How Do I Choose the Right Tubular Motor for a Roller Shutter?

How do I choose the right tubular motor for my roller shutter? Choosing the right tubular motor depends on several factors, including the actual weight of the roller shutter, its dimensions, the shaft diameter, the type of shutter curtain and the frequency of use.

Not every motor is suitable for every application, as each roller shutter has different requirements.
The two most important technical specifications are torque (Nm) and rotational speed (rpm).

What is motor torque?
Torque, measured in Newton metres (Nm), indicates the amount of force the motor can deliver.
A small and lightweight roller shutter can operate perfectly with a low-torque motor, while a larger or heavier shutter requires a more powerful motor in order to operate without excessive strain.

The selection should not be based solely on the dimensions of the opening. Two roller shutters with identical dimensions may differ significantly in weight depending on the type, thickness and material of the shutter curtain.

How important is motor speed?
Motor speed is equally important and is measured in revolutions per minute (rpm). For most residential roller shutters with a Φ60 octagonal shaft, the most common speeds are 12, 15 and 17 rpm, while larger shutters with a Φ70 shaft are also available with even slower motors, down to 7 rpm. Faster motors reduce the opening and closing time of the roller shutter, providing greater convenience in everyday use.

Slower motors, on the other hand, transmit their power more smoothly, resulting in quieter operation, reduced stress on the shutter curtain and guide rails, and an overall smoother, more refined feel during movement.

For this reason, many professionals prefer slower motors for large or heavy roller shutters, where reliability and long-term operation are the main priorities.

Expert tip: There is no “right” or “wrong” speed. If you want the roller shutter to open more quickly, choose a motor with a higher rpm rating. If, however, quieter and smoother operation is your priority, a slower motor may be the better choice.

Are all motors compatible with all roller shutters?
No. Compatibility mainly depends on the shaft diameter, for example Φ40, Φ60 or Φ70, the appropriate motor adapters, the weight of the roller shutter, the height and width of the opening, and the type of shutter curtain.

In many replacement installations, the motor is not the only component that needs to be changed. Depending on the installation, different adapters, brackets or even a replacement shaft may be required.

Choosing a correctly sized tubular motor ensures smooth operation, a longer service life and a reduced risk of failure.