Module 1 of 5
Two labels, two jobs
The difference between a model code and a part number. After this module you will know which one to read for specs and which one to order by.
3 lessons, then a scenario check.
Shade Motors School · Pick the Motor · 201
How to Read a Somfy Motor Model Code: 506S2, 525A2, 550R2
A Somfy model code such as 525A2 tells you the motor platform, its torque and its speed band at a glance. Learn to read one, then learn the three facts it leaves out so you never order the wrong motor from a code alone.
You will be able to: Read torque, platform and speed band from a Somfy model code, and know what to confirm by part number.
Inside this course
5 modules, one idea at a time
- Two labels, two jobsThe difference between a model code and a part number. After this module you will know which one to read for specs and which one to order by.3 lessons · scenario check
- The middle digits are torqueThe most useful part of the code. After this module you can read torque in newton-meters off any of these motor codes without a spec sheet.3 lessons · scenario check
- The first digit is the platformHow the first digit points to the tube size the motor needs. After this module you can rule a motor in or out from the tube you have.3 lessons · scenario check
- The letter tracks speedThe speed band behind the letter, and why to confirm rpm on the spec. After this module you can predict whether a motor is a fast interior unit or a slow, strong one.3 lessons · scenario check
- What the code leaves outThe three facts a code never tells you: radio, head type and noise. After this module you will always confirm them by part number before ordering.4 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.
Two labels, two jobs
A name and a number
A Somfy motor carries a descriptive name, such as Sonesse 506S2 RTS, and a part number, such as 1001809. The name describes the motor. The part number identifies one exact product.
On the jobWrite both down from the old motor. The name tells you what it does, the part number tells you what to order.
Two labels, two jobs
The code sits in the middle of the name
In Sonesse 506S2 RTS, Sonesse is the family, 506S2 is the model code and RTS is the radio. The code is the part you decode.
ExampleAltus RTS 550R2 reads the same way: Altus is the family, 550R2 the code, RTS the radio.
Two labels, two jobs
Four parts, three you use
Split 525A2 into 5, 25, A and 2. The first digit is the platform, the middle digits are the torque, and the letter is the speed band.
Watch forSomfy does not publish a meaning for the trailing digit on these parts, so do not read anything into it.
Check yourself
A customer sends "506S2" and nothing else. Can you order the replacement from that?
Hint: One label describes, the other identifies.
Not safely. The code gives torque and platform, but the part number identifies the exact motor, including its radio.
Module 2 of 5
The middle digits are torque
The most useful part of the code. After this module you can read torque in newton-meters off any of these motor codes without a spec sheet.
3 lessons, then a scenario check.
The middle digits are torque
Read the middle as newton-meters
The digits between the first digit and the letter are the torque in Nm. A 506S2 is 6 Nm. A 525A2 is 25 Nm. A 550R2 is 50 Nm.
ExampleSomfy lists the Altus RTS 550R2 (1038170) at 50 Nm, exactly what the code says.
The middle digits are torque
A straight step up
The Sonesse 510S2 RTS is 10 Nm and the 506S2 RTS is 6 Nm. Somfy lists both at 32 rpm, so the 510S2 gives more pull at the same speed.
On the jobWhen a 506S2 struggles on a heavy fabric, the 510S2 is the first code to check.
The middle digits are torque
Three digits for 100 Nm
A 6100R2 is 100 Nm. The code needs three torque digits, so read the first digit as the platform and the next three as torque.
Watch forDo not read 6100R2 as a 61 Nm motor. The 6 is the platform, and Somfy lists it at 100 Nm.
Check yourself
A spec calls for at least 45 Nm. Which code clears it: 525A2, 535A2 or 550R2?
Hint: Read the middle digits as Nm.
The 550R2, at 50 Nm. The 525A2 is 25 Nm and the 535A2 is 35 Nm.
Module 3 of 5
The first digit is the platform
How the first digit points to the tube size the motor needs. After this module you can rule a motor in or out from the tube you have.
3 lessons, then a scenario check.
The first digit is the platform
First digit, tube family
A 4 points to the Sonesse 40 platform, a 5 to LT50 and Sonesse 50, a 6 to LT60. Each platform has a minimum tube inside diameter.
ExampleSomfy lists 1.46 in for the 404S2, 1.85 in for the 550R2 and 2.37 in for the 660R2.
The first digit is the platform
A 400 series example
The Sonesse 404S2 RTS (1240380) is a 4 Nm motor on the 40 platform. Somfy lists a 1.46 in minimum tube inside diameter.
On the jobOn a tube under 1.85 in, a 400 series motor may fit where a 500 series cannot.
The first digit is the platform
A 600 series example
The Altus RTS 660R2 (1162271) is a 60 Nm motor on LT60. Somfy lists a 2.37 in minimum tube inside diameter.
Watch forA 6 in front means a bigger tube. Check the tube before you quote any 600 series motor.
Check yourself
An installed tube measures 2 in inside. Can a 660R2 go in it?
Hint: What tube does the first digit 6 point to?
No. Somfy lists 2.37 in as the minimum inside diameter for the 660R2.
Module 4 of 5
The letter tracks speed
The speed band behind the letter, and why to confirm rpm on the spec. After this module you can predict whether a motor is a fast interior unit or a slow, strong one.
3 lessons, then a scenario check.
The letter tracks speed
S, A and R
In Somfy records for these parts, S motors run 32 to 36 rpm, A motors run 20 to 25 rpm, and R motors run 14 rpm.
ExampleThe 404S2 runs 36 rpm. The 550R2, 660R2, 680R2 and 6100R2 all run 14 rpm.
The letter tracks speed
Same torque, different letter
The Sonesse 506S2 RTS runs 32 rpm. The Sonesse ULTRA 506A2 RTS is also 6 Nm and runs 24 rpm. The letter changed with the speed.
On the jobIf a client wants matching speeds across a room, match the letter as well as the torque.
The letter tracks speed
Treat the letter as a hint
The letter narrows the speed band. The exact rpm sits on the spec sheet for that part number. Confirm it before you promise matching speeds.
Watch forTwo motors with the same letter can still differ by a few rpm. The 404S2 and 506S2 are both S, at 36 and 32 rpm.
Check yourself
A client wants a fast interior shade. Which letter points to the faster band: S or R?
Hint: R motors are the strong, slow ones.
S. In these Somfy records S motors run 32 to 36 rpm and R motors run 14 rpm.
Module 5 of 5
What the code leaves out
The three facts a code never tells you: radio, head type and noise. After this module you will always confirm them by part number before ordering.
4 lessons, then a scenario check.
What the code leaves out
The radio is not in the code
A 506S2 is sold as RTS (1001809), RS485 for SDN (1002286) and a 4-wire wired motor (1001814). All three are 6 Nm and 32 rpm.
ExampleA replacement 506S2 for a wired switch must be the 4-wire version. The RTS one would ignore the switch.
What the code leaves out
The head type is not in the code
Somfy lists a star head on the 506S2, a round head on the 404S2 and a square head on the Sonesse ULTRA 504A8. Brackets follow the head.
Watch forThe 504A8 looks like a 500 series star-head motor on paper. A star bracket will not hold its square head.
What the code leaves out
Noise is not in the code
Somfy rates the Sonesse 506S2 at 45.1 dB and the Sonesse ULTRA 506A2 at 38 dB. Both are 6 Nm. Read noise on the spec sheet.
On the jobFor bedrooms and offices, compare the dB figure on each part number, not the code.
What the code leaves out
Order by part number
Read torque and platform from the code. Read speed, head type and noise from the spec sheet. Read the radio from the name. Then order by the part number.
On the jobEvery motor on our site carries its Somfy part number in the title, so the number in hand is the number to search.
Check yourself
A customer wants "a 506S2" to replace a motor run by a wired wall switch. What do you confirm first?
Hint: The same code ships with three kinds of control.
The control type. A 506S2 comes as RTS, RS485 and 4-wire, so check the old part number or the wiring before ordering.
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 label on an old awning motor reads 535A2.
What torque does the code give you?
Hint: Skip the first digit, stop at the letter.
The middle digits are torque, so 535A2 is 35 Nm.
Question 2 of 10
On the job: A fabricator needs at least 70 Nm on a large shutter.
Which code clears it?
Hint: Read each middle number as Nm.
The 680R2 is 80 Nm. The others top out at 60 Nm.
Question 3 of 10
On the job: A quote lists a 6100R2 and the customer asks whether it is a 61 Nm motor.
What do you tell them?
Hint: The first digit is not part of the torque.
The 6 is the platform and 100 is the torque in Nm.
Question 4 of 10
On the job: A replacement roller has a tube with a 1.9 in inside diameter.
Which platform digit can you rule out?
Hint: Which platform needs 2.37 in?
LT60 motors need 2.37 in, so a 6 code will not fit a 1.9 in tube.
Question 5 of 10
On the job: You are comparing a 404S2 and a 506S2 for a narrow tube.
Which needs the smaller tube?
Hint: Look at the first digit.
Somfy lists 1.46 in for the 404S2 and 1.85 in for the 500 series.
Question 6 of 10
On the job: A client wants the fastest interior shade you can offer at 6 Nm.
Which code fits better, 506S2 or 506A2?
Hint: S is the faster band.
Somfy lists 32 rpm for the 506S2 and 24 rpm for the 506A2.
Question 7 of 10
On the job: A heavy exterior screen needs a strong, slow motor.
Which letter points to that band?
Hint: Which letter shows up on the 50 Nm and 100 Nm parts?
R parts such as the 550R2 and 6100R2 run 14 rpm.
Question 8 of 10
On the job: A customer wants "a 506S2" to replace a motor on a wired rocker switch.
Which part number fits?
Hint: The control type is not in the code.
A wired switch needs the 4-wire 506S2, part 1001814.
Question 9 of 10
On the job: A dealer orders a star bracket for a Sonesse ULTRA 504A8.
What goes wrong?
Hint: Head type is not in the code.
Somfy lists a square head on the 504A8, so a star bracket will not hold it.
Question 10 of 10
On the job: A bedroom client asks which 6 Nm motor is quieter, the 506S2 or the ULTRA 506A2.
Where do you find the answer?
Hint: Noise is one of the three things the code leaves out.
Somfy rates the 506S2 at 45.1 dB and the 506A2 at 38 dB on their spec sheets.
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
Parts used in this course
