We just purchase property in Bonaire and want to add several ceiling fans. The fans in Bonaire we found we not very good quality, so we decided to purchase in the US and ship to Bonaire. We know that there is a voltage and cycle difference between the US and Bonaire and what to know if this difference will eventually simply burn out the fans. If that's the case, what are our options? Buy in Bonaire? Try to convert the volts and cycles in Bonaire to 120/60. Thanks in advance for any help and suggestions.

The fans I have found here are US fans anyway.

Not much selection.

Gary,

As best as I can determine electric motors should not have a problem with the small change in frequency 50 Hz vs. 60. What you may find is the fans would run slower due to the difference. Primary difference with regards to motors and transformers with respect to frequencies is efficiencies and weight considerations. For example the military often uses 400 Hz for its tactical equipment because it can be made lighter. As for the voltage difference most motors will give a tolerance rating on the voltage levels such as 120 v + or - 10 % . Many times this info can be found on the box exterior.

From Casablanca tech support. I am sure all other mfr's are similar.

All Casablanca fans are 60hz fans and they can run on 50hz without any issue of safety BUT:

There will be approximately 20% drop in performance (rpm's, cfm's) and an increase in hum (noise)

Thanks everyone for the feedback. I have spent tons of time trying to find converters with little success. Based on this feedback, I'm just going to go with what's available and forget about any conversion. Now the question whether to keep and ship the fans I purchased at home depot, or just purchase fans in Bonaire--albeit, selection is very limited.