Category Archives: Installation

Q and A Most Common Ceiling Fan Install Problems

Posted on December 18, 2007 by colby
Ceiling fans circulate air to provide a wind chill or cooling effect in the summer and evenly distribute heat in the winter.  Overall ceiling fans maximize efficiency in the air conditioning process.  During the life of a hard working ceiling fan problems can occur.  Like any other product ceiling fans and there installers are not perfect.  This article will show you how to solve the most common ceiling fan problems that exist.

Question:

Why does my ceiling fan wobble?

Answer:

  1. Is the electrical junction box secured tight?  If not tighten it.
  2. Is the ceiling fan securely mounted to the fan bracket?  If not tighten it.
  3. Is the fan bracket firmly tightened to the junction box?  If not tighten it.
  4. Is the slot in the ball joint on the end of the ceiling fan down rod fitted in the tongue on the fan bracket?  If not fit the tongue in the groove.
  5. Are all the screws on the fan extra tight?  If not tighten them.
  6. Do you have a bent blade iron?  If so get it replaced.
  7. When all else fails use a blade balancing kit to fix the wobble.

Question:

Why is my ceiling fan making noise?

Answer:

  1. Are the screws on the housing tight?  If not tighten them.
  2. Are the screws on the light kit tight?  If not tighten them.
  3. Is there a wire nut or screw that might have fallen into the motor housing during installation?  If so take the fan down, turn it upside down and shake the loose piece out.
  4. Is the junction box secure?  If not tighten it.
  5. Are you using an infinite variable control or a light dimmer instead of a fan control?  Infinite variable controls create a low hum on lower speeds.

Question:

Why does my ceiling fan operate only on one speed?

Answer:

  1. Are all the wires connected on the pull chain switch?  If not connect them.
  2. Is the switch housing plugged securely into the fan?  If not you know what to do.
  3. Are you using a radio frequency remote control?  If so, by pass the receiver module in the fan canopy and wire it direct to see if it is the control that is defective.
  4. Are you using a radio frequency remote control? If so, make sure that the speed pull chain switch is pulled to the highest speed setting.
  5. If the four above are correct change the switch housing.

Question:

Why won’t my fan light come on?

Answer:

  1. Are the blue wires coming out of the top of the fan corrected properly to the power source?  If not you know what to do.
  2. Are the blue and black wires connected in the switch housing?  If not you know what to do.
  3. Are you using a radio frequency control?  If so, by pass the receiver module in the fan canopy and wire it direct to see if it is the control that is defective.

Question:

Why won’t my ceiling fan come on at all?

Answer:

  1. Is there power coming into electrical junction box?  Test and see, if not call an electrician.
  2. Are all the wires from the fan to the junction box connected?  If not you know what to do.
  3. Check the reverse switch to see if it has been knocked to the middle.  If so, push it fully to either forward or reverse.
  4. Is the switch housing plugged into the fan securely and are the wires securely in the plug harness?  If not you know what to do.
  5. Is the circuit breaker in the off position?  If not you know what to do.
  6. Are you using a radio frequency control?  If so, by pass the receiver module in the fan canopy and wire it direct to see if it is the control that is defective.

If none of the above solutions fix your ceiling fan problem it is safe to say that you have a defective product.  I would recommend calling the ceiling fan distributor you purchased it from and getting a new one.  And before you buy your next ceiling fan read all of our tips to help you buy ceiling fan.
Posted in Ceiling Fans, Installation | Leave a comment

What Type of Lamp Should I Use for My Recessed Lighting?

Posted on August 8, 2007 by colby
Light bulbs a.k.a. lamps are a very important factor in a recessed lighting layout plan. Different light bulbs affect different light levels, color and recessed fixture spacing, which in turn could result in different moods.  In the end choosing the lamp is just as important as choosing the right recessed light fixture.

Here are a few questions you should ask your self at this level of your recessed lighting layout.

  • Do you want the room to feel warm and cozy?  Or Bright and efficient?
  • Will the space in your project be for performing tasks, or will it be a relaxed space just needing light to walk through safely?
  • Do you have artwork, statues or entry ways that need special lighting techniques to emphasize their presents.

Different Types of Light Bulbs and their Effects

NOTE: Lamp size is calculated by the number of 1/8 inch units across the widest part of the glass casing.  Example – A21 = 21 one-eighth-inch units across, which is (2-5/8″ across)

incandescent A lampIncandescent A-Lamps

  • These lamps create a warm amber light with a good color rendition.  Light shines in all directions with this light bulb so this light should be used for general, ambient or wall washing applications.  A-Lamps work best with a reflector in the recessed trim.  A-Lamps can be used with a light dimmer to create a softer light.  Low bulb cost – .99 to $ 1.39
  • Sizes = A15, A17, A19 (most Common) and A21
  • Lamp Life = 750 to 1250 hours
  • The A-Lamp is available in compact fluorescent energy saving lamps starting at $ 5.99 and has a lamp life of 7000 hours.  (compact fluorescent lamps can not be used with a light dimmer)

Incandescent BR and R lampsBR30 lamp

  • BR and R lamps create a warm amber light with a good color rendition. A reflector is built-in to the lamp that directs light where needed.   BR and R lamps should be used for general, ambient, task, accent, grazing or wallwashing applications.  BR and R lamps can be used with a light dimmer to create a softer light.  Low bulb cost - $ 1.39 to $ 2.39
  • Sizes = R20, BR30 and BR40
  • Lamp Life = 1500 to 2000 hours
  • The R and BR lamps are available in compact fluorescent energy saving lamps starting at $ 6.39 and have a lamp life of 7000 hours.  (compact fluorescent lamps can not be used with a light dimmer)

Halogen PAR lamps halogen par lamp

  • PAR lamps create a bright white light with true color rendition.  A reflector is built-in to the lamp for very good light beam control.   Halogen PAR lamps should be used for general, ambient, task, accent, grazing or wallwashing applications.  Halogen lamps can be used with a light dimmer to create a softer light.  High bulb cost - $ 4.39 to $ 8.39
  • Sizes = PAR16, PAR20, PAR30 and PAR38
  • Lamp Life = 3000 to 4000 hours

Low-Voltage Halogen lamps mr16 lamp

  • These lamps create a bright white light with true color rendition.  A reflector is built-in to the lamp for very good light beam control.  Low Voltage lamps have the best control of light output.  Low-Voltage lamps require a step down transformer from 120volts to 12 volts.  Low-Voltage lamps should be used for task, accent, grazing or wallwashing applications.  Low-Voltage lamps can be used special low-voltage light dimmers to create a softer light.  High bulb cost - $ 4.39 to $ 8.39 (fixture cost is usually a little more expensive as well)
  • Sizes = MR16, AR11 and PAR36
  • Lamp Life = 3000 to 4000 hours
  • Low-Voltage Bi-pin halogen bulbs are available in LED energy saving lamps starting at $ 36.39 and have a lamp life of 40,000 hours.

Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL)4-pin compact=

  • CFLs consume up to 75% less energy than incandescent and halogen lamps.  CFLs create a cool white light with a low color rendition although, technologies on CFLs are improving to provide softer light and better color rendition.  Light shines in all directions with this light bulb so this light should be used for general, ambient or wallwashing applications unless you use the R Lamp type CFLs that include a built-in reflector.  CFLs work best with a reflector in the recessed trim.  High bulb cost – $ 3.99 to $ 8.39
  • Styles = 2-pin, 4-pin, candelabra base and medium base
  • Lamp Life = 7000 hours

Suggested Light Levels for Various Applications

General or Ambient Recessed Lighting Layout
general recessed lighting

Should use low to medium light levels (5 to 20 foot candles).  We Suggest using these lamps:

  • A Lamps or BR30 lamps for ceilings 10′ or lower
  • BR40, PAR30 or PAR38 for ceilings 10′ or higher
  • Medium based R type CFLs (can not be used with a light dimmer)

With an 8 foot ceiling, space fixtures 3 feet from the walls and 6 to 7 feet apart in a balanced pattern.   With a 9 foot ceiling, space fixtures 3.5 feet from the walls and 7 to 8 feet apart in a balanced pattern.

My past post on lighting design software can assist you with a computer generated recessed lighting layout.
Task Recessed Lighting Layout recessed task lighting

Should use medium to high light levels (35 to 55 foot candles).  We Suggest using these lamps:

  • PAR30 lamps for ceilings 10′ or lower
  • PAR38 for ceilings 10′ or higher

With an 8 foot ceiling, space fixtures 3 feet apart, with a 10 foot ceiling, space fixtures 4 feet apart positioned over the edge of the work space to avoid shadowing.

Accent Recessed Lighting Layout
recessed accent lighting

Should 4 to 5 times more intense than the general or ambient light levels (60 to 100 foot candles).  We Suggest using these lamps:

  • PAR30 or MR16 lamps for ceilings 10′ or lower
  • PAR38 or PAR36 for ceilings 10′ or higher

With an 8 foot ceiling, space fixtures 18 – 24″ from wall, with a 10 foot ceiling, space fixtures 30 – 36″ from wall.   Light framed art and photos at a 30 degree angle from the suggested distance from the wall.  When lighting a free standing object use two lights from each side for a more dramatic appearance.

Wallwashing Recessed Lighting Layout recessed wallwashing

Should provide an even light level across wall with evenly spaced fixtures (35 to 55 foot candles).  We Suggest using these lamps:

  • A19 lamps or Compact Fluorescent Lamps

Space fixtures 3 feet from the wall and 3 feet apart for even light distribution.  Washing a wall gives you the feeling of a larger room.

Grazing Recessed Lighting Layout recessed grazing

Should emphasize wall textures with a shadowed appearance (20 to 25 foot candles).  We Suggest using these lamps:

  • BR30, PAR30 or CFL

Space fixtures 6 – 9″ from the wall and 12 – 18″ apart for even light distribution.  Grazing a brick, stone or heavy textured wall gives a deep shadow and light effect that will run down the vertical length of the wall.

These suggestions should assist you in understanding which light bulb you will want to use for your recessed downlight layout and you should know what type of light function you will want your recessed lighting to perform:  General, Task, Accent, Wallwash or Grazing

All lighting function images and some research has been provided by American Lighting Association
Posted in Installation, Light Bulbs, Lighting | Leave a comment

Why does my Ceiling Fan turn on by itself?

Posted on July 19, 2007 by colby

Problem: If you just bought a ceiling fan with a remote and it turns on by it self some times we have a soulution.

ceiling fan receiverMost of the time when remote controlled ceiling fans are installed the frequency dip switch settings are not changed by the installer.  On the remote transmitter and the receiver there are frequency dip switch settings that must be the same for each the transmitter and the receiver.  Each unit has four sets of on off switches that determine what setting the frequency is on.  When you receive a new fan with a remote the default settings are set to 1 = on, 2 = on, 3 = on, and 4 = on.  Many times if you have other ceiling fans in the house that are operated by remote or you live in an apartment building, most likely the frequency settings are the same as the other ceiling fans in your house or a neighboors ceiling fan if this problem is occuring.  remote controlled ceiling fan

Answer: Change the frequency dip switch settings on the ceiling fan remote and ceiling fan transmitter that is turning on by it self.


Read about the Most Common Ceiling Fan Problems and there Solutions

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How to Choose the Right CFL for your Fixture

Posted on July 12, 2007 by colby

compact fluorescent lampChanging out your inefficient incandescent lamps to more efficient Compact Fluorescent Lamps is definitly worth it.  Compact fluorescent lamps consume about 75% less energy and last about 10 times longer than incandescent sources.  With this valuable trend becoming more popular the prices of the Compact Fluorescent Lamps are dropping fast.

With so many different shapes and sizes of compact fluorescent lamps which one do you use for the fixture you want to be more efficient?  Click here to view How To Choose your energy star compact fluorescent lamp guide.  This document shows many different types of CFLs and which fixtures they would work in.  See actual models of compact fluorescent lamps.

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