Trouble Shooting Tips

All electric motors, including fan motors, make some noise and may feel hot to the touch. This is not a fault of the ceiling fan. Often noises such as ticking or humming can be caused by loose parts or structural factors in the ceiling. Please review the trouble shooting tips listed below to fix the problem.

CAUTION: A number of the items below require access to areas of the fan which carry lethal voltage. These are included in italics and enclosed with brackets and can only be performed by a licensed electrician in compliance with Australian Standards and other Government regulations. Apply common sense and care at all times.

Blades do not turn

Check mains power has been turned ON.
Check circuit breakers and fuses.
Check that the reverse switch is firmly in one position – usually located on the top of the fan.
[Check wire connections at ceiling and wall control.]

Fan makes humming noise

Be sure that all non-electrical fittings (light kit, bottom dome, canopy, etc) are firmly secured. Loose parts may cause vibration noise or humming.
Check you are not experiencing ripple control interference
[Be sure you are using a control approved by Spinifex Fans. Rheostats, continuous dimmers and low-voltage controls will cause motor noise.]

Fan wobbles

Check that the down rod is vertical.
Be sure ridge in hanging bracket is seated in the half-ball slot – refer to installation manual
Have blade sets been mixed? Blade sets are pre-balanced and must be used as a complete set.
Use blade balancing kit as instructed in kit – refer to Stopping Ceiling Fan Wobble.
[Make sure all mounting hardware at ceiling is tight.]
[Check that stopper screws and set screws are firmly tightened where down rod is attached to the fan body.]
[Ensure screws attaching blades to rotor are tight.]

Light does not work or flickers

Be sure the globe is correctly installed so contacts are touching.
Check globe has not blown.
Confirm the right globe is being used.
Some fans have a manual ON / OFF switch for the light located on the fan body. Be sure it is in the ON position. This is not applicable to Spinifex Fans.
[Check wire connections at ceiling and wall control.]
For more information read Avoiding Light Flicker from Ceiling Fans.

Fan makes repetitive ticking noise

Check for obstructions in rotor path.
Check light kit globes are secure.
[Make sure all other hardware is tight.]
[Make sure mounting hardware at ceiling is secure.]

Fan (or light) is not responding to remote

Check the battery has charge.
If dimming is not working check the dip switch 1 is in the on position – refer to installation manual
[Confirm dip switch settings are the same on sending and receiving units.]
[Check that all wire connections are made as instructed and are secure.]

Unable to operate fan and light independently

Be sure you are using a fan speed control approved by Spinifex Fans.
[Check wire connections at ceiling and wall are made as instructed.]

Missing or short wires

Check if wires are stuck in the fan housing.

Fan turns but does not move much air

Check that the fan is not in ‘winter mode’. When in the ‘summer mode’ the fan will rotate in an anti-clockwise direction when viewed from beneath. To change between winter and summer modes use the reversing switch located on the top of the fan body.
Confirm that there is sufficient distance between the ceiling and blades for air convection – typically about 30cm between ceiling and fan blades.
For high ceilings, consider using an extension down rod to bring the fan closer to the floor.

Fan speed is not corresponding to the wall controller

[Check the wall controller has been wired correctly.]

For further trouble shooting assistance with your Spinifex fan please contact us.