Text~Electric operation is ideal for shades that are difficult to reach, or simply for that extra bit of convenience and luxury…… at the touch of a button.They can be operated using a hard-wired switch or radio-control.
Low voltage (LV -24V DC) is recommended for smaller sized roller shades (typically less than 2m wide / 2m drop). High voltage (HV - 230V AC, 50Hz) is available over the full range of roller shade sizes but are more suitable for larger windows due to the size and weight of the cassette headbox - see Technical page.
All blinds and remote systems have been designed to ensure durable, long lasting, fault free operation.
Max and Min Dimensions
| Type of Operation | Max
Width | Max
Drop | Min
Width | Min
Drop |
LV Electric
24V DC | 2000 mm | 2000 mm | 500 mm | 250 mm |
HV Electric
230V AC | 3000 mm | 3000 mm | 550 mm | 250 mm |
Electric blinds within the home and office environment are becoming increasingly popular as advances in technology and production methods have reduced prices to a point where systems are increasingly affordable.
Why choose automated window treatments?
Automated blinds are becoming more popular for a number of reasons. As people spend more time on holiday than ever, electric blinds can increase security by creating the impression that people are still at home. For people with physical limitations, blinds that open and close electronically are a great help, especially if there are several to open at one time.
With the current boom in the construction of quality loft-style apartments and houses, it is not unusual to find several blinds in one area. To raise or lower these on a daily basis is tedious and impractical, leaving motorisation an ideal solution.
The two most significant reasons for the increasing trend towards electric blinds is home cinema and the electronic home. How can you enjoy your new state-of-the-art plasma flatscreen if the sun is streaming through the window? After spending hundreds or even thousands of pounds on top-of-the-range AV equipment, it is only right that the picture is completed by your blinds closing at the press of a remote control button.
If you have a number of blinds in several rooms that need to be opened and closed at different times then a system that can use combinations of relays and controls to enable several blinds to be linked together to operate at the same time, whilst still allowing individual override switches on each one, would be an ideal solution.
Choosing a system There are some practical points to consider when thinking about automated window treatments for your home:
- What is your main reason for wanting automated window treatments? Is it security, physical assistance, home cinema or just a desire for the hi-tech home? Understanding this will immediately start directing you towards the right type of system and price point.
- Will you want to control single or multiple groups of blinds? If it is multiple groups, will these be in the same or different rooms around the house?
- How would you prefer to be able to control these, will you want to control them via switch or remote control?
- Automation needs power - is there a power source near to each window? If not, is it going to be possible to get power there? Is there a power source near to where you plan the switches to be? If not, and you would like to limit the required re-wiring, why not consider radio-controlled switches?
Conclusion Automated home window treatments offer many practical benefits as well as being a symbol of the height of luxury. Blinds operating at the press of a button on a remote control can make a real statement about your home and your lifestyle. However, luxury does come at a cost, and although prices have significantly reduced over recent years, it is important to think carefully about what you want to achieve. Plan carefully, and use the help of our Customer Services Team to ensure that you get the most benefit and enjoyment from your investment.
1. Hard-Wired Switch
Wiring is required between the mains electricity supply, (relay(s) if more than one blind is being controlled), and the blind motor.
A wall-mounted switch can operate one blind, or several blinds together. A relay box is required for two to four blinds - more for greater numbers of blinds.
2. Radio Control
No wiring is necessary between the hand held controller or switch and the receiver. Only a small amount of wiring is required between the mains supply through the receiver to the blind. The installation is simple and minimum disturbance is caused to the décor. Fun to use.
A single-channel handset can operate one blind, or many blinds together.
A four-channel handset combines the flexibility and convenience of remote control with individual, grouped and centralised control of your blinds. Each channel is linked by a simple programming procedure to one or several blinds. With the selection button you can choose which blind you want to control from anywhere in your home. Indicator lights on the controller show the current selection. With the touch of a button you can open all the blinds in the room or on the entire floor.
A wall-mounted switch can be used as an option, or addition to, the handset to operate one blind, or many blinds together
3. Infra Red
Allows for individual and group control for both AC and DC systems up to a maximum number of 10 screens (DC) and a maximum of 4 screens (AC) on one control system.
FAQ
What is the difference between AC and DC?
AC (Alternating Current - 240v) is what is supplied in your home as standard. DC (Direct Current - 24v) is a Low Voltage supply as used in batteries. Most electronic items in the home, such as your TV, will take the AC supply from the house socket and convert it into DC to operate. One of the main advantages of an AC supply is that it can be used over much greater distances due to how the electricity is produced. However, this is not usually a major factor when deciding on which motor type to select for your sunscreens.
Do I need a transformer for electric shades?
You only need a transformer if you decide on a LV system. A single screen would use a small transformer but if you required more than one screen to be operated off the same supply then a slightly larger combined transformer and control box will be required
Are electric shades easy to install, and can I install them myself or do I need to use a qualified electrician?
We always recommend that a qualified electrician be used to install electric shades.
Do I need a source of electricity near the window if I want my shades to be electrically operated?
The motors inside the screens come with a maximum cable length of 2m. Therefore, the electrician will install the control system so that the motor cables can be easily connected when the screen is fitted to the window.
How many shades can I have electrically operated from one control system?
On the LV system you can operate up to 10 screens off one control system.
Do electric shades stop automatically when they reach the required drop?
YES - we set the top and bottom stops according to the size of screen you ask for. Therefore, great care is needed when measuring the 'drop' of the window.
What size is the wall mounted switch box that controls electric shades?
The switch box is of similar size to a normal light switch. The dimensions are 80mm width x 80mm height x 27mm deep.
What size are the control boxes used in the various systems?
Dimensions in mm
DC group control box (up to 10 screens) - 136 x 120 x 42
DC Infra-red sensor- 76 x 60 x 32
AC Relay box (up to 4 screens)- 75 x 150 x 106
AC Infra-red sensor- 30 x 45 x 18
What damage will be caused to the decoration?
Hopefully minimal however, this will depend on one or two factors. E.g. where the power is situated, which system you choose, how good your electrician is. All in all you would expect to do some decoration repairs once the screens have been installed
Can I still operate my electric shades if there is a power cut?
No. The screen will remain in the last 'stop' position until the power returns~~~13287~13292~~