Ceiling fans and downlights

Hi can anyone help me out with the minimum distance required to avoid strobing or flickering from a celing fan?

We have downlights already installed and now want to put in ceiling fans.

What is minimum distance the edge of the blade needs to be from the edge of the downlight to avoid the strobing (flickering) effect?

For instance - we have 2 downlights in the bedroom and they are approx 1950mm apart. The fan is 1300mm is that enough distance?

also is there any rules about a fan being off centre? We have a bedroom with a bunk on one wall - I do not want to put the fan anywhere near the bunk and so the centre of the room is out. Is is OK to put it off centre?

Thanks for your help (also posted in the Lighting forum)

I can't give you a figure but it will depend on the beam angle of your downlight which can vary and how long the extension rod is on your fan. May you can find a light shop and wave an object in front of a fitting to see when it causes obstruction.

There is nothing 'wrong' about a fan being off centre. If you wish to centre it, the chippie may need to put additional timber between the rafters for the fitting to hang from. Do this before the gyprock goes on to make it easier for the sparkie to install.

There is an argument that off centre works better because it uses the walls as an airflow channel that provides a smoother circulation of air around the room.