How to install electric shutters

Install motors for roller blinds on your windows will help you save on effort, heating and air conditioning. With this type of automation in your roller shutter box, the shutter will lower if the sun shines directly on it and raise if it doesn't receive direct sunlight - a real advantage, don't you think?

In this post, we tell you how to installing an electric roller shutter with tubular motor and remote control - watch out!

Electric blinds: What are they?

Electric roller shutters are about roller blinds that can be opened and closed comfortably, quickly and practically, reducing energy consumption and optimising the thermal efficiency of the home.

The electric blinds can be activated by remote control or wall button. They can also be set to raise or lower depending on the time of day.

Electric blinds: How do they work?

To tell the truth, the mechanism of an electric blind is quite simple. Electric blinds incorporate a tubular lifting rod like conventional models. Inside, however, is an electric motor that rotates the rod when it is operated. This is what allows the blind to be raised or lowered.

Choosing the right type of electric roller shutters

Before figuring out how to install an electric roller shutter, you should think about which type is appropriate for your home. You have already seen that the main decision has to do with the type of motor to select. To make this decision, consider these factors:

Can I install a motor for my roller shutters without the help of a professional?

Installing a roller shutter motor is not a difficult task, it is certain that anyone could do it. However, before you start, you should know the operation and technical details of the electric models.

Installing electric shutters step by step

Now we can explain how to install an electric roller shutter quickly and easily. The steps to follow are listed below:

Materials and tools

Of course, in addition to your roller shutter motor, you will need certain materials and tools to install it on your windows:

Ready? Then let's get to work. A motorise your roller shutter!

Dismantle the old blind tape

The step 1 to install an electric roller shutter consists of the following:

• Pull down the blind completely.
• Next, disassemble and remove the belt catcher.
• Disassemble the roller shutter shaft and remove it from the drum.
• Remove the shutter brackets, as they will not fit the motor. Mark their location so that the blind remains at the same height.

The brackets can be on the wall, on the walls of the drawer or on a metal or wooden structure.

By the way, for this installation, you should be aware of the parts of a roller shutter.

Position the new supports

Let's move on to the step 2. Position both the motor head shaft bracket and the motor shaft bracket, with the bearing for the shaft to rotate. Take into consideration the position of the control switch and motor.

The brackets must be centred in relation to the box in which the roller shutter is rolled up.

Measures the distance between the axles

For the step 3extrapolate the measurement to the bracket with the motor inserted (in case adjustments need to be made). Do not forget to assemble the elements of the motorisation kit beforehand. Put the crown wheel and the stops or bearings.

Place the already installed motor in the drawer recess.

The step 4 is based on placing the motor inside the two side supports. Do this in such a way that the up and down stop control mechanisms are visible and accessible. You will then be able to adjust them.

The motor bracket must be fitted with a metal pin, this is vital to prevent the shutter from slipping off the shaft when moving. Add it through the hole in the shaft.

Turn off the power and make the electrical connections.

In this step 5If you are using a motor, you must carefully follow the motor manufacturer's instructions. The roller shutter must have an electrical socket nearby. You can camouflage the wiring with cable ducts or corrugated pipe.

There are always three wires (phase, neutral and earth). However, an electric roller shutter has four:

• Uphill.
• Downhill (brown or black).
• Neutral (blue).
• Grounded.

By the way, we advise you to make the connections with terminal blocks.

Connect the corresponding wiring

We arrived at the step 6The first step is to connect the wires of the control unit or the up/down switch. Then tighten the screws. Check that the motor controls work and lower the blind all the way down.

Attach the strapping or straps

For the step 7Place the straps on the metal bracket of the motor. Operate the roller shutter until it stops. It will probably do so at a point that comes from the factory and that you will have to adjust. Adjust also the downward movement, closing it again completely.

Replace the drum cover where the roller shutter is rolled up.

Finally, we come to the step 8. Cover the roller shutter drum again. Once you have done this, check that everything works as you would expect, and that's it! You have now finished installing your electric roller shutter.

What to consider when installing electric roller shuttersa?

You must lend maximum attention to roller levellingWhy? Because, in order for the roller shutter to roll up properly, the roller shutter must be properly levelled.

Programming of electric roller shutters

The great advantage of motorising a roller shutter is that, with a single command, you can open or close it whenever you like.

Some models can even be programmed! In terms of time or elevation. This comes in handy when it comes to scaring off even the most uninvited guests, because even if no one is at home, the movement of the blinds will make people think that there are people inside the house. Let's say that, in their own way, they are security shutters.

It should be noted that there are motorised blinds that can be controlled from a mobile phone, computer or tablet.

Safety in the use of electric roller shutters

Some systems can sense the presence of an obstacle and stop the roller shutter movement.

This helps to preventing accidents.

Actuators for electric roller shutters

There are different actuators for electric roller shutters:

• Mechanical motors for pushbuttons.
• Shutter motors with control.
• Automated systems (which are used to schedule upload and download times).

What is the recommended budget for a roller shutter motor?

We have a post dedicated to how much it costs to motorise a roller shutterIf you want more information, we advise you to take a look at it. But, in summary, what you should know is that the price and type of motor for your blinds will vary depending on the characteristics of your blinds: their size, their weight, their material, etc.

To give you an idea, motors for metal shutters tend to be more expensive.

Advantages of installing electric blinds

The benefits of installing electric roller shutters are many:

• Your home becomes more comfortable and functional.
• Better use is made of natural light, which means savings on electricity bills.
• Increase the value of your property in terms of aesthetics and modernity.
• You get a home that is better adapted to the elderly or people with reduced mobility.
• You increase the security of your home, as they serve as a deterrent.
• Etc.

And don't forget that you don't have to replace your old blinds, they can be automated by simply adding a motor.

Final considerations when installing electric roller shutters yourself

Keep in mind that whenever you work with electricity you expose your life to danger. Therefore, if you are not used to this type of installation, we advise you to ask a professional electrician for advice. Also, remember that this text is based on advice, not specific instructions. So please also consult the manual for your new engine.

Conclusion

You have already seen that installing an electric roller shutter is not complicated. This is a fairly simple way to improve the well-being and comfort of your home. If you are going to get down to work soon, we recommend that you take a look at our accessories for roller shutter motors.