Finish every module, pass the quiz, unlock 10% off
Module 1 of 5
The torque ceiling
Where battery motors stop and wired motors carry on. After this module you can rule WireFree in or out from the sized load.
3 lessons, then a scenario check.
Shade Motors School · Pick the Motor · 201
WireFree or Wired: Choose the Power Before the Somfy Motor
Battery and wired Somfy motors solve different jobs. Learn where WireFree stops on torque, how speed and noise compare, why battery motors stay indoors, and a four-question way to decide.
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Pass the quiz to unlock 10% off your first ShadeMotorsDirect order. Your code and certificate arrive by email from Shade Motors School.
You will be able to: Decide between a WireFree and a wired Somfy motor for a shade from torque, location and power.
Inside this course
5 modules, one idea at a time
- The torque ceilingWhere battery motors stop and wired motors carry on. After this module you can rule WireFree in or out from the sized load.3 lessons · scenario check
- Speed and noiseHow battery and wired motors compare on travel speed and sound. After this module you can set the right expectations for a bedroom or office.3 lessons · scenario check
- Inside or outsideWhy battery motors stay indoors. After this module you will stop any WireFree quote for an exterior shade.2 lessons · scenario check
- What WireFree costs to ownThe charging routine that comes with a battery motor, and how solar reduces it. After this module you can explain the trade to an owner honestly.3 lessons · scenario check
- Decide in four questionsA quick order of questions that settles most jobs. After this module you can make the call on site.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.
The torque ceiling
WireFree stops at 4 Nm
Somfy lists WireFree roller motors from 1.1 Nm to 4 Nm. Wired Sonesse 50 motors run 6 and 10 Nm, and wired LT60 motors reach 100 Nm.
ExampleA shade that sizes at 5 Nm has no battery option. It goes wired.
The torque ceiling
The strongest WireFree here
The Sonesse 40 WireFree Zigbee (USB-C) is 4 Nm at 20 rpm. Somfy rates it 40 dB and IP 30.
On the jobSize the load first. If it lands near 4 Nm, quote wired as the safer option.
The torque ceiling
A common wired step
The wired Sonesse 506S2 RTS is 6 Nm at 32 rpm, already past the top of the WireFree range.
Watch forDo not push a battery motor to its ceiling. It drains the battery faster.
Check yourself
A shade sizes at 5 Nm and the client wants battery power. What do you tell them?
Hint: Where does the WireFree range stop?
No WireFree roller motor covers it. Somfy lists WireFree up to 4 Nm, so it needs a wired motor.
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Module 2 of 5
Speed and noise
How battery and wired motors compare on travel speed and sound. After this module you can set the right expectations for a bedroom or office.
3 lessons, then a scenario check.
Speed and noise
WireFree runs 20 rpm
Somfy lists 20 rpm for the Sonesse 28, ULTRA 30 and Sonesse 40 WireFree. Wired Sonesse motors run 32 to 36 rpm.
ExampleA wired 506S2 finishes a long drop well before a WireFree motor on the same shade.
Speed and noise
Quiet comes from ULTRA, not batteries
The quietest motors here are wired ULTRA: 35 dB for the 504A8 and 38 dB for the 506A2. WireFree runs 40 to 49 dB.
Watch forA client who wants silence and has power should get a wired ULTRA, not a battery motor.
Speed and noise
A wired ULTRA
The Sonesse ULTRA 506A2 RTS is 6 Nm at 24 rpm and rated 38 dB.
On the jobFor bedrooms and boardrooms, quote the dB figure from each part number.
Check yourself
A boardroom client wants the quietest shade and power is available. What do you suggest?
Hint: Which motors carry the lowest dB here?
A wired ULTRA motor, such as the 506A2 at 38 dB or the 504A8 at 35 dB.
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Module 3 of 5
Inside or outside
Why battery motors stay indoors. After this module you will stop any WireFree quote for an exterior shade.
2 lessons, then a scenario check.
Inside or outside
WireFree is interior only
Somfy rates WireFree motors IP 20 to IP 30, an interior rating. Exterior Altus RTS motors carry IP 44.
Watch forA battery motor on an awning or exterior screen is a quote to stop and redo.
Inside or outside
An exterior wired motor
The Altus RTS 550R2 is rated IP 44 for awning and exterior work, at 50 Nm and 14 rpm.
ExampleA patio screen goes on an exterior wired motor, whatever the load.
Check yourself
A client wants a battery motor on a patio awning to avoid wiring. What do you tell them?
Hint: Check the IP rating.
WireFree motors carry interior ratings, IP 20 to IP 30. An awning needs an exterior wired motor such as the IP 44 Altus RTS.
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Module 4 of 5
What WireFree costs to own
The charging routine that comes with a battery motor, and how solar reduces it. After this module you can explain the trade to an owner honestly.
3 lessons, then a scenario check.
What WireFree costs to own
A recharge, about yearly
Somfy rates most WireFree motors at about one recharge a year, based on an average shade and one cycle a day.
ExampleTwelve battery shades means twelve charges a year for someone to plan.
What WireFree costs to own
Solar takes the chore away
Somfy lists a solar kit for V2 Li-ion motors (9027294) and a panel for USB-C Li-ion motors (9029114).
On the jobAdd solar at install on a sunny window. It costs less than a return visit.
What WireFree costs to own
No wiring at the window
The trade is real: a WireFree motor such as the Sonesse ULTRA 30 WireFree RTS needs no electrician and no wall work.
Watch forIn a rental or a building where the walls stay closed, battery may be the only route.
Check yourself
A rental owner cannot open walls and has twelve sunny windows. What do you propose?
Hint: Combine the no-wiring benefit with the solar fix.
WireFree motors with a solar kit on each window, provided each shade sizes within 4 Nm.
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Module 5 of 5
Decide in four questions
A quick order of questions that settles most jobs. After this module you can make the call on site.
2 lessons, then a scenario check.
Decide in four questions
Ask in this order
Outdoors? Wired. Over 4 Nm? Wired. Walls open now? Wired. No power and a light interior shade? WireFree.
On the jobOn new construction, pull low-voltage cable before drywall. It removes the recharge routine for good.
Decide in four questions
Both come in RTS and Zigbee
WireFree motors come in RTS and Zigbee versions, such as the Sonesse 40 WireFree RTS and the Sonesse 40 WireFree Zigbee. Choose power first, then radio.
ExampleA Zigbee house can still go WireFree with a Zigbee battery motor.
Check yourself
New construction, interior shades at 3 Nm, walls still open. Which way do you lean?
Hint: One question settles it.
Wired. Pull the cable while the walls are open and skip the recharge routine.
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.
10% OFF
Score 80% to unlock 10% off your first ShadeMotorsDirect order.
Question 1 of 10
On the job: A shade sizes at 6 Nm.
Is there a WireFree roller motor for it?
Hint: Where does WireFree stop?
The strongest WireFree roller motor here is 4 Nm.
Question 2 of 10
On the job: You need the strongest WireFree roller motor.
Which one?
Hint: Look at the top of the chart.
Somfy lists 4 Nm for the 1245993.
Question 3 of 10
On the job: A client asks why their WireFree shade is slower than the wired one next door.
What is the reason?
Hint: Compare the rpm.
Somfy lists 20 rpm for these WireFree motors.
Question 4 of 10
On the job: The client wants the quietest motor and power is available.
Which is quietest here?
Hint: Quiet comes from ULTRA.
The 504A8 is rated 35 dB.
Question 5 of 10
On the job: A battery motor is quoted for an exterior screen.
What is wrong?
Hint: Check the IP rating.
Exterior work needs a wired exterior motor.
Question 6 of 10
On the job: You need a motor for a patio awning.
Which fits?
Hint: Pick the exterior rating.
Altus RTS motors carry IP 44.
Question 7 of 10
On the job: An owner asks how often a WireFree shade needs charging.
What does Somfy rate for most motors?
Hint: Somfy states the usage it assumes.
Most WireFree motors are rated at about one recharge a year.
Question 8 of 10
On the job: A sunny window has a V2 Li-ion WireFree motor.
What removes most charging visits?
Hint: Match solar to the charging family.
Somfy lists 9027294 for V2 Li-ion motors.
Question 9 of 10
On the job: Interior shades at 3 Nm, new construction, walls open.
Which way do you lean?
Hint: One question settles it.
Walls open means wired is cheap now and ends the recharge routine.
Question 10 of 10
On the job: A Zigbee house wants battery shades.
Can WireFree join?
Hint: Power and radio are separate choices.
Somfy builds WireFree motors in RTS and Zigbee.
Almost done
Where should we send your certificate?
Your score shows on the next screen. If you pass, your certificate and 10% code go to this email. They come from Shade Motors School (school@shademotorsdirect.com). Check Promotions, Updates or Spam if you don't see them.
Parts used in this course
Genuine Somfy parts, 5-year warranty
Somfy Sonesse 40 WireFree Zigbee (Li-ion) (USB-C) (1245993)
Somfy Sonesse Ultra 30 WireFree 12V Li-ion RTS Motor (1003310)
Somfy Sonesse 40 Ultra WireFree Rechargeable RTS Lithium-ion Motor (1240485)
Somfy Sonesse 506S2 RTS 120V Motor (1001809)
Somfy Sonesse Ultra 506A2 RTS 120V Motor (1002562)
Somfy 12V DC WireFree V2 Solar Pack (9027294)Parts used in this course
