Roller blind motor installation - key information

Do you want to control your roller shutters comfortably while sitting on the sofa and holding your smartphone in your hand? It is possible! See how the roller shutter motor is installed and exactly how this solution works. 

Why install a motor for roller blinds?

Installing a motor for roller blinds has many advantages. First and foremost, you customize the shade to your needs and control it in a very convenient way. All this with the help of a smartphone or a device connected to the network. All you need to do is download free software and connect to the drive using Bluetooth technology, for example. The simple mechanisms can also be controlled traditionally, using buttons. This makes it much easier to operate the cover, without having to pull the delicate chains. 

Many drives have a simple configuration that includes customizing the shutter to suit individual needs, the time of year, and the day. You can program the motor to control the roller blind at the desired time. This will significantly save you the time of manually positioning the material in the right place, depending on the time of day. What's more, it's a convenient solution for homes with seniors. Without having to get up, you can easily and effortlessly control the roller blind. Installing a motorized roller blind is a good idea in any home, even in those with many spacious rooms where it takes some time to reach the window. Sitting on the sofa, watching a TV series, you can reach for your smartphone at any time and it's done!

How does the roller blind motor work?

The installation of a motor for roller shutters does not only include external covers but also internal roller blinds. You will find many devices on the market that allow a seamless control system. The drive is charged either via a cable or a solar panel (depending on which type of device you opt for). 

The operator can be fitted directly into the roller blind cassette. For this, it is necessary to completely remove the tube in order to be able to mount the controls and the corresponding connections. Once the roller shutter motor has been properly fitted, it can be controlled automatically. This type is, however, the most popular for external shades. The tube inside the cassette is responsible for rolling up and down the cover. However, you do not have to rely on such complex constructions.

A simple way to do this is to fit a roller shutter motor, which is placed on a chain. All you need to do is the tension it properly and adjust the adapter. A mobile app is used to control it and the device itself takes no more than a few minutes to assemble. A charger is also required for operation.

What's more, the installation of a motor for the roller blind can also include the selection of a solar panel. This way, you charge the drive using solar energy. The shutter virtually always has access to daylight, so it is easy to charge the battery. Thus, you are betting on an environmentally friendly activity, as you are using renewable energy sources. This is a great idea that can be implemented in virtually any home. 

How to fit a motor into my roller blind?

In fact, it all depends on which roller shutter motor installation you decide on. There are many types of devices on the market that allow you to work comfortably. Sitting on the sofa, you can adjust the fabric of the roller shutter, which automatically rises and closes, with just an app on your phone. Some motors are simpler, others are more difficult to install.

When it comes to a motor that every householder can afford, as it is very easy to use, we recommend the cordless device available from familyrollo.co.uk, which is mounted on a chain. You need to remove the connectors to the metal ones. Then attach the adapter horizontally or vertically. There are two plastics in the cover which have to be broken off. The motor for roller shutters is mounted horizontally on the window sash when another option is not possible (e.g. the chain is too long or there is simply no technical space for it).

Fixing is done with mounting tape or screws. In the next step, you need to slide the mounting plate out from the back of the motor, move the adapter to the maximum chain tension and then glue the plate firmly in place. The entire installation of the roller shutter motor is described in the instructions with drawings, so it is not a problem.

More elaborate units require opening the roller shutter box and removing the shutter from the factory-fixed tube. In the next steps, it is necessary to ream out the rivet that holds the casing and then slide it in. The tube needs to be removed in a gentle manner to insert the drive inside. This whole process is more complicated than the previous one. The installation of the roller shutter motor requires precision, as one tighter move can cause the whole structure to simply break down and it is not possible to reassemble the roller shutter. All changes must, of course, take place without connecting the drive to the power supply. You still need to think about the cable outlet at the front, back, or side. Always refer to the instructions from the manufacturer for the necessary information on installation. 

Installing a roller blind motor - by yourself or with the help of a professional?

It is difficult to answer this question unequivocally. If you have a bit of technical savvy, you can choose to fit the motor for external or internal roller blinds yourself. However, a lot depends on whether you choose a drive that is simple to fit or a more complicated one. When it comes to a motor that is on a chain, you don't even need to have technical experience. You don't need complicated tools for this either.