Module 1 of 4
Read the old motor
What to copy from the failed motor before you order. After this module you can order a replacement from the label.
2 lessons, then a scenario check.
Shade Motors School · Fix It · 201
How to Replace a Failed Somfy Shade Motor and Keep the Shade
A failed Somfy motor can be swapped inside the same shade when the new one matches on four points. Learn to read the old motor, match the control type, match the fit, and program the new motor from factory mode.
You will be able to: Choose a replacement Somfy motor that fits the existing shade and program it from factory mode.
Inside this course
4 modules, one idea at a time
- Read the old motorWhat to copy from the failed motor before you order. After this module you can order a replacement from the label.2 lessons · scenario check
- Match the control typeWhy the protocol must match the remotes and system already on site. After this module you will not order a motor the house cannot talk to.2 lessons · scenario check
- Match the fitThe mechanical points that decide if the new motor drops into the tube. After this module you can confirm fit before the old motor comes out.3 lessons · scenario check
- Program the new motorHow a new RTS motor arrives and the order to set it up. After this module the shade runs on its old remote.2 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.
Read the old motor
Part number and model code
Find the part number and model code on the motor. The model code carries the torque: 506S2 is a 6 Nm Sonesse 50.
On the jobPhotograph the label before the motor comes out of the tube.
Read the old motor
Same part, same fit
Ordering the same part number gives the same torque, speed, head and tube fit. The Sonesse 506S2 RTS 1001809 is 6 Nm at 32 rpm with a star head.
ExampleA label reading 1001809 means you order 1001809.
Check yourself
The label on a failed motor reads 506S2. What torque does that tell you?
Hint: Look at the digits after the 5.
6 Nm. The model code carries the torque.
Module 2 of 4
Match the control type
Why the protocol must match the remotes and system already on site. After this module you will not order a motor the house cannot talk to.
2 lessons, then a scenario check.
Match the control type
Same lift, different control
Somfy builds the 506S2 as RTS (1001809), RS485 (1002286) and 4-wire (1001814). All three give 6 Nm at 32 rpm. Only one matches the controls on site.
Watch forAn RTS motor will not answer a wall switch wired for a 4-wire motor.
Match the control type
Keep the remote
An RTS replacement pairs to the RTS remote the owner already has.
On the jobAsk for every remote and wall switch that ran the old shade.
Check yourself
The old motor was a 506S2 4-wire on a wall switch. The client orders 1001809. What is wrong?
Hint: Match the control, not only the torque.
1001809 is RTS. A wired wall switch needs the 4-wire 1001814.
Module 3 of 4
Match the fit
The mechanical points that decide if the new motor drops into the tube. After this module you can confirm fit before the old motor comes out.
3 lessons, then a scenario check.
Match the fit
Head type is per part
Somfy lists head type per part number: the 506S2 RTS has a star head, the Sonesse 40 404S2 a round head and the ULTRA 504A8 a square head.
Watch forA different head means a different bracket. Check before you swap families.
Match the fit
The bracket holds the head
Each head type sits in its own bracket. An LT50 star head motor, for example, sits in a star head bracket such as 9410651.
ExampleSame part number, same head: the old bracket stays on the wall.
Match the fit
Crown and drive
The crown and drive grip the tube and belong to the motor family. An LT50 on a 70 mm octagonal tube takes a set such as 9012234.
On the jobMove the crown and drive across only when the new motor is the same family.
Check yourself
A client wants to swap a failed 506S2 for a Sonesse 40 404S2 to save money. What changes?
Hint: Compare head and torque.
The head goes from star to round, so the bracket changes, and the tube fit and torque differ too.
Module 4 of 4
Program the new motor
How a new RTS motor arrives and the order to set it up. After this module the shade runs on its old remote.
2 lessons, then a scenario check.
Program the new motor
It ships in factory mode
Somfy ships RTS motors in factory mode: no limits and no paired controls. Power only the motor you are programming.
ExampleUnplug the other shades on the circuit while you set up the replacement.
Program the new motor
Setup order
Hold UP and DOWN until a jog, check direction with DOWN, set the limits, then press PROG on the remote to finish.
On the jobAdd the owner's other remotes and wall switches once the first remote works.
Check yourself
A replacement RTS motor does nothing when the old remote is pressed. Why?
Hint: How does a new motor ship?
It ships in factory mode with no paired controls. Program it and pair the remote.
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: You remove a failed motor.
What do you copy first?
Hint: The label holds it.
The part number gives the exact replacement.
Question 2 of 10
On the job: The model code reads 506S2.
What torque is it?
Hint: The digits after the 5.
The model code carries the torque.
Question 3 of 10
On the job: The old motor ran from a wired wall switch.
Which 506S2 do you order?
Hint: Match the control.
A wall switch for a 4-wire motor needs 1001814.
Question 4 of 10
On the job: A building runs SDN.
Which 506S2 replacement fits?
Hint: SDN runs on RS485.
1002286 is the RS485 506S2.
Question 5 of 10
On the job: You compare a 506S2 RTS and a Sonesse 40 404S2.
What differs at the head?
Hint: Somfy lists head per part.
1001809 is star; 1240380 is round.
Question 6 of 10
On the job: You order the same part number as the failed motor.
What happens to the bracket?
Hint: Same part, same head.
The same part keeps the same head type.
Question 7 of 10
On the job: You move to a different motor family.
What do you check?
Hint: Fit changes with family.
A new family can change every fit point.
Question 8 of 10
On the job: A new RTS motor arrives.
What state is it in?
Hint: Somfy ships it blank.
Factory mode has no limits and no paired controls.
Question 9 of 10
On the job: Several shades share a circuit with the replacement.
What do you do?
Hint: One at a time.
Other powered motors can pick up commands.
Question 10 of 10
On the job: You set up the replacement.
What comes right after entering programming mode?
Hint: Direction before limits.
Somfy checks direction before limits.
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
