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Arlec Madrid DC review

DC motor ceiling fan. Priced at $219.

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CHOICE Expert Rating

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CHOICE Expert Rating

This is the product's overall performance score, based on key lab tests conducted by our industry experts.

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The product's best features and benefits

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Motor type View more details.

Ceiling fans using an alternating current (AC) motor are an economical and cost-effective option. However, fans using a direct current (DC) motor delivers even greater efficiency, further lowering the running cost. Speed options with DC models also allow more control over air movement - up to seven settings - compared to most AC models, with only three settings.

DC
Recommended View more details.

CHOICE recommends ceiling fans with an overall score of 85%.

CHOICE Expert Rating View more details.

This overall score is made up of living room performance (40%), bedroom performance (40%) and ease of use (20%).

Living room score View more details.

Rates the ability of the fan to move air at high speeds, a setting more likely to be used in a larger area during the day. The more powerful, the better the score.

Bedroom score View more details.

Rates the ability of the fan to move a good amount of air at the lowest setting without disrupting your sleep. Models with more than three settings such as the DC powered models with 5 and 6 settings earn a 90% score if the first setting is lower than the optimal air movement speed as one of the other 4 or 5 settings will deliver the appropriate air movement.

Ease of use score View more details.

We assess how easy it is to follow the installation instructions, use the fan control, and reverse the rotational direction of the fan.

Noise (dB) View more details.

The figures provided are for the ceiling fan running at the medium setting which gives a clearer indication of the overall performance of the fan as far as noise. We also make comment if the fan is particularly quiet at all speed settings.

Availability View more details.

'Tested model' refers to ceiling fans that are currently available in shops and online. 'Discontinued model' refers to ceiling fans that are no longer available in shops, but may be available second-hand.

Discontinued model
Price View more details.

This is the manufacturer's recommended retail price.

$219
Running cost for a year View more details.

Running cost based on eight hours of use per day for six months of the year, used in summer to keep cool and part of winter to help move warm air down to the living area. Electricity is priced at 40 cents per kWh.

Power (low setting, W) View more details.

Power drawn by the fan at each setting. The higher the speed, the more power drawn.

4
Power (medium setting, W) View more details.

Power drawn by the fan at each setting. The higher the speed, the more power drawn.

10
Power (high setting, W) View more details.

Power drawn by the fan at each setting. The higher the speed, the more power drawn.

20
Fan blade material View more details.

While most fans have wooden blades, a few are stainless steel, aluminium, or plastic (ABS). In testing we've found there's little difference in cooling ability between fan blade material.

ABS
Number of blades View more details.

Models with three, four, five and even two blades perform at all different rates with no performance trend based on the number used.

4
Recommended minimum fan height from floor (m) View more details.

Most of the fans on test operate fine at the standard 2.1 metre level, with a few requiring 2.3 metre clearance.

2.1
Diameter of blade (cm) View more details.

A fan with a fan length of 132cm (52-inches) should suit most rooms, you can often select different sizes for each model from 120cm (48-inch) up to 152cm (60-inch) and more.

130
Widest point of blade (cm) View more details.

The widest point was measured straight across the widest part of the blade and excluded any parts which were motor housing.

136
Weight of blade (g)
303
Fan control View more details.

Fan control options include a pull-cord control on the bottom of the fan or a wall switch that usually replaces the light switch. A remote control not only provides a good level of control, it also allows easier fan installation in situations that make it difficult to rewire for a light switch.

Remote
Number of fan speeds View more details.

Models with three settings can be restrictive when looking for the best range of air movement solutions. Models with 5 or 6 speeds deliver the range that should satisfy most situations, as long as the slowest speed is not too fast.

6
Reverse mode View more details.

Most models have a reverse selection also known as winter mode. It turns the blades in the opposite direction and pushes the warm air from your heating system from the ceiling (remember, warm air rises) back down.

Yes
Reversible control location View more details.

The selection of the reverse or winter mode can be on the wall switch, remote or sometimes the casing of the fan itself.

Remote
Warranty (years) View more details.

Stated warranty of the ceiling fan. You're still covered by the Australian Consumer Law regardless of the manufacturer warranty.

1
Country of origin View more details.

Where the fan was made.

China
Website
bunnings.com.au
Remote controlled View more details.

A remote can be useful for operating and may also make installation easier.

Yes
Remote as an option View more details.

Most of the models on test can use a remote control although getting one later can be expensive so if you think you want one, get it at the time of purchase.

Yes
Can install outdoors under cover View more details.

Models that claim to have blade materials that deal with the humidity as well as a motor that is sealed to help keep out moisture.

No
Balance kit provided View more details.

This helps correct wobbles that can rob a fan of efficiency. Some of the latest models claim to be self balancing.

No
Integrated light on tested model View more details.

Indicates if there was a light on the model bought for the test. There may be a version of the fan available without a light.

Yes
Light options View more details.

While many of the models in our test can accommodate a light after purchase and will have a kit available, some can't and this can cause issues. We recommend checking with the supplier first if you feel you may want a light later on.

Separate model available with light
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