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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- Somfy’s business
- What is “Home Motion”?
- What is the difference between Home Motion and Home Automation?
- Does Somfy manufacture roller shutters and blinds?
- Sales
- Can you supply me directly with a Dexxo Pro garage door motor?
- Please send me a new cover for my Somfy product.
- I have moved into a new home with a Somfy product and need help.
- Roller shutters
- Can all types of roller shutters be motorised?
- Will I have to replace my windows before I can put in power operated roller shutters ?
- Why should I motorise my roller shutters?
- I would like to motorise my swinging shutters: have you a solution to do this?
- What is the difference between a wired control system and a radio system?
- How do I choose the motorisation solution I need for my roller shutter?
- Can I programme my home automation installation myself?
- Awning
- Why motorise your patio awning?
- Can I motorise all types of outdoor awnings?
- Can I motorise an existing awning?
- What is the difference between a wired control system and a radio system?
- Is it complicated to choose a drive system for a patio awning?
- On the remote control, I can't manage to deactivate the sun function by pressing the lower button: what must I do?
- Interior blinds and curtains
- Why should I choose to power indoor blinds?
- What types of indoor blinds can I motorise?
- Can I motorise an existing indoor blind?
- What is the difference between a wired control system and a radio system?
- How can I choose the motorised indoor blind I need?
- Why should I choose to motorise my curtains?
- Gate
- What are the advantages of motorising my gate?
- I have a sliding gate. Do you have a solution?
- What happens if there’s a power cut?
- How do I choose my motorised gate solution?
- Garage door
- What are the advantages of a motor for a garage door?
- Can all types of garage door be motorised?
- How can I open my garage door if there’s a power cut?
- Can I open my gate with the Somfy garage door remote control?
- My garage door opens on to the street. What precautions do I need to take?
- How can I choose the best motorisation solution for my garage door?
- Technologies
- What does RTS mean?
- What is the difference between a wired control system and a radio system?
- What does RTS mean?
- Is an RTS installation more expensive than a traditional wired installation?
- Would I have to motorise everything at the same time with RTS?
- Can I have motorised blinds installed without having to redecorate my house?
- I have a wired installation. Can I upgrade it?
- Can I operate all my motorised equipment with a single remote control?
- Can I control my roller shutters or sun protection by groups?
- What is io-homecontrol?
- What’s the difference between Somfy Radio Technology and io-homecontrol®?
- Won’t io-homecontrol make my RTS installation obsolete?
- Won't I be a bit of a guinea-pig if I adopt io today?
- What makes Somfy home automation products different?
- What is “Home Motion”?
- Somfy Home Motion coordinates motors, controls and automatic systems to power the openings in the home. The motors operate the roller shutters, blinds, gates or garage doors for which they were designed. The controls, linked to the motors by radio, control the motors to operate these items of equipment. The automatic devices are used to programme movements according to the time of day or to react to weather conditions.
View our product catalogue.
- What is the difference between Home Motion and Home Automation?
- With Somfy Home Motion, home automation enters a new era of reliability and ease of use, from simple gate motorisation to remote control of all the doors and windows in the house. With the introduction of Somfy Radio Technology followed by the development of io-homecontrol® in collaboration with leading home equipment manufacturers, home automation controls no longer need any electric wiring.
This means a home automation installation can be upgraded at any time without costly building operations or a complete make-over. Home automation has become simpler and more versatile.
With Somfy, you're sure that your "home automation investment" will bring significant long-term added value to your property, whether it’s just a garage door or the whole house, from heating system to skylights.
- Does Somfy manufacture roller shutters and blinds?
Somfy Home Motion designs and manufactures only motors, controls and automatic systems to power the openings in the home. These motors and home automation devices are then supplied to industrial firms that assemble them with the relevant equipment (roller shutters, blinds, gates, garage doors, etc.).
View our product catalogue.
- Can you supply me directly with a Dexxo Pro garage door motor?
- As manufacturers of motors and automatic systems, we rely on the professional skills of independent installers who receive special training on our products. Somfy products are designed to be installer friendly, but we would always recommend that you consult with a specialist installer and have them carry out the installation work. Find a Somfy registered installer.
- Please send me a new cover for my Somfy product.
- If you had your system installed by a specialist in Somfy products, please contact him for after-sales service. We do not supply or sell spare parts direct to the public. Our products are generally returned to the factory by our installer partners and, after examination, we provide a quotation or offer a standard exchange.
- I have moved into a new home with a Somfy product and need help.
Moving home can be a confusing and stressful experience. It is very easy to misplace, lose or pack items unintentionally. You may identify a Somfy powered application in your new home such as an awning or conservatory roof blinds, but can't find the remote handset or control. In the event of this, please search for a Somfy retailer in your locality using our dealer locator facility. Your approved Somfy installer will be able to identify your application and recommend a suitable control option.
- Can all types of roller shutters be motorised?
- Yes, motorisation and automation of new or existing roller shutters are possible in the majority of cases.
- Will I have to replace my windows before I can put in power operated roller shutters ?
- Not at all. Somfy home automation solutions can be installed just as easily in new buildings as well as renovation projects.
- Why should I motorise my roller shutters?
- You will save time and money and make your house safer. Time, because you will no longer need to raise and lower all your roller shutters by hand one by one. Money, because you will make considerable energy savings through the automated control of openings according to weather conditions. You also gain on the security front. Even when going out for a short time, you will no longer hesitate to close your shutters, because you can do it with a single "click" on your control unit. What's more, with automation, you can activate your roller shutters to simulate your presence.
- I would like to motorise my swinging shutters: have you a solution to do this?
- At present, we do not produce motors for swinging shutters. However, there are roller shutter renovation solutions offering the advantages of shutter motoriation, with which you won't have to replace your windows or even remove your swinging shutters if you wish to retain them for aesthetic reasons or to respect regulations. Ask your installer to advise you.
- What is the difference between a wired control system and a radio system?
- In a wired system, the control is connected to the motor by electric wires which carry your commands to the motor. This is the conventional home automation solution. In this case, the control unit is fixed near the motor (beside the window, for instance, for a motorised roller shutter). In the radio system, the commands are transmitted by radio waves. There is no electric wiring between the motor and the control.
The control is mobile, and you can control your roller shutter within a radius of up to 20 metres, even through a wall. Installation is quicker too, and saves your walls from being damaged. This is the neat, simple home automation solution. Note: with Somfy, a wired system can always be upgraded to a radio installation.
Further information about RTS
- How do I choose the motorisation solution I need for my roller shutter?
- You simply configure a solution corresponding to your needs on this site.
Click here for guidance.
- Can I programme my home automation installation myself?
- We recommend you to call in your installer for any operations on your home automation installation. There are a number of home automation functions that you can easily programme yourself, depending on your type of control (favourite position, timetable, creation of equipment groups, creation of scenarios). On the other hand, there are start-ups, upgrades or reconfigurations of your installation that you might wish to make. These require home automation skills, especially if your system was installed by a Somfy registered installer. You risk damaging the equipment concerned (roller shutter, blind, gate, etc.) or the power unit, and invalidating the terms of your installer’s guarantee.
- Why motorise your patio awning?
- Motorising your patio awning and automating it will help you gain additional living space to share with family or friends. With a single click on your remote control, you choose between sunshine and shade without moving from your deckchair - say goodbye to the crank handle. Weather sensors lower the awning if the sun comes out and retract it in the event of wind. Protected from bad weather and operated smoothly, the mechanism and fabric will last longer. At nightfall, you can use your remote control to light up your patio and garden, and even switch on a heater incorporated in the awning system.
- Can I motorise all types of outdoor awnings?
- Somfy power units can be incorporated in most outdoor awnings, from simple folding arm awnings to the most sophisticated cassette models. There is even a solution to lower the valance of the awning for protection from the sun's rays when it is low in the sky.
- Can I motorise an existing awning?
- Yes, it can be done in most cases, provided the internal diameter of the tube is at least 70 mm. The motor will require a 230Vac mains supply, which your Somfy approved installer can locate. A remote handset and/or battery powered wall switch can be paired with the motor with no disruption to your interior decor.
- What is the difference between a wired control system and a radio system?
- In a wired system, the control is connected to the motor by electric wires which carry your commands to the motor. This is the conventional home automation solution. In this case, the control unit is fixed near the motor (beside the patio doors for instance, for a motorised awning).
In the radio system, the commands are transmitted by radio waves. There is no electric wiring between the motor and the control. The control is mobile, and you can control your patio awning within a radius of up to 20 metres, even through a wall. Installation is quicker too, and saves your walls from being damaged. This is the neat, simple home automation solution. Note: with Somfy, a wired system can always be upgraded to a radio installation.
Further information about RTS
- Is it complicated to choose a drive system for a patio awning?
- You can configure a solution for a patio awning motorization corresponding to your needs very easily on this site.
Click here for guidance.
- On the remote control, I can't manage to deactivate the sun function by pressing the lower button: what must I do?
- Simply hold the button down for more than 2 seconds: then the red indicator will switch from Wind/Sun position to Wind only. To change back again, simply repeat the operation.
- Why should I choose to power indoor blinds?
Motorising your blinds has great benefits.
Motorisation means your blinds are controlled smoothly and evenly every time, and that means they stay looking good for longer.
You can open and close your blinds any time you choose, just by pressing on a button on your conveniently positioned wall switch or remote control handset.
You can partially open your blinds in the morning to let in a little light, without getting out of bed. Partially close them to prevent glare on your TV or computer screen, without getting up from your seat, or close them at any time of day to have some privacy. It's so easy and you're in complete control.
When your blinds are controlled by a timer, they can be closed when it gets dark in winter, before you even get home from work, keeping in warmth and helping to save energy in your home.
Blinds controlled by a timer make it look as though there is someone at home, even when you are away working or on holiday, giving you a little security and peace of mind.
- What types of indoor blinds can I motorise?
Most types of indoor blinds can be power operated: Roll-up fabric blinds, Roman blinds, balloon shades, Venetian blinds in aluminium or wood, and of course your curtains can be motorised too.
What's even better is that they can all be operated from just one remote control handset, if that's what you would like!
- Can I motorise an existing indoor blind?
- Motorised indoor blinds are generally custom-made to order. Please contact your Somfy approved installer for advice and guidance.
- What is the difference between a wired control system and a radio system?
In a wired system, the control is connected to the motor by electric wires which carry your commands to the motor. This is the traditional home automation solution. In this case, the control unit is fixed near the motor (beside the window, for instance, for a motorised blind).
In the radio system, the commands are transmitted by radio waves. There is no electric wiring between the motor and the control. The control is mobile, and you can control your blind within a radius of up to 20 metres, even through a wall. Installation is quicker too, and saves your walls from being damaged. This is the neat, simple home automation solution.
Note: with Somfy, a wired system can always be upgraded to a radio installation.
For further information about radio technology click on this link RTS
- How can I choose the motorised indoor blind I need?
- You simply configure a solution corresponding to your needs on this site.
Click here for guidance.
- Why should I choose to motorise my curtains?
Motorising your curtains has great benefits.
Motorisation means your curtains are controlled smoothly and evenly every time, and that means they stay looking good for longer.
You can open and close your curtains any time you choose, just by pressing on a button on your conveniently positioned wall switch or remote control handset.
You can partially open your curtains in the morning to let in a little light, without getting out of bed. Partially close them to prevent glare on your TV or computer screen, without getting up from your seat, or close them at any time of day to have some privacy. It's so easy and you're in complete control.
When your curtains are controlled by a timer, they can be closed when it gets dark in winter, before you even get home from work, keeping in warmth and helping to save energy in your home.
Curtains controlled by a timer make it look as though there is someone at home, even when you are away working or on holiday, giving you a little security and peace of mind.
- What are the advantages of motorising my gate?
- It's more convenient and safer. Instead of parking on the street and getting out to open your gate, press the button on your remote control and your gate opens in a few seconds. It closes and locks automatically after you have passed. If anyone tries to force it open, the motor exerts a counter-force. Smooth and consistent operation helps your gate last longer.
- I have a sliding gate. Do you have a solution?
- No problem. We can equip your sliding gate just as easily as a swinging gate.
- What happens if there’s a power cut?
- You can still open your gate by unlocking it by hand or with an optional back-up battery.
- How do I choose my motorised gate solution?
- You can easily configure a solution based on your needs on this site. Click here for guidance.
- What are the advantages of a motor for a garage door?
- It's more convenient, quicker and safer. Remote opening of your garage door means you can enter your property quicker, without getting out of your car. You no longer have to park in the dark as the motor system incorporates a courtesy light. The motor stops if it encounters an obstacle and exerts a counter-force if anyone tries to force it open. Lastly, smooth and consistent operation means your garage door will last longer.
- Can all types of garage door be motorised?
- Certainly. All garage doors, new or old, can be upgraded for home automation with a Somfy power unit.
- How can I open my garage door if there’s a power cut?
- In both garage door categories - roller or Up & Over - Somfy has a solution to enable enrty during a power cut. Roller garage doors powered by Somfy motors incorperate a over-ride facility that allow you to manually crank the door open and closed. The Somfy motor for Up & Over doors (canopy, retractable and sectional) has a mechanical release mechanism, but also has the provision for adding a rechargeable back-up battery which can open and close the door 10 times in 24 hours.
- Can I open my gate with the Somfy garage door remote control?
- Certainly, provided it is motorised, and it's a lot more practical that way. You can even control your driveway lighting.
- My garage door opens on to the street. What precautions do I need to take?
- Somfy offers a wide range of safety accessories so you can ensure your installation is safe. If your door operates in automatic mode, you should also add photoelectric cells, which will halt the movement of the door as soon as an obstacle is detected in the infrared beam.
- How can I choose the best motorisation solution for my garage door?
- You can very easily configure a solution corresponding to your needs on this site.
Click here for guidance.
- What does RTS mean?
- It’s the abbreviation for Radio Technology Somfy®. This is a wireless home automation control system by radio waves, using a remote control, or sometimes a switch.
- What is the difference between a wired control system and a radio system?
- In a wired system, the control is connected to the motor by electric wires which carry your commands to the motor. It's a tried and tested home automation technology. In this case, the control unit is fixed near the motor (beside the window, for instance, for a motorised roller shutter). In the radio system, the commands are transmitted by radio waves. This is sometimes called '"wireless technology", as there is no electric wiring between the motor and the control.
The control is mobile, and you can control your roller shutter within a radius of up to 20 metres, even through a wall. Installation is quicker too and saves your walls from being damaged. It's a neat, simple home automation solution. Note: with Somfy, a wired system can always be upgraded to a radio installation.
Further information about RTS
- What does RTS mean?
- It’s the abbreviation for Radio Technology Somfy®. This is a wireless home automation control system by radio waves, using a remote control, or sometimes a switch.
- Is an RTS installation more expensive than a traditional wired installation?
- No, because you save the costs of wiring, and above all, your interior decoration is completely unaffected. That's the great advantage of this home automation solution
- Would I have to motorise everything at the same time with RTS?
- No. You can equip your gate now and your blinds, for example, later on. Everything can be done very easily, as your needs change: you can upgrade your installation, or add an application or a new function. It's a very adaptable home automation solution.
- Can I have motorised blinds installed without having to redecorate my house?
Yes. Battery powered solutions are available for roller and Venetian blinds. The blinds are simply installed and the battery secured in a discrete position out of view and plugged in with no disruption to your decor. As the remote control is battery powered, there is no wiring between the motor and control.
- I have a wired installation. Can I upgrade it?
- Certainly. All you need to do is add an RTS receiver which will centralise your orders and transmit them to the motors via the existing wiring. And if you subsequently add another RTS product, it won't need to be wired to the control point.
- Can I operate all my motorised equipment with a single remote control?
- Certainly, RTS technology is compatible with all Somfy applications. With a single remote control, you can operate all the motorised openings on your property, from your roller shutters to your garage door.
- Can I control my roller shutters or sun protection by groups?
- Yes. With a single RTS remote control, you can control roller shutters and sun protection equipment in groups or individually.
- What is io-homecontrol?
- Somfy has joined leading brands of equipment in the building industry to create io-homecontrol®, the new universal radio control protocol. Thanks to this widely used wireless technology, home automation can extend to other key functions in the home, such as heating, lighting, ventilation or access security. And we plan to add even more functionality in the future.
Check out theio-homecontrol® site
- What’s the difference between Somfy Radio Technology and io-homecontrol®?
- The common factor between the two home automation technologies is simplicity of installation without electrical wiring for the control points. They are also equally adaptable, as you can add motorised equipment or automatic systems according to your needs, without having to reconfigure the system.
Lastly, they both make life easier thanks to their extensive remote control capabilities with which you can control your entire installation from the same control point. While Somfy Radio Technology primarily relates to home openings, with io-homecontrol® you can control other equipment around the home, such as heating, lighting, ventilation or access security.
- Won’t io-homecontrol make my RTS installation obsolete?
- Not at all. Your RTS installation will give you good service for many more years . And, Somfy is continuing to extend its capabilities and develop new products, for example the new Modulis remote control with which you can accurately adjust the tilt of Venetian blind slats, or the completely self-contained Sunis Wirefree sun sensor.
- Won't I be a bit of a guinea-pig if I adopt io today?
- There’s no risk. This new secure radio protocol has been perfected jointly by Somfy, the world standard of reference in operating the openings in the home, Honeywell, specialists in automatic systems for controlling heating and ventilation, and Velux, the world's leading skylight manufacturer.
io-homecontrol® is an advanced technology that has been developed and tested according to the strictest criteria.
- What makes Somfy home automation products different?
- Somfy approaches home automation from the standpoint of motorising the openings round the home. With the perfection of Somfy Radio Technology followed by the development of io-homecontrol® in collaboration with leading home equipment manufacturers, home automation controls no longer need any electric wiring. This means a home automation installation can be upgraded at any time without costly building operations or a complete make-over. Home automation has become simpler and more versatile. With Somfy, you're sure that your "home automation investment" will bring significant long-term added value to your property, whether it's just a garage door or the whole house, from heating system to skylights.
- Why should I use a Somfy registered installer?
- To ensure quality of service, Somfy has signed a partnership contract with independent enterprises which have undertaken to respect a quality charter. Their employees regularly follow training courses on Somfy premises. In this way, Somfy can recommend them to you for installation of its motors and automatic systems.
- How can I find an installer easily?
- We have an increasing network of retailers and installers located nationwide. View our dealer locator to find a Somfy approved installer close to you.
Find a Somfy registered installer
- What guarantees come with Somfy products?
- Somfy guarantees its motors, automatic systems and accessories for roller shutters and blinds for 5 years from the date of manufacture marked on each product. Motors, automatic systems and accessories for gates and garage doors are guaranteed for 3 years from the date of manufacture. The Dexxo Pro is the only garage door motor that is guaranteed for 5 years from its date of manufacture.
- Why does the Somfy guarantee apply from the date of manufacture?
- Somfy is a manufacturer and does not install any of its products. Consequently, the date of manufacture is the benchmark. Our registered installers are independent enterprises which set their own sales and guarantee conditions.
- If my Somfy product has been in storage for some time, I may be at a disadvantage as regards duration of the guarantee.
- Our guarantee conditions take into account our just-in-time manufacturing process, by which production is geared to demand. Consequently, the difference between date of manufacture and date of installation is reduced to a minimum.