FAQ

Ceiling Fans
Ripple Control
Ceiling Fan Installation and Controls
Lighting
Bathroom Heater & Exhaust Fan

Ceiling Fans

  • Why do I hear ticking/squeaking/rattling sounds from my ceiling fans?

    Sometimes noises like grinding, knocking and metal-on-metal are incorrectly described as ‘ticking’ that is coming from a Fan. It is best to try and clarify the sound first as it is very likely to either be an installation issue or it could be that threaded components such as blade nuts and screws may have loosened over time through normal operation. These components should be occasionally tightened to ensure that the fan does not develop noises. 

    Check the following, as this is not covered under warranty:

    • Fan is screwed into timber and nailed off in the ceiling as per the correct installation from a qualified electrician;
    • Hanging bracket is firm, and all hanging bracket screws are tight and secure;
    • The canopy bowl is not touching the ball joint;
    • All blade screws, canopy screws and jam screws are firm;
    • Check if the down rod from the ceiling is not moving. If it is, then something is loose in the hanging bracket causing the fan to either make noises and/or wobble.
    • Check that the glass cover is installed correctly (if the Fan in question has a light);
    • Ensure any light globes are fitted correctly and are not touching the glass cover (ask the customer to remove the glass and the globe and check if the noise continues after switching the Fan on).

    If noises still exist, contact our customer service team.

  • Which ceiling fan to choose?

    It’s very important to consider the size of the room when selecting a ceiling fan. The larger the room is, the larger the overall ceiling-fan diameter needs to be to generate enough air movement and create a cooling breeze. Blade pitch is also important, the greater the blade pitch on the ceiling fan, the greater the volume of air that will be circulated. 

    Check out the below calculator for further information on our products.

    Ceiling Fan Calculator [Learn More]

  • What to consider when choosing a ceiling fan?

    There are a few things you need to consider when installing a ceiling fan.

    Ceiling Height

    If you have high ceilings above the standard 2.4 metres, you may require an extension rod, which can be purchased separately to lower the ceiling fan. The full range of Martec® ceiling fans can add an extension rod. The standard extension rod size is 900mm (1800mm rods are also available), but it can easily be cut to suit your requirements by the installing electrician. All ceiling fan extension rods also come with the required appropriate wiring lumes to make connections just a simple plug-in system.

    All ceiling fans come with a hang-sure canopy fixing method to the ceiling, which means that ceiling fans can be mounted on flat level surfaces and sloping up to 15°. No corrugated and apex ceiling installation. Metro and Flush must be installed on flat level surfaces.
    [See Ceiling Fan Application Guide]

    Recommended Installation Height

    All ceiling fans should be at least 2.1 metres from the floor to the blades of the fan and at least 300mm from the ceiling. The greater the distance from the ceiling to the fan blades while still maintaining the 2.1 metres from the floor, the greater the volume of air that will be circulated.

    Motor Speed & Blade Pitch

    Most ceiling fans operate at a top speed of 200 RPMs. motor speed. Size and blade pitch are the determining factors in the amount of airflow that will be created by the fan. 

    Martec® ceiling fan range has different blade pitches varying from between 12° to 23° for high performance applications and large volumes of air movement. All of our capacitors are doubled sealed, and temperature treated to ensure smooth speed transitions, and ensure whisper-quiet operation.

    Additional Lighting Source

    If your fan will be replacing the main light in a room (which is the case with most remote-control fans), you will need to purchase a ceiling fan that has an integrated light fitting. If you are using down-lights to illuminate your room and place a ceiling fan in the centre of the room. It is very important that the fan blades are well clear from the downlights to avoid a stroking effect. Martec also offers many models of ceiling fans with dedicated energy-saving light sources, including the technology available to dim them.

    Remote Controls

    Have the convenience of being able to control the light and operate the fan from a remote control. Martec has different remote-control kits that come with many handy features such as a fan on/off function with timer, light on/off function and summer/winter reverse function. 

    Most Martec® ceiling fans can be installed with a remote-control kit, which means there is no need to run an extra wire to control the fan. Our DC ceiling fans are supplied with remote control. AC ceiling fans come with a wall controller, but a compatible remote control kit can be purchased at an additional cost.

  • How high should my ceiling fan be from the ground?

    The distance between the wall and the blade should be at least 1 meter. The position of the fan is recommended to be in the centre of the room to maximize airflow. 

    The ceiling fan should be installed at least 2.1 metres from the floor and at least 300mm from the ceiling. The greater the distance from the ceiling to the fan blades while still maintaining the 2.1 metres from the floor, the greater the volume of air that will be circulated. With high ceilings, extension rods may be required for ceiling fans.

  • Can I purchase a remote control for my ceiling fan?

    Yes. Martec has different remote-control kits that come with many handy features such as a fan on/off function with timer, light on/off function and summer/winter reverse function. 

    Most Martec® ceiling fans can be installed with a remote-control kit, which means there is no need to run an extra wire to control the fan, as the remote does everything for you. Remote controls are an optional extra. Our DC ceiling fans are supplied with remote control. 

    Please note if you already have a ceiling installed with a Martec wall controller, a remote kit can be installed, but the wall controller will be disconnected.

  • What is the difference between AC and DC ceiling fans?

    A DC ceiling fan uses 70% less energy for the same airflow as a conventional AC ceiling fan.

    DC ceiling fan has better controls of different speeds (more speed settings typically 6) and is a smaller size for a given output of air movement. Being “brushless”, it should also be quieter and less prone to the buzzes that can appear on AC ceiling fans and also be quicker to start. Due to the more complex electronics in a DC ceiling fan, they are more expensive than an AC ceiling fan.

Ripple Control

  • What is ripple control? What are the effects, and how will I be affected?

    Ripple control is a way in which electrical companies use a superimposed frequency on standard 50Hz AC power supplies, which are commonly found in most (if not all) Australian households. The frequency is used to control hot water heaters, streetlights and water pumps via their remote receiver to control the power going to and from each utility. Ripple control may also be used to signal high network load periods for major customers to allow them to reduce power consumption.

    A hum or buzz from electrical appliances or a flicker from LED lighting and LED light in AC ceiling fans are the most common complaints arising from ripple control, which is generated when a transformer or the motor windings in a switched-on appliance resonate with the ripple control frequency, usually between 300Hz and 1300Hz. The noise is often, but not always, intermittent depending on when the ripple control signals are being transmitted.

  • Where are the areas that are affected by ripple control?

    Ripple control frequencies are commonly used in NSW, Southeast Queensland and New Zealand, although other areas within Australia also use this technology. Not all properties are affected by ripple control, so just because you might live in one of these areas does not mean that you will have these problems.

    One of the only ways to confirm if the area you live in is affected by ripple control frequency is to contact your power company and ask them directly. If you have a system that uses ripple control signalling, you might also see a ripple control receiver wired into the fuse box and a dual tariff meter or dual meters.

    NOTE: The presence of a ripple control signal does not necessarily mean you will experience ripple control noise in ceiling fans or flickering in LED lights.

    Ripple control signal filters are available to manage the noise generated by affected electrical appliances. The ripple control filter must be matched to the local signal being output by your electricity provider, usually 750Hz or 1050Hz (information of which can be acquired through your electricity provider), and the filter must be installed by a licensed electrician.

    There may be extreme cases where the ripple control frequency is so strong it requires two filters to be installed to reduce the noise sufficiently, and, in some locations, multiple ripple control frequencies are used, also requiring multiple filters.

  • Why doesn’t Martec products have a ripple control filter?

    Ripple control noise is not the norm, and in many environments where it does occur, it is not a problem because the noise generated is not audible.

    While Martec does sympathise with the few customers who do experience a problem, it is not cost effective to build an AC electric motor that rejects all ripple control frequencies given the small proportion of people affected, a cost that would have to ultimately be borne by all consumers.

  • What noise could it be if it’s not ripple control noise?

    If you are hearing the tones at random times of the day, your electrical supply may be affected by harmonics; a power fluctuation that is not part of the normal electricity supply or ripple control signal output. Harmonics are caused by interference created by other equipment on the network, such as inverter type air conditioners and switch mode power supplies for computers.

    The offending appliances may be in your home or other premises on the local power grid. If you are being affected by network harmonics, it may be of benefit to transfer the electricity supply to your premises to a different phase in the street. This is something you will need to discuss with your electricity provider.

  • Does warranty cover ripple control or harmonics?

    Ripple control and electrical harmonics noise is not the result of a mechanical or electronic fault with your ceiling fan or LED lights. As such we do not cover either occurrence under our warranty. Where ripple control noise or injection are found to be at fault, the customer will have to acquire a filter and have it installed by their electrician at their expense.

    If you make a warranty-based service call and ripple control or electrical harmonics noise is diagnosed as the problem you may be charged the call-out fee for the electrician.

Ceiling Fan Installation and Controls

  • How can I cut the downrod to suit my installation?

    Downrod Length Recommendations Diagram [Download]

    Mark a cut line on the exterior of the downrod, using a felt-tipped marker. Double-check your measurements before making the cut to ensure you cut enough from one end of the rod to equal the length you require.

    Wrap the downrod in a towel or cloth. Insert the downrod into a vice. Rotate the downrod until the clevis pin openings — in the sides on each end — face upward toward the ceiling. Tighten the vice to ensure the downrod does not move.

    Cut the downrod along the cut line, using a hacksaw. Smooth the cut edges, using a round file.

    Measure 1/2-inch from the cut end of the downrod and mark that point, using a felt-tipped marker. Ensure the mark on the downrod lines up with the clevis pin opening on the end of the rod still in the vice.

    Attach a 1/2-inch metal drill bit to a power drill. Position the drill bit over the mark you made at the end of the downrod. Drill straight through both sides of the downrod to create a clevis pin opening. 

    Remove the shortened downrod from the vice.

  • How can I save money and energy at the same time?

    Ceiling fans provide a natural energy-saving cooling solution. Most ceiling fans use only about as much power as a 60 watt light bulb which equates to less than 1 cent per hour to run. Ceiling fans will save you money all year round in cooling and heating energy bills.

    Ceiling fans in the summer: While a ceiling fan does not necessarily lower the temperature of a room, it does make the room feel cooler by providing a circulating breeze. Effective circulation can make you feel up to 8 degrees cooler and reduce air conditioning bills by up to 40%.

    Ceiling fans in the winter: In the winter months, you should run your ceiling fan in reverse mode using the Summer/Winter switch. If a ceiling fan is used in the Winter mode in conjunction with the heater, it will push the warm air up against the ceiling and then down the walls, gently re-circulating warm air through the room, which means that heaters will not have to operate for as long, or at such a high-heat setting, thus reducing your energy consumption and saving you money.

  • How to choose between a remote controlled ceiling fan over a wall controlled ceiling fan?

    Remote controlled ceiling fans are installed using the existing light and power source in a room. Simply replacing your rooms light with a remote-controlled ceiling fan with light, which saves running additional wires down your walls.

    This option also takes less time to install and costs less. Depending on which remote you have there are also more settings as opposed to wall control, such as dimmer, timer, and delay.

  • What is a summer/winter reverse mode? How does it works in winter?

    Placing ceiling fans on the summer setting allows the blades to move in a counter-clockwise direction forcing the air directly down.

    Placing the ceiling fan on the winter setting reverses the blades to a clockwise direction and gently draws the room air up towards the ceiling forcing warm air down and out towards the walls.

Lighting

  • What are the benefits of LED lighting?

    LEDs save you money in the long-term.

    LEDs are energy efficient as they consume less energy than normal light bulbs yet they produce the same brightness. They have a greater lifespan of around 50,000 hours, lasting around 25 times longer than normal light bulbs.

  • What does LED colour temperature refer to?

    Colour temperature measures the colour spectrum of an LED bulb in Degrees Kelvin. Low colour temperatures indicate a warm or yellow light whilst a high colour temperature indicates a whiter or blue light.

    Warm White: 3000K

    Neutral White: 4000K

    Cool White: 5000K

  • What is CRI (colour rendering index)?

    CRI stands for Color Rendering Index, and it is a measure of how well a light source can render colors accurately in comparison to natural light. The CRI of LED light refers to the ability of the LED light to display colors accurately when compared to a reference light source such as daylight or incandescent light.

    The CRI scale ranges from 0 to 100, with a higher value indicating better colour rendering. Generally, a CRI of 80 or above is considered good for most applications, while a CRI of 90 or above is considered excellent.

    The lower the CRI the more unnatural it will look, whilst the higher the CRI the better it renders the colour therefore making it look more natural or realistically

  • What are lumens?

    A measure of the quantity of light emitted by the light source. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light will be.

    Lumens per watt is the measure of lamp efficiency. Divide the light’s rating in lumens by the light’s wattage. The higher the lumens per watt the more light produced for less power.

  • What is lux?

    This is the measurement of light intensity. One lumen per square meter = one lux.

  • What is IP rating?

    IP Rating Chart [Learn More]

    This indicates the degree of protection provided against intrusion of dust and water. The higher the number, the higher the protection.

Bathroom Heater & Exhaust Fan

  • How can I work out the air rotation for my bathroom fan?

    Bathroom Heater and Exhaust Fan Calculator [Learn More]

    The capacity of the bathroom heater/exhaust fan required is determined by the size of the room it is to be installed in. Different room sizes will require different air rotations.

    Recommended air rotations per hour:

    Bathrooms/laundry (without shower) – 11 air rotations per hour.

    Bathrooms (with shower) – 22 air rotations per hour.

    To calculate your room volume in cubic metres (m³):

    Simply multiply the length by width by height (L x W x H) of your room. Eg. 2.5m x 2.5m x 2.4m = 15m³

  • Why is there still steam in my bathroom?

    Martec® bathroom heater works by drawing steam-laden air from the room, and, as with all exhaust fans. Therefore it is essential that sufficient air inlets are provided. 

    Ensure adequate inlet exist through windows, vents or under the door. 

    Air flow path from inlet to fan should ideally pass over the steam source.

    In the winter months during hot showers, you may notice that there is more moisture and condensation build up. If this is the case, you may wish to improve your natural ventilation or invest in an additional exhaust fan. Condensation occurs when warm air hits a cold surface, the air reaches its dew point and condenses on the surfaces.

    Bathrooms which have high ceilings and larger than average or have an open shower may all require additional ventilation.

    Ducting from your Martec® bathroom unit should be as straight as possible and be positioned to allow easy air flow from the exhaust fan. Ducting installed with a difficult path for the air to flow through, can hinder the effectiveness of your Martec® bathroom uni.