Motorisation

Virtually any blind, awning and shutter can be motorised. With motorisation there are a significant range of control options available.

In most situations the motor is fully concealed in the hardware of the blind. For venetian blinds, the motors are located within the headrail section; for roller blinds and smaller shutters, the motors are tubular and fit within the roller; on vertical blinds, the motor is mounted on the back of the track. Non-retractable rooflight blinds have the motors mounted on one of the racks above the slats. For larger shutters, the motor is mounted at the end of the roller and drives to the roller through gears. This type of externally fitted motor, which is usually 3-phase, is also used for folding and commercial up-and-over doors. 

For smaller internal blinds low voltage motors and even battery operated motors are available.

Mains powered motors are typically supplied with a 1 metre length of flex (or flying lead) so it is necessary for a junction box or plug connection to be located within 1 metre of the end of the blind. Where more than one blind operates from a single switch, relays must be used and they can also serve as junction boxes. Most motors are single phase using normal 3-core mains supply cable to the switch, but the cable from the switch to the motor is 4-core. There are 2 wires for supply (one for raise and one for lower) a neutral and an earth. The load requirement is normally not more than an amp for each motor for most blinds although larger shutters will draw more power.

Control Systems

An extensive range of standard control systems is available with custom design for more complex requirements. Control systems can be made to perform virtually any sequence of functions. Control systems offer the designer uniformity and building temperature control that can make significant savings in air conditioning running costs by using the blinds and shutters as dynamic shading. 

Types and operation
 

Solar Control

Opens and closes the blinds and set to two pre-determined lux (light) levels. The blinds are lowered when the higher level is reached and raised after a timed interval if the light drops to the lower level. 

Wind Control
Retracts external blinds if the wind speed exceeds a pre-set level.

Timer Control

A daily or weekly timer to operate the blinds at preset times. It is usually used to extend the blinds in the morning and retract them at night. Where blinds or shutters are used for insulation it can be used to lower them at night for heat retention. 

Light level control

For non-retractable blinds a three-lux level control allows the slats to adjust to maintain light levels within a selected bandwidth. 

Master or Building Control

Allows override of the system from one central point often linked to the MBS or environmental controls to optimise natural light levels but control heat gain or loss.

Individual control

Allows override of the automatic system by a switch local to each blind.

Infra-red control

Operation by means of an infra-red transmitter that activates the sensor that is normally mounted on the wall beside the blind.

Radio Control

Control by a hand held transmitter or wall mounted switch 
 

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