 332956C · Fully insured · Since 2016 · Based in Hurlstone Park
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