Module 1 of 4
Power decides first
The one question to ask before comparing anything else. After this module you can point a drapery job toward Glydea or a battery motor in one site visit.
3 lessons, then a scenario check.
Shade Motors School · Drapery · 201
Glydea or Irismo: Pick the Right Somfy Drapery Motor
Somfy builds mains-powered Glydea ULTRA motors and the battery Irismo 45 for motorized drapery. Learn the one question that decides between them, how their figures compare, which controls each one takes and what living with a battery means.
You will be able to: Choose Glydea ULTRA or Irismo 45 for a drapery job from power, figures and controls.
Inside this course
4 modules, one idea at a time
- Power decides firstThe one question to ask before comparing anything else. After this module you can point a drapery job toward Glydea or a battery motor in one site visit.3 lessons · scenario check
- Compare the figuresSomfy torque, speed and noise for the three motors side by side. After this module you can explain the trade-offs with real numbers.3 lessons · scenario check
- Controls each motor takesWhich control systems each motor can join. After this module you will catch a protocol mismatch before the order goes in.3 lessons · scenario check
- Living with a batteryWhat an Irismo owner needs on hand. After this module you can set up a client with the right battery and charger from day one.3 lessons · scenario check
- Final quiz10 real job scenarios, one per screen, each with a hint if you need it. Score 80% to pass and get your certificate.
Power decides first
Is there power at the header?
With power at the track header, Glydea ULTRA runs on mains. With no power and no plan to add it, a battery motor is the answer.
On the jobLook for an outlet near the header on the site visit. It settles the motor before the quote.
Power decides first
Glydea ULTRA runs on mains
Somfy names it the Glydea ULTRA 60 Motor RTS with 10' Plug. It draws 60 W running and 0.27 W in standby.
ExampleOn a renovation with the walls open, add the outlet at the header and the battery question goes away.
Power decides first
Irismo 45 runs on a battery
The Irismo 45 WireFree RTS (1002353) runs on a 25.9 V rechargeable battery, so no wiring reaches the window.
Watch forA battery motor brings a charging routine. Agree who owns it before install.
Check yourself
A rental unit has no outlet near the drapery header and the owner will not open the wall. Which family fits?
Hint: Start with the power question.
A battery motor, such as the Irismo 45 WireFree RTS.
Module 2 of 4
Compare the figures
Somfy torque, speed and noise for the three motors side by side. After this module you can explain the trade-offs with real numbers.
3 lessons, then a scenario check.
Compare the figures
Side by side
Somfy lists Glydea ULTRA 35 at 0.6 Nm and 105 rpm, Glydea ULTRA 60 at 1 Nm and 105 rpm, and Irismo 45 at 0.8 Nm and 87.5 rpm.
ExampleThe Glydea ULTRA 60 is the strongest of the three, at 1 Nm.
Compare the figures
Glydea ULTRA 35
The Glydea ULTRA 35 RTS (1246116) is the lighter Glydea: 0.6 Nm at 105 rpm, rated 38 dB.
On the jobUse the 35 where power is there and the drapery is light. Step to the 60 for heavier fabric.
Compare the figures
Noise is a near tie
Somfy rates the Glydea ULTRA motors at 38 dB and the Irismo 45 at 39 dB. Pick on power and control, not on noise.
Watch forA one-decibel gap will not settle a bedroom job. Power and protocol will.
Check yourself
A client wants the strongest of the three for a heavy lined drape with power at the header. Which one?
Hint: Compare the torque column.
The Glydea ULTRA 60, at 1 Nm.
Module 3 of 4
Controls each motor takes
Which control systems each motor can join. After this module you will catch a protocol mismatch before the order goes in.
3 lessons, then a scenario check.
Controls each motor takes
Glydea has options, Irismo has one
Glydea ULTRA ships as RTS, DCT dry contact and a WireFree Zigbee version. The Irismo 45 WireFree is RTS only.
ExampleA Zigbee house on TaHoma cannot take an Irismo 45 directly. Choose a Zigbee Glydea instead.
Controls each motor takes
DCT for keypads and building control
The Glydea ULTRA 60 DCT (1246117) takes a dry-contact signal, for keypads and building control systems.
On the jobConfirm the integrator wants dry contact before you order. RTS and DCT are separate parts.
Controls each motor takes
Battery drapery with Zigbee
The Glydea ULTRA 50 WireFree Zigbee (1246594) runs on a battery and speaks Zigbee. It charges with the USB-C charger 9028923.
Watch forThis is the battery choice for a Zigbee property. Irismo 45 stays RTS only.
Check yourself
A property runs every shade on Zigbee and the drapery window has no power. Which motor fits?
Hint: Irismo 45 is RTS only.
The Glydea ULTRA 50 WireFree Zigbee: battery powered and Zigbee.
Module 4 of 4
Living with a battery
What an Irismo owner needs on hand. After this module you can set up a client with the right battery and charger from day one.
3 lessons, then a scenario check.
Living with a battery
The Irismo charger
Somfy names the Battery Charger for Irismo 45 WireFree RTS (1003080) for this motor.
On the jobLeave the charger with the client at handover and show them where it plugs in.
Living with a battery
A spare battery
The Replacement 25.9V Rechargeable Li-ion Battery 9026476 fits the Irismo 45 WireFree RTS only.
ExampleA hotel with ten Irismo tracks keeps two charged spares and rotates them.
Living with a battery
The Zigbee battery Glydea charges by USB-C
The Glydea ULTRA 50 WireFree Zigbee charges with the USB-C Li-ion Fast Charger 9028923, not with the Irismo charger.
Watch forA house with both battery drapery motors needs both chargers. Label them.
Check yourself
An owner asks what they need to keep an Irismo 45 running. What do you list?
Hint: The Irismo has its own battery and charger.
The Irismo charger 1003080, and a spare 9026476 battery if they want no downtime.
Final quiz
10 questions. Score 80% to pass.
Each question is a real job scenario, one per screen. Stuck? Tap the hint. You see the right answer and why right after you choose. Pass and you get a printable certificate, plus a 10% code for your first ShadeMotorsDirect order.
Question 1 of 10
On the job: A drapery window has an outlet right at the header.
Which family is the natural first choice?
Hint: Power decides first.
With power at the header, Glydea ULTRA runs on mains.
Question 2 of 10
On the job: A historic home has no power at the header and the walls stay closed.
Which motor fits?
Hint: Pick a battery motor.
The Irismo 45 runs on a 25.9 V battery.
Question 3 of 10
On the job: You need the most torque of the three for a heavy drape.
Which motor?
Hint: Compare the torque figures.
Somfy lists 1 Nm for the Glydea ULTRA 60.
Question 4 of 10
On the job: A client asks which motor travels faster.
What do Somfy figures show?
Hint: Read the speed column.
Somfy lists 105 rpm for Glydea ULTRA and 87.5 rpm for Irismo 45.
Question 5 of 10
On the job: A bedroom client wants the quietest motor.
How do the noise ratings compare?
Hint: Look at how close the numbers are.
A one-decibel gap will not decide the job.
Question 6 of 10
On the job: A property runs on Zigbee through TaHoma and wants battery drapery.
Which motor fits?
Hint: Irismo has one protocol.
The Glydea ULTRA 50 WireFree Zigbee is battery powered and Zigbee.
Question 7 of 10
On the job: An integrator wants to trigger drapery from a building control keypad.
Which version do you order?
Hint: Dry contact is its own part.
The DCT version takes a dry-contact signal.
Question 8 of 10
On the job: A client wants to pair an Irismo 45 to a Zigbee hub directly.
What do you tell them?
Hint: Check its protocol.
The Irismo 45 WireFree is RTS only.
Question 9 of 10
On the job: An Irismo 45 owner needs a charger.
Which part?
Hint: This motor has its own charger.
Somfy names 1003080 for the Irismo 45.
Question 10 of 10
On the job: A hotel wants no downtime on its Irismo tracks.
What do you suggest?
Hint: Swap rather than wait.
A spare 9026476 battery swaps in while the other charges.
Almost done
Where should we send your certificate?
Your score shows on the next screen. The certificate goes to your inbox so you can download it again later.
Parts used in this course
Genuine Somfy parts, 5-year warranty
Somfy Glydea Ultra 60 RTS Drapery Motor (1246118)
Somfy Glydea Ultra 35 RTS Drapery Motor (1246116)
Somfy Irismo 45 WireFree RTS Drapery Motor (1002353)
Somfy Glydea Ultra 60 DCT Drapery Motor (1246117)
Somfy Glydea ULTRA 50 WireFree Zigbee Drapery Motor (1246594)
Somfy Irismo 45 RTS Motor Battery Charger (1003080)Parts used in this course
