How to motorise a roller shutter

Do you have a roller shutter Do you want to make it easier to use and do you want to motorise it? In this post we show you how to motorise a roller shutter in a two waysby means of the belt and incorporating a tubular motor.

Materials you need

Motorise a shutter is a cost-effective and fast processBelow we show you the materials you need to carry out this installation.

• Corrugated tubeYou must know the diameter of the pipe where you are going to insert the motor, in case you need an adaptor.
• 100x100" register boxesYou should also use a mechanism box.
• Plaster.
• Wall grazing tools.
• Tubular engine.
• Shutter button.
• 1.5 mm2 cableblack, blue, grey, grey, brown or earth colours are recommended.
• Terminals or clamps connection.
• Screwdriver and scissors electrician.

How to motorise a roller shutter in 2 different ways

As mentioned above, there are 2 ways to motorise a roller shutterHere's how to do it each way.

Motorise the belt

The simplest way to motorise a roller shutter is by incorporating the motors into the belt, i.e. replacing the belt with a pushbutton or control. Below we show you the steps to follow to do so.

1. Completely lower the blind and remove the tape catcher.You must cut it according to the size indicated by the manufacturer, depending on the size of the blind.
2. Fold the end of the tapeThen, you have to make a cut with the scissors to make an eyelet that allows you to fix the ribbon on the spring collector.
3. Tuck the tape through the grommetYou have to do it through the upper groove of the automatic dustpan, so that the belt will be enchanted by the cylinder of the automatic dustpan.
4. Insert the belt catcher into the hole.The following steps must be followed by marking the points where the screws are to be screwed to the wall and, if they do not coincide with the existing ones, drilling the holes; the mechanism must then be tested.

Install a tubular motor

If it is not possible to recess the box, as it requires more space for a traditional dustpan, you can opt forr installing a tubular motor. In this case, the pulley is replaced by the tubular motor.

1. Lower the person completely and remove the drum cover.Then, you must unhinge the blind, removing the straps from the tube and the old shaft; you must also remove the side supports.
2. Measure the gap spaceThe motor is then inserted into the shaft until it fits completely into place.
3. Insert the ferrule into the other end of the metal tube.You must incorporate it at least 2/3 of its length; in addition, you must fix it to the shaft with a fixing screw, always being careful not to damage the motor.
4. Position the brackets for the motor ends and the end cap.You have to mark, drill, put in the dowels and screw the brackets; then you have to place the motor and the end cap and insert the shaft into the brackets. Then you have to secure the head with the pins.
5. Put the straps on the tubeThe shutter can then be raised and lowered at the end; finally, all you have to do is check that the mechanism works correctly and, if it does, fit the cover of the drawer.

Aspects to take into account

Before you learn how to motorise a roller shutter, it is important that you consider the following factors:

• Check that there are no water or moisture leaks from the outside.You should always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• Electrical connectionYou can do this with corrugated pipe wiring concealed in the wall, with cut-outs or with plasterboard panels.
• Appropriate modelYou must choose a motor with sufficient capacity to raise and lower the slats; to do this, you must take into account the type of drive, whether it is a radio or cable drive, the diameter of the shaft and the weight of the blind.
• Box close to the drumis the most advisable, as it allows you to take out an electrical line as if it were a socket; ideally, it should be 100x100 and on the side where you are going to install the motor.

How to choose the right motor for your roller shutter

As you have been able to see, when it comes to choosing the right engine you should consider the type of drive, the diameter of the shaft and the weight of the roller shutter; here we show you how to choose the right model:

• Blind weightThe motor's strength is important to know how strong the motor should be; to do this, you have to multiply its height by its width by the coefficient of the material it is made of. This can be PVC or aluminium (5-6 kg/m2), steel (13/14 kg/m2) or wood (12/13 kg/m2).
• Shaft diameterThe motor must fit perfectly on the current shaft, so you need to measure flat to flat. You must measure from flat to flat, most likely 40 or 60 mm.
• Drive typeThe control can be by radio, by operating a remote control or mobile phone, or by cable, via a push button or switch.

Advantages of motorised blinds

What are the advantages of motorised blinds? Here we show you their MAIN BENEFITS:

• Greater control of the light entering the home: The right lighting is achieved and spaces appear more attractive and natural.
• Avoid direct entry of the sun's raysIt also enhances privacy.
• Ease of useYou can raise and lower the blinds at the touch of a button or even with a remote control.
• It offers a extra security for housing.
• SavingsIt is true that you have to make an initial investment, but it will be more profitable later on, as you can make the most of natural light and reduce energy costs.

Now that you know how to motorise a manual blind, what are you waiting for? Enjoy all the advantages of raising and lowering your roller shutter at the touch of a button.