Most Modern Fan Altus Flush ALT-FM Series Quick start guide
Most Modern Fan Co. products have been in our assortment for several
years or longer. As we continually work to improve product performance
and user experience, we occasionally introduce subtle (and sometimes
dynamic) product changes. These can affect the steps associated with
assembly and installation of our products depending on when a fan
was produced.
The instructions posted here are intended to represent our most current
product versions and configurations and the associated installation
steps. If your fan or parts of your fan do not appear to match what is
included here, please contact customer service for guidance and support
in identifying which version of a fan you may have and provision of the
associated installation instructions which correspond to that version.
If in doubt, or if you have any questions at all related to assembly,
installation or operation of your fan, please contact us!
A note about our
online installation instructions:
709 Washington Street, Ashland, OR 97520
tel 888-588-3267, fax 541-482-8418
modernfan.com
Please read and save
these instructions.
If you have any
questions while
installing your fan,
call us first!
Altus Flush
Installation Instructions
and Owners Manual
Customer Service
Monday–Friday, 8am–4pm (PST)
tel 888-588-3267
Safety Instructions and Warnings .....2
Fan Installation ..........................................4
Control Installation and Wiring ..........8
Troubleshooting ......................................12
Maintenance .............................................14
Warranty......................................................15
Models: ALT-FM–XX–XX–XX–XX(X)–XXX
Net Weight of Fan: 15 lbs (6.8 kgs)
V2020/08
Safety Instructions and Warnings
2
Please read all safety instructions prior to installing your ceiling fan
and save this document for future reference. If you are in doubt with
any of the information provided, we recommend that you consult
or hire a qualified electrician to install your outlet box and ceiling fan.
If you have any questions or difficulty installing your fan,
call Modern Fan Co customer service at (888) 588-3267.
Note: This fan is rated and marked as “Suitable for use in Damp Locations.” This
fan is suitable for installation in interior locations protected from weather and subject
to moderate degrees of moisture, such as some basements, barns, cold storage
warehouses, and similar locations, and also partially protected locations such as under
canopies, marquees, roofed open porches, and similar locations. This is not rated,
nor intended for use in applications classified as Wet Locations.
WARNING
Circuit Breaker
POWER OFF
Warning – To reduce the risk of fire, electrical shock, or personal
injury please observe the following:
Mount fan to outlet box marked “Acceptable for Fan Support” and use
mounting screws provided with the outlet box. Note: Most outlet boxes
commonly used for light fixtures are not acceptable for fan support and may
need to be replaced. Consult a qualified electrician if in doubt.
Prior to installation or servicing always disconnect the power by turning off the
circuit breakers to the outlet box and associated wall switch location. If you
cannot lock the circuit breaker in the off position, securely fasten a prominent
warning device, such as a tag, to the service panel.
Do not bend the blade brackets when installing the blades, balancing the
blades, or cleaning the fan. Do not insert foreign objects in between
rotating fan blades.
Disconnect the electrical supply circuit to the fan before installing light kit.
Do not use this fan with any solid-state speed control device other than one
provided or approved by the manufacturer.
This fan must be installed with an isolating wall control/switch.
All wiring must be in accordance with national and local electrical codes
ANSI/NFPA 70. If you are unfamiliar with wiring, use a qualified electrician.
Use this unit only in the manner intended by the manufacturer. If you have
any questions contact the Modern Fan Co at (888) 588-3267.
Use only Modern Fan Co replacement parts.
3
Installation Preparation
Make sure the installation
site you choose allows the
fan blades to rotate without
any obstruction. Allow a
minimum clearance of 7 feet
(2.1 meters) from the floor
to the blades and 30 inches
(76 cm) from the wall to the
end of the blades.
Your new ceiling fan
will require a grounded
electrical supply line of
120 volts AC, 60 Hz,
15 amp circuit. The outlet
box must be securely
anchored and capable of
withstanding a load of
35 lbs (15.9 ww kg).
WARNING
WARNING
Flat Ceiling Mount Angled Ceiling Mount
If you are using an outlet box for wall control installation, the
wires coming from the wall control must be grounded using the attached green wire.
After making wire connections, the wires should be spread apart with the grounded
conductor and the equipment-grounding conductor on one side of the outlet box and
the ungrounded conductor on the other side of the outlet box.
The splices after being made should be turned upward and pushed carefully up
into the outlet box.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation
is subject to the following conditions: (1) the device may not cause harmful interference,
and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
WARNING
WARNING
Control Installation and Wiring
Fan Location
Minimum of
7 feet (2.1m)
Minimum of
30 inches (76 cm)
Support Structure
Ceiling
Outlet Box
(required)
Ceiling
Outlet Box
(required)
1
Fan Installation
Remove and identify contents of carton.
4
Instructions
Tools Needed
A stepladder, phillips
head screwdriver and a
wire stripper
Optional Light Kit parts:
light plate LED board
hardware/
screws
bridge
connector
LED
cover
glass
diffuser
blades
balancing
kit
hardware
package
ceiling
plate
fan body
control(s)
WARNING
See Page 2
POWER OFF
Circuit Breaker
3Disassemble rotor from fan motor by removing
the four phillips head rotor screws. Keep rotor
screws for reinstallation in Step 6. Do NOT
remove multi-point, white screws from guide
plate assembly.
IMPORTANT: Remove packing material
(foam roll) from space between motor and
housing.
Carefully insert blades into rotor slots, and using
pan head screws from hardware package, secure
blades to rotor.
Reinstall rotor using the four rotor screws from
Step 3. Be sure screw tabs on rotor are properly
aligned with correct holes on motor.
4
5
6
Carefully place fan body (bottom side up) on
work area. Remove and set aside bottom cap by
rotating counter-clockwise.
2
5
Fan Installation (continued)
6
If installing optional #271 LED Light Kit, follow the steps below.
Otherwise, skip this section and proceed to Step 8.
Using the existing screws provided with your
junction box, secure the mounting plate to
the ceiling junction box. Junction box must
be visibly marked as “Acceptable for Fan
Support.” It is recommended that the flat
washers and lock washers from the hardware
pack be used for added security. Electrical
supply wires should remain accessible
through the center hole in mounting plate.
7
8
suspension cable and loop
Feed bridge connector through
center hole of LED board and
carefully insert two-pin connector into
terminal on the LED board. Gently
push excess wire behind light cup
and place LED board flat on
light plate with cutouts positioned
over the three attachment holes.
Align LED cover with fastening holes
positioned over cutouts in LED
board and attachment holes on light
plate. Use short panhead screws to
secure LED cover and LED board in
place on light plate.
WARNING
See Page 2
POWER OFF
Circuit Breaker
Depending on the date of manufac-
ture, your fan may have been supplied
with separate terminals for each wire.
If so, join ends of bridge connector
wires with wire leads from fan.
Position wires so that connectors are
flat and inside of three posts in the
center cavity area.
Remove white fastener plate held by
three screws shown here.
Note: If the parts you received are
different than what is listed/pictured
here, you may have a prior version of
the light kit assembly. Please contact
customer service for instructions.
Place light plate over wire connec-
tors so that the three, threaded
posts are seated in the taller stand-
offs on back of light light plate and
two-pin connector passes through
center hole. With three countersink
screws, fasten light plate to fan.
7
Secure suspension cable loop around the
hook inside the top of the fan body.
With fan safely suspended by cable, make
wire connections with wire nuts included
in hardware package as described in the
Control Installation Instructions.
If using the #003, #004 or #005 control
option, the receiving unit should be placed
inside the top of the fan and connected
at this time.
Insert and partially thread each of the
three set screws. Once all three screws
are partially threaded, firmly tighten
each one.
Install wall control as described in the control installation instructions
(unless you are using a handheld remote control only).
The rotor and motor of your fan have been dynamically balanced at the
factory. In addition, the blades have been matched to the nearest gram
to ensure a well balanced ceiling fan. Furthermore, a blade balancing kit
has been included with your fan. Please refer to the instructions packaged
with the balancing kit should your fan require additional balancing.
Install bottom cap if your
fan does not have a light kit
or the glass diffuser if your
fan does have a light kit. In
either case, rotate clockwise
until cap or diffuser comes
to a stop.
Lift fan body and carefully align collar
with ceiling plate. Tabs on ceiling plate
should seat into channel on inside of fan
collar. Rotate fan so that set screw holes
on fan body align with set screw holes
on ceiling plate.
9
11
14
15
12
10
hook
Your fan is reversible for summer and winter
operation. The reverse switch is located on
the side of the fan body. The LEFT position
is for summer and the RIGHT position
is for winter.
13
reverse switch
set screw hole
8
Control Installation and Wiring
When ordering your fan, you should have selected the control that was most appropriate
for your fan, electrical requirements and desired functionality.
Controls are intended for use with one fan (except #FC-009A/009B as noted).
Control Options
#FC-001
Fan Speed Control
A basic fan control used
to operate one fan only,
providing four speeds.
Not compatible with remote control.
#FC-009A/009B
Multi-Fan Control
(sold separately from fans)
A three speed fan control
designed to control two fans
(#009A) or three to five fans
(#009B) on a single circuit. Separate
control/switching of lights must be planned
if this control is to be used for fans with
lights. For AC motors only.
Not compatible with remote control.
#FC-004-LED
Two Wire Fan Speed
& Light Control
Designed for independent
operation of a fan and light
using only one circuit (two
wires). Provides three speeds and full
range dimming (or “on/off” switching) and
wires into wall box. Includes wall control,
switch plate and receiver.
#FC-003-LED
Handheld Remote Control
Designed for independent
operation of a fan and light using
only one circuit (two wires).
Provides three speeds and full
range dimming (or “on/off” switching).
Includes handset, receiver, battery and
comes with a wall mounting bracket
for handset.
#FC-005-LED
Two Wire
Wall Control with
Remote Handset
A combination control
set providing three
speeds and full range dimming (or “on/off”
switching) from wall control and/or remote
handset. Includes one receiver, a remote
handset with mounting bracket, battery and
wall control with switch plate.
#FC-002
Three Wire Fan Speed
& Light Control
For operation of one fan with
light. Requires two circuits
(three wires). Provides four
speeds and dimming of light.
Not compatible with remote control.
9
Wiring
With power turned off at breaker, make wire connections from the fan to the power
supply at the ceiling and from the control to power at wall box as shown in the wiring
diagrams below.
Note: For #FC-009A or #FC-009B, refer to printed instructions included in
control box/packaging.
#FC-001 Wiring Diagram
Green (ground)
Cap off Blue wire
(unused load for light)
Cap off Orange wire
if present (unused
neutral for light)
White (neutral)
Black (motor)Black (to motor)
Fan
Control
#FC-002 Wiring Diagram
Green (ground)
White (neutral motor)
Black (motor)
Blue (light)
Black (to motor)
Blue (to light)
Fan
Control
#FC-003/#004/#005 Wiring Diagram
Green
(ground)
White (neutral motor)
Black (motor)
White
Black
Blue (light)
Fan
Receiving
Unit
Green (ground)
connect ground
wire to grounded
hanging bracket
or mounting plate
Green (ground)
connect
ground wire to
grounded
hanging bracket
or mounting
plate
Green (ground)
connect ground
wire to grounded
hanging bracket
or mounting
plate
Orange (neutral light if wire present)
#004/#005
Wall Switch
(or use #003
On/Off
Switch)
Orange (neutral light)
A/C power in (neutral)
A/C power in (load)
A/C power in (neutral)
A/C power in (load)
A/C power in (neutral)
A/C power in (load)
antenna
WARNING
See Pages 2-3 WARNING!! Power must be disconnected at circuit
breaker prior to any contact with electrical wires.
Control Installation and Wiring (continued)
10
to White (motor neutral)
to Black (motor load)
to Blue (light load)
A/C power in (neutral)
A/C power in (load)
Antenna
Receiving Unit
White
to Orange (light neutral)*
* If fan does not have orange wire, cap orange wire from receiving unit.
Orange
White
Black
Black
Blue
POWER OFF
Circuit Breaker
Receiving Unit Wiring Detail (for #003, #004 and #005 only):
With fan suspended from ceiling and with power off at breaker box, make wire
connections as shown below.
Receiving Unit Placement
The receiving unit sits in the top of the fan body as pictured below. While there is ample
room for the receiving unit as shown below, the wires can sometimes become difficult
to manage in the space available. Trimming excess wire before making connections can
ease wire management.
Tip: Splicing lighter gauge wire to the power supply and positioning the heavier wires
up into the junction box can also ease wire management.
11
WARNING
See Pages 2-3
Control Pairing
for #FC-003, #FC-004 and #FC-005 only:
Once installed, you must pair your remote handset and/or wall control with the receiver.
Begin by confirming that power is off at the wall control, at the main switch leg, or at the
circuit breaker if there is no wall control or on/off switch in use. Turn the power supply on.
The fan should start spinning initially. Immediately press and continuously hold down the
FAN OFF button . After approximately 5 seconds, the fan will begin to slow down and
if your fan has a light, it will flash on, then off again. Either of these actions indicates that
you have successfully paired your control, at which point, you can let go of the FAN OFF
button. If using both a remote handset and a wall control with your fan, repeat these
pairing steps with the second device.
Dimming Selector Switch
for #003, #004 and #005 only:
The remote handset and wall control ship pre-set for “dimming” operation of the light.
Pressing and releasing the LIGHT button will turn the light on and off. Pressing and
holding the LIGHT button will increase or decrease brightness continuously until you
let go of the button. To disable dimming function on either the wall control or the remote
handset, move the dip switch(es) pictured here from Dim to On/Off or from Dim to On.
These dip switches are located inside the battery cover of the remote handset and
on the side of the wall control.
Timer Operation
for #FC-003 and #FC-005 only:
If your fan was ordered with a remote handset, you have the option to set a timer
for 1, 2 or 4 hours respectively. With the fan (and light) set to your desired setting,
pressing any of the timer buttons will turn the fan (and light) off after the corresponding
time has passed. Initially, upon pressing a timer button, the fan will speed up and then
return to the original speed setting. Likewise, the light will flash full brightness then
reset to previous setting. Any command sent to the fan (speed change or light setting)
from your handset or a connected wall control will inactivate the timer function.
Inside remote
handset
Left side of
wall control
12
Troubleshooting
Blades don’t turn...
• Check that the reverse switch is rmly in one position (Forward or Reverse).
• Check wire connections at ceiling and wall control.
• Verify that there are no physical obstructions preventing motor & blades from spinning
(push blades by hand to confirm that they spin freely).
• Confirm power has been turned on at circuit breaker and wall switch.
Light doesn’t work in the on position...
• Check wire connections at ceiling and wall control.
• Be sure lamp is screwed in completely so that base touches contacts or if equipped with
a flat LED board, confirm that wire terminals are properly connected.
Fan wobbles...
• Make sure hanging bracket and mounting hardware at ceiling is secure and firmly fastened.
• Be sure ridge in hanging bracket is seated in the half-ball slot.
• Check that stopper screw (or stopper pin) and set screws are firmly tightened where
down rod is attached to the fan body.
• Remove and reinstall two blades in opposite positions.
• Use blade balancing kit as instructed.
Note: blade sets should not be inter-mixed as they are weight matched when
packaged together.
Please read all installation instructions carefully. After reviewing the following
troubleshooting tips, if you are unable to solve a problem with the installation or operation
of you fan, please contact customer service for additional assistance.
IMPORTANT: Do not return a fan or fan parts without first contacting us
for troubleshooting assistance.
If we are unable to resolve a problem over the phone, a replacement fan or part will be
provided and a prepaid shipping label will be issued for returning the defective product.
Returns cannot be accepted without a Company issued return label.
For the return of non-defective, un-installed merchandise, please contact your dealer.
Often, noises such as ticking or humming can be caused by loose parts or structural
factors in the ceiling. Please double check that all screws and parts are firmly tightened,
including the outlet box from which the fan is hung. Next, review the troubleshooting
tips listed below.
As stated in the warranty, Modern Fan Co. is not liable for costs incurred related to
installation labor or equipment. Be sure to test all functions of your fan, and if need be,
contact customer service while your contractor/electrician is still on site.
Troubleshooting Checklist
Fan makes repetitive ticking noise...
• Check for obstructions in rotor path.
• Make sure mounting hardware at ceiling is secure.
• Make sure all other hardware and blade attachments are tight.
• Give fan adequate “break in period” of several hours to several days then
repeat steps above.
Fan makes humming noise...
• Be sure you are using a fan speed control with specific speed settings. Rheostats or
continuous dimmers will cause motor noise.
• Be sure that all fittings (light kit, bottom dome, canopy, etc.) are firmly secured.
Loose parts will often cause vibrational noise or humming. Removal and re-attachment
can sometimes remedy such resonant vibrational noise.
Fan (or light) not responding to hand-held remote or wall mounted RF signal...
• Check that all wire connections are secure and made as instructed.
• Verify that power is on and reaching the receiver (using a voltmeter).
• Review and repeat pairing instructions.
• Be sure to firmly press the center area of the buttons on you handset or wall control.
• Verify that batteries are installed with proper polarity as indicated inside battery cover.
Unable to operate fan and light independently...
• Be sure you are using a control designed for a fan with light.
• Verify that wire connections at ceiling and wall are made as instructed.
13
Customer Service
Monday–Friday, 8am–4pm (PST)
tel 888-588-3267
Maintenance
Before servicing or cleaning your fan, switch power off at service panel and lock the
service disconnecting means to prevent power from being switched on accidentally.
When the service disconnecting means cannot be locked, securely fasten a prominent
warning device, such a tag, to the service panel.
• Your fan uses maintenance free, sealed bearings. There is no need to lubricate the
motor bearings or inner shaft.
• It is recommended that you inspect your fan at least annually to conrm that all blade
screws and mounting hardware remain securely fastened as when originally installed.
• Periodic surface cleaning may be necessary depending on the amount of dust and
particulate accumulation on the blades and surfaces of your fan. Use a damp cloth.
If necessary, a light, non-abrasive soap solution may be used.
• If installed in a coastal, humid environment, regular surface cleaning may be necessary
in order to avoid deterioration or oxidizing effects of salt or other corrosive elements.
A Damp Location rating is not an assurance of finish durability. Preventative measures
should be taken dependent on the environmental exposures your fan will undergo in
order to preserve and protect the finish quality and appearance of your fan.
• If a wobble develops over time, you may need to rebalance your fan following the
instructions that were included with the balancing kit. If the blades have warped,
twisted, bent or become uneven in weight distribution, replacement blades may be the
best course of action and can be purchased by contacting The Modern Fan Co. directly.
• If a noise develops over time (clicking, ticking, humming or otherwise), refer to the
troubleshooting section of this manual (pages 12-13). If you are unable to remedy the
issue, contact Modern Fan customer service for further assistance.
Use this unit only in the manner intended by the manufacturer. If you have any
questions contact The Modern Fan Co.
14
WARNING
See Pages 2-3
POWER OFF
Circuit Breaker
Customer Service
Monday–Friday, 8am–4pm (PST)
tel 888-588-3267
Lifetime Limited Warranty
All products manufactured and sold by The Modern Fan Co. meet the highest industry
standards. We use only the finest materials and production processes resulting in quality
ceiling fans backed by the following warranty:
Motors (dry locations):.......................................................................................................Lifetime
Motors (damp locations): ................................................................................................10 years
Light Kits:...............................................................................................................................3 years
Component Parts (switches, capacitors, blades): .........................................................1 year
Finishes: ...................................................................................................................................1 year
Wall and remote controls:....................................................................................................1 year
Limitations:
•This warranty covers failure of fan due to defect(s) in materials or workmanship and
does not apply to defects, malfunctions or failures which are caused by repairs by
persons not authorized by us, use of parts or accessories not authorized by us,
mishandling, improper installation, modifications or damage to the fan while in your
possession, or unreasonable use.
• This warranty applies only to products sold and installed within the United States.
• This warranty extends only to the original user or consumer purchaser of the ceiling fan.
•This warranty applies to private residential use of ceiling fans only. Use of products in
commercial applications is backed by a 10-year “motor” warranty. All other aspects of
this warranty remain the same.
• This warranty only covers the replacement or repair of ceiling fan or parts as specified
above, and does not cover any other costs incurred related to installation labor or
equipment, or shipping of fan or fan parts.
• No other expressed warranty is given. The repair or replacement of a product is your
exclusive remedy. Any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness is limited to the dura-
tion of this written warranty. In no event shall the Company be liable for consequential or
incidental damages. Some states do not allow exclusion or limitation of consequential
or incidental damages, so the above exclusions or limitations may not apply to you.
Claims:
Prior to submitting a claim for a defective or failed fan, or prior to removal of your fan from
its installation location, please contact customer service (888-588-3267) for troubleshoot-
ing assistance. Often our personnel can diagnose the cause of a nonfunctioning fan and
provide either operational instructions, or replacement parts/components that don’t require
your fan be removed from the ceiling.
If we are unable to remedy the problem in this way, upon receipt of proof of purchase
(including date and location of sale), we will provide the necessary replacement parts or
fan as specified by this warranty, or provide instructions and an authorization for return
of the product for diagnosis, repair or replacement.
15
V2020/08
The Modern Fan Company, Inc.
709 Washington Street, Ashland, Oregon 97520
tel 888-588-3267, fax 541-482-8418
modernfan.com
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