Module 1 of 5
Two platforms, two tubes
The one measurement that decides the platform. After this module you can look at an installed tube and know which motors can go in it.
3 lessons, then a scenario check.
Shade Motors School · Pick the Motor · 301
LT50 or LT60: When a Somfy Shade Outgrows 50 Nm
LT50 and LT60 are two Somfy motor platforms with different tube minimums and no torque overlap in the Altus RTS range. Learn where LT50 runs out, what changes when you step up, and what stays the same.
You will be able to: Choose between LT50 and LT60 from tube size and torque, and order the parts that change with the platform.
Inside this course
5 modules, one idea at a time
- Two platforms, two tubesThe one measurement that decides the platform. After this module you can look at an installed tube and know which motors can go in it.3 lessons · scenario check
- Where LT50 runs outThe torque ceiling of each platform in the Altus RTS range. After this module you will know exactly when a load forces the move to LT60.3 lessons · scenario check
- More torque, same speedWhy stepping up to LT60 does not slow the shade down. After this module you can answer the speed question before the client asks it.3 lessons · scenario check
- What changes with the platformThe parts that must change when a job moves to LT60. After this module you can budget every part of the platform change.4 lessons · scenario check
- What stays the sameThe parts of the system that do not change between LT50 and LT60. After this module you can reassure a client that their controls carry over.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.
Two platforms, two tubes
The tube minimums
Somfy lists a 1.85 in minimum tube inside diameter for the Altus RTS 550R2 (LT50) and 2.37 in for the Altus RTS 660R2, 680R2 and 6100R2 (LT60).
ExampleA tube with a 2 in bore takes an LT50 motor. An LT60 motor will not slide in.
Two platforms, two tubes
Measure the inside
Measure across the inside of the tube, not the outside. The wall eats into the bore, and the motor minimum is an inside figure.
On the jobMeasure at the cut end where the motor goes in. Write the figure on the work order before you choose a motor.
Two platforms, two tubes
An LT50 example
The Altus RTS 550R2 (1038170) is the 50 Nm LT50 motor. Somfy lists a star head, 14 rpm and IP 44.
Watch forA tube already cut for LT50 locks the job to LT50 unless you replace the tube too.
Check yourself
An existing awning tube measures 2.1 in inside. The new load sizes out at 45 Nm. Which platform?
Hint: Check the tube against both minimums first.
LT50. The tube is under 2.37 in, and the 550R2 covers 45 Nm.
Module 2 of 5
Where LT50 runs out
The torque ceiling of each platform in the Altus RTS range. After this module you will know exactly when a load forces the move to LT60.
3 lessons, then a scenario check.
Where LT50 runs out
LT50 tops out at 50 Nm
In the Altus RTS range Somfy lists the 525A2 at 25 Nm and the 550R2 at 50 Nm on LT50. LT60 starts with the 660R2 at 60 Nm.
ExampleA load that sizes out at 55 Nm has no LT50 option in this range. It moves to LT60.
Where LT50 runs out
The LT60 steps
The LT60 Altus RTS motors are the 660R2 at 60 Nm, the 680R2 at 80 Nm and the 6100R2 at 100 Nm.
On the jobSize the load first, then pick the smallest motor that covers it. Oversizing to LT60 means a bigger tube for no gain.
Where LT50 runs out
Pick in this order
Size the load, find the torque, choose the smallest motor that covers it. If that number is above 50 Nm, the job is LT60.
Watch forDo not round a 52 Nm load down to fit LT50. The platform change is cheaper than a motor that runs at its limit.
Check yourself
A wide commercial awning sizes out at 58 Nm. Which Altus RTS motor is the smallest that covers it?
Hint: Nothing on LT50 goes past 50 Nm.
The 660R2 at 60 Nm, on LT60.
Module 3 of 5
More torque, same speed
Why stepping up to LT60 does not slow the shade down. After this module you can answer the speed question before the client asks it.
3 lessons, then a scenario check.
More torque, same speed
14 rpm across the top
Somfy lists the 550R2, 660R2, 680R2 and 6100R2 all at 14 rpm. Moving from 50 Nm to 100 Nm keeps the same speed.
ExampleSwapping a struggling 550R2 for a 680R2 gives 80 Nm with the same travel time.
More torque, same speed
The top of the range
The LT60 Altus RTS 6100R2 (1166289) is 100 Nm at 14 rpm, the strongest Altus RTS motor in this course.
On the jobFor large rolling shutters, start sizing near the top of LT60 and work down.
More torque, same speed
A stalling 550R2 has nowhere to go on LT50
The 550R2 is the top of LT50 in the Altus RTS range. When a load outgrows it, the next step is LT60, and that needs a tube with at least a 2.37 in bore.
Watch forMeasure the old tube before you quote the swap. If the bore is under 2.37 in, the tube changes too.
Check yourself
A client worries the bigger LT60 motor will make the shade slower than the old 550R2. What do you tell them?
Hint: Compare the rpm column, not the torque.
Somfy lists both the 550R2 and the LT60 Altus RTS motors at 14 rpm, so the speed stays the same.
Module 4 of 5
What changes with the platform
The parts that must change when a job moves to LT60. After this module you can budget every part of the platform change.
4 lessons, then a scenario check.
What changes with the platform
Budget the whole platform
Moving to LT60 changes the tube, the crown, the drive and the bracket. The motor is only one line of the order.
ExampleA 55 Nm quote that lists only an LT60 motor will stall at install, because the LT50 crown and bracket will not fit.
What changes with the platform
Crowns are platform specific
An LT50 crown will not mount an LT60 motor. LT60 jobs use LT60 crowns, such as the 70mm octagonal LT60 crown (9705340).
Watch forCrowns look alike in a parts bin. Read LT50 or LT60 on the bag before it goes in the van.
What changes with the platform
Some drives fit both
A few drives are built for both platforms and carry LT50/60 in the name, such as the LT50/60 Octagonal 70mm Drive (9761002).
On the jobIf the part name does not say LT50/60, treat it as one platform only.
What changes with the platform
What crosses over
LT50 crowns and brackets do not cross to LT60. Drives named LT50/60 do. RTS controls work on both.
ExampleThe LT50 Universal Motor Bracket (9410665) is an LT50 part. An LT60 job needs its own bracket.
Check yourself
You are moving a job from a 550R2 to a 680R2 in a new 2.5 in tube. Which parts must you reorder?
Hint: Think about which parts touch the motor body.
The crown, drive and bracket for LT60, unless the drive is named LT50/60. The RTS remote stays.
Module 5 of 5
What stays the same
The parts of the system that do not change between LT50 and LT60. After this module you can reassure a client that their controls carry over.
3 lessons, then a scenario check.
What stays the same
Controls carry over
Somfy lists 433.420 MHz RTS on these Altus RTS motors on both platforms. The same RTS remotes, wall switches and TaHoma hub run either one.
ExampleA client upgrading one awning to LT60 keeps the Telis remote they already use.
What stays the same
Check the head every time
Somfy lists a star head on the 550R2, 660R2 and 680R2. Head type is a per-part spec, so confirm it on each part number before you order a bracket.
Watch forElsewhere in the Somfy range, motors with similar codes carry round or square heads. Never assume star.
What stays the same
Same exterior rating
Somfy rates the 525A2, 550R2, 660R2, 680R2 and 6100R2 at IP 44. Stepping up from LT50 to LT60 keeps the same protection rating.
ExampleA client moving a patio awning from a 550R2 to a 660R2 keeps the IP 44 rating they had before.
Check yourself
A client upgrading to LT60 asks if they need a new remote. What do you tell them?
Hint: What radio do both platforms use?
No. The Altus RTS motors on both platforms run RTS, so their existing RTS remote pairs to the new motor.
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 replacement awning tube measures 2.2 in inside diameter.
Which platform can go in it?
Hint: Compare 2.2 in with both minimums.
LT50 needs 1.85 in and LT60 needs 2.37 in, so only LT50 fits.
Question 2 of 10
On the job: A fabricator measured the outside of a tube and got 2.5 in.
Why is that not enough to choose the platform?
Hint: Which side of the wall does the motor touch?
The minimums Somfy lists are inside diameters.
Question 3 of 10
On the job: A load sizes out at 55 Nm.
Which Altus RTS motor is the smallest that covers it?
Hint: LT50 tops out below this load.
The 660R2 at 60 Nm is the smallest motor above 55 Nm.
Question 4 of 10
On the job: A dealer suggests an LT60 motor for a 30 Nm shade "to be safe".
What is the cost of that choice?
Hint: What else changes with the platform?
Oversizing to LT60 forces a bigger tube and new hardware.
Question 5 of 10
On the job: A heavy shutter needs 90 Nm.
Which motor covers it?
Hint: Find the first motor above 90.
The 6100R2 is 100 Nm. The 680R2 stops at 80 Nm.
Question 6 of 10
On the job: A client asks if moving from a 550R2 to a 680R2 makes the awning slower.
What does Somfy list?
Hint: Compare the rpm figures, not torque.
Somfy lists both at 14 rpm.
Question 7 of 10
On the job: A quote for a 58 Nm job lists an LT60 motor and the existing LT50 bracket.
What happens at install?
Hint: Brackets follow the motor body.
LT50 brackets do not carry LT60 motors.
Question 8 of 10
On the job: You find a drive in stock labeled LT50/60 Octagonal 70mm.
Can it go on an LT60 job?
Hint: Read the platform numbers in the name.
Parts named LT50/60 are built for both platforms.
Question 9 of 10
On the job: A client is upgrading one patio awning from LT50 to LT60.
What happens to their RTS remote?
Hint: Which part of the system does not change?
The Altus RTS motors on both platforms run RTS, so the remote carries over.
Question 10 of 10
On the job: You are ordering a bracket for an LT60 motor you have never installed.
What do you confirm first?
Hint: Head type is a per-part spec.
Somfy lists head type per part, so confirm it before ordering the bracket.
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
