Module 1 of 5
Know the motor
What a Somfy 4-wire motor is and the figures that shape the wiring. After this module you can read the spec before you pull cable.
2 lessons, then a scenario check.
Shade Motors School · Wired and Networked · 301
How to Wire a Somfy 4-Wire Motor to a Wall Switch
A Somfy 4-wire motor has no radio, so a switch decides which way it turns. Learn the motor, the four conductors, why one switch runs one motor, how groups go through a controller, and how limits are set.
You will be able to: Plan the wiring for a Somfy 120V 4-wire motor with the right switch or controller and set its limits.
Line-voltage work. 120V motors, switches and wiring must be installed by a licensed electrician, with power off at the breaker. The course explains what to ask for and how to check it.
Inside this course
5 modules, one idea at a time
- Know the motorWhat a Somfy 4-wire motor is and the figures that shape the wiring. After this module you can read the spec before you pull cable.2 lessons · scenario check
- The four conductorsWhat each wire does in Somfy's 120V 4-wire motors. After this module you can land each conductor and test direction.2 lessons · scenario check
- One switch, one motorWhy Somfy's databook says "do not parallel wire" for its 4-wire motors and what to use for a single shade. After this module you will not tie two motors to one switch.2 lessons · scenario check
- Groups go through a controllerHow to run several 4-wire motors together the way Somfy designs it. After this module you can specify a wired group.3 lessons · scenario check
- Limits and run timeHow limits are set on the 506S2 4-wire and what the thermal time means on site. After this module you can finish the install.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.
Know the motor
No radio inside
The Sonesse 506S2 Standard 4-wire (1001814) is a wired motor. It has no radio receiver, so wired controls run it.
Watch forNo remote will pair to this motor. Quote a switch or controller with it.
Know the motor
The spec that matters
Somfy lists 6 Nm at 32 rpm, 120V 60Hz at 1.2 A, 140 W running and 0 W standby, and a 9.84 ft four-conductor SJTW cable.
On the jobSize the circuit from the 1.2 A rating times the number of motors on it.
Check yourself
A client wants to add a remote to a 506S2 4-wire shade. What do you tell them?
Hint: Check what is inside the motor.
The 4-wire motor has no radio receiver, so a remote cannot pair. It runs on wired controls.
Module 2 of 5
The four conductors
What each wire does in Somfy's 120V 4-wire motors. After this module you can land each conductor and test direction.
2 lessons, then a scenario check.
The four conductors
White, red, black, green
Somfy's 500 Series Databook lists white for neutral, red for direction 1, black for direction 2 and green for ground.
Watch forSomfy names the wires direction 1 and 2, not up and down. Test which way each one turns.
The four conductors
Test before you close up
Somfy's 4-wire tester cable (9012116) tests a standard 4-wire motor and sets its limits before it connects to its control.
On the jobRun the motor on the tester at the bench. A direction surprise in the ceiling costs an hour.
Check yourself
Power on the red conductor raises the shade. Which conductor lowers it?
Hint: Two conductors set direction.
Black, direction 2. White stays neutral and green is ground.
Module 3 of 5
One switch, one motor
Why Somfy's databook says "do not parallel wire" for its 4-wire motors and what to use for a single shade. After this module you will not tie two motors to one switch.
2 lessons, then a scenario check.
One switch, one motor
Do not parallel wire
Somfy's 500 Series Databook lists "do not parallel wire" for its RA and PA 4-wire motors. One switch runs one motor.
Watch forTwo shades on one switch is the mistake this rule exists to stop. Use a controller for groups.
One switch, one motor
A single-motor switch
Somfy's Maintained Rocker Switch Kit (1800342) is a 120V wired switch for single-channel individual control. It mounts in a single-gang box.
On the jobTurn the power off at the breaker and follow local electrical code. A licensed electrician makes 120V connections.
Check yourself
A client wants two 4-wire shades on one rocker switch. What do you say?
Hint: Read Somfy's databook note.
Somfy says do not parallel wire these motors. Give each motor its own switch or use a group controller.
Module 4 of 5
Groups go through a controller
How to run several 4-wire motors together the way Somfy designs it. After this module you can specify a wired group.
3 lessons, then a scenario check.
Groups go through a controller
IGC 4n1 Motor Controller
The IGC 4n1 (1811416) powers up to four wired motors with individual and group control and up to three intermediate positions per motor.
ExampleFour office shades on one IGC 4n1 open together or one at a time, with a 50% preset.
Groups go through a controller
The controller
Somfy rates the IGC 4n1 at 120V 60Hz, 20 A. Several units daisy chain for control from one keypad.
Watch forMount it where a technician can reach it. It is a cabinet, not a wall switch.
Groups go through a controller
A push-button station
The Single Push-Button Switch Station (1810571) gives UP, STOP and DOWN for IGC controls through a 6-pin modular connector.
On the jobRun the modular cable to the station, not line voltage. The station plugs into the controller.
Check yourself
Six 4-wire shades in a conference room must move together. What do you specify?
Hint: One IGC 4n1 holds four motors.
IGC 4n1 controllers, which take up to four motors each, daisy chained for one keypad.
Module 5 of 5
Limits and run time
How limits are set on the 506S2 4-wire and what the thermal time means on site. After this module you can finish the install.
2 lessons, then a scenario check.
Limits and run time
Mechanical limits
Somfy sets 506S2 4-wire limits by mechanical rapid adjustment, with 46 turns of capacity. Its thermal time is 4 minutes.
ExampleA tall shade near the 46-turn capacity needs checking before you order the motor.
Limits and run time
Cable length
Somfy sells 4-conductor SJTW extension cables, such as the 10 ft 9018345, to reach the junction box.
Watch forRun the shade through many cycles and it may rest on thermal protection. Let it cool before calling it faulty.
Check yourself
A 4-wire shade stops after a long series of test runs and restarts later. Is the motor faulty?
Hint: Check the thermal figure.
Probably not. Somfy lists a 4-minute thermal time for the 506S2, so it rested on thermal protection.
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 client asks to pair a Situo remote with a 506S2 4-wire motor.
What happens?
Hint: Check what is inside the motor.
The 4-wire motor is wired only.
Question 2 of 10
On the job: You size the circuit for four 506S2 4-wire motors.
What current does Somfy rate each motor?
Hint: Read the rated current.
Somfy lists 1.2 A.
Question 3 of 10
On the job: You open the motor cable.
Which conductor is neutral?
Hint: Somfy lists four colours.
White is neutral.
Question 4 of 10
On the job: Red drives the shade one way.
Which conductor drives it the other way?
Hint: Direction 2.
Black is direction 2.
Question 5 of 10
On the job: You want to confirm direction before closing the ceiling.
Which Somfy part helps?
Hint: Bench test.
The tester cable tests a 4-wire motor and sets limits.
Question 6 of 10
On the job: A spec shows two 4-wire motors on one rocker switch.
What is wrong?
Hint: Read the databook note.
One switch runs one motor.
Question 7 of 10
On the job: You need a switch for one 4-wire shade.
Which Somfy part fits?
Hint: Single channel, individual control, 120V.
Somfy lists 1800342 as a 120V single-channel wired switch.
Question 8 of 10
On the job: Four 4-wire shades must move as a group.
What do you use?
Hint: Groups go through a controller.
The IGC 4n1 runs up to four wired motors individually or as a group.
Question 9 of 10
On the job: The client wants a keypad for the IGC 4n1.
Which station plugs into it?
Hint: A modular connector.
1810571 connects to IGC controls with a 6-pin modular connector.
Question 10 of 10
On the job: A 4-wire shade stopped after many test runs and restarted later.
What explains it?
Hint: Read the thermal figure.
The 506S2 lists a 4-minute thermal time.
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 Sonesse 506S2 Standard 120V 4-Wire Motor (1001814)
Somfy IGC 4-in-1 Motor Control (1811416)
Somfy Single Push-Button Switch Station (White) (1810571)
Somfy Maintained Rocker Switch Kit with Standard Plate (White) (1800342)
Somfy Standard Motor Tester Cable, 4-Wire (9012116)
Somfy Sonesse 50 and LT50/LT60 SJTW 4C Cable 10 ft (9018345)Parts used in this course
