Rolling Shutter Motor Guide
How rolling shutter motors work, how to calculate curtain weight, single-phase vs three-phase, what the duty-cycle rating means, and how the motor is set up.
· 7 min read · Rollvento Engineering
Rolling shutters are the workhorse of Indian retail, warehousing and parking. Motorising one is straightforward when the motor is sized from the curtain weight and the site supply — and troublesome when it is chosen by opening width or price alone.
How a side-mount rolling shutter motor works
A Rollvento RV-series motor is a side-mounted electromechanical drive. It bolts to the bracket plate beside the shutter roller and turns the roller shaft through:
- an AC induction motor (single- or three-phase),
- a reduction gearbox that converts motor speed into 8–10 RPM at the output,
- a sprocket and roller chain to the shaft sprocket.
Two features are non-negotiable on any shutter that pedestrians walk under:
- an electromagnetic brake that holds the curtain at any position when power is removed, and
- a manual hand-chain that drives the gearbox when power is isolated, so the shutter can be opened in an outage.
Both are standard on every RV model.
Step 1 — Calculate curtain weight
The motor’s lifting capacity is a curtain weight, not an opening size.
| Slat type | Approx. weight |
|---|---|
| 20-gauge galvanised roll-formed slats | 12–13 kg/m² |
| 18-gauge galvanised slats | 14–16 kg/m² |
| Heavy industrial / insulated slats | 17–22 kg/m² |
| Perforated or grille sections | 9–12 kg/m² |
Curtain weight = area (m²) × slat weight + bottom rail (allow 3–5 kg per metre of width).
Example: a 4.5 m wide × 3.5 m high shopfront in 18-gauge slats: 15.75 m² × 15 kg ≈ 236 kg + 18 kg bottom rail ≈ 255 kg. With a 20% margin ≈ 305 kg → an RV-400 (400 kg) is the right selection with headroom for chain and bearing friction.
Step 2 — Choose the supply phase
| Criterion | Single phase (220 V) | Three phase (380 V) |
|---|---|---|
| Rollvento models | RV-400, RV-600, RV-800, RV-1000 | RV-1500, RV-2000 |
| Curtain weight | 400–1000 kg | 1500–2000 kg |
| Max lifting height | 6.0–7.5 m | 9 m |
| Duty (S2) | 10 min | 20 min |
| Typical site | Shops, showrooms, garages, malls | Factories, warehouses, logistics bays |
Use the supply that exists at the site. If a shutter is heavier than 1000 kg and only single-phase is available, the correct answer is to arrange a three-phase connection — not to overload a single-phase motor.
Step 3 — Check lifting height and shaft
Each model’s specification lists a maximum lifting height. Taller curtains roll into a larger coil, increasing the effective torque needed at the top of the lift, so height is a real limit. Confirm also that the roller shaft diameter matches the sprocket supplied and that there is clearance for the motor body beside the coil.
Step 4 — Duty cycle
All RV models are rated S2 (short-time duty). A shutter that opens in the morning and closes at night is a trivial load. A parking shutter that cycles every few minutes at peak needs the longer S2-20 min rating of the three-phase models, or a review of the cycle profile with engineering.
What comes in the box
Rollvento rolling shutter motors ship as a complete kit: mounting brackets and bearing plate, receiver/control board, two wireless remotes, a three-button wall station, external lock box with keys, manual chain and installation hardware including the running capacitor (single-phase). See the “Standard kit” section on each product page, e.g. the RV-600.
Installation summary
- Fit the motor to the bracket plate on the chosen side (left/right hand is set at install).
- Fit the shaft sprocket and align the chain so it runs true under load.
- Wire a dedicated supply through an isolator and correctly rated MCB; verify phase sequence on three-phase units.
- Roll the curtain onto the shaft, then set the upper and lower limits on the limit dials.
- Route the manual chain clear of the curtain, reachable from the floor.
- Program remotes, fit the wall station and lock box, and add photocells where pedestrians pass.
Full wiring diagrams are supplied with the unit and through technical support.
Quick reference
| Model | Capacity | Power | Torque | Supply | Max height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RV-400 | 400 kg | 250 W | 225 N·m | 220 V 1-ph | 6.0 m |
| RV-600 | 600 kg | 300 W | 300 N·m | 220 V 1-ph | 6.5 m |
| RV-800 | 800 kg | 370 W | 400 N·m | 220 V 1-ph | 7.0 m |
| RV-1000 | 1000 kg | 550 W | 500 N·m | 220 V 1-ph | 7.5 m |
| RV-1500 | 1500 kg | 800 W | 1617 N·m | 380 V 3-ph | 9 m |
| RV-2000 | 2000 kg | 1500 W | 2450 N·m | 380 V 3-ph | 9 m |
Unsure between two sizes? Send the shutter dimensions and slat type and engineering will confirm.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate rolling shutter curtain weight?
Multiply the curtain area (width × height in m²) by the slat weight per m² — roughly 12–14 kg/m² for 18–20 gauge galvanised slats and 16–20 kg/m² for heavier industrial slats — and add the bottom rail. Add a 15–20% margin before choosing the motor capacity.
What does S2 – 10 min duty cycle mean?
S2 is a short-time duty rating: the motor can run continuously for the stated period (10 minutes for RV-400 to RV-1000, 20 minutes for RV-1500 and RV-2000) from cold before it must cool. Normal shutter use — a few cycles of 30–60 seconds — stays well within this.
Can one motor lift a very tall shutter?
Each model lists a maximum lifting height (6.0 m for RV-400 up to 9 m for the three-phase models). Beyond that the shaft diameter and curtain weight usually push the installation to a larger motor or a different drive arrangement.
How can we help you?
Tell us what you need to automate — opening size, weight and site — and an engineer will recommend the right model and send a quotation.
- Call+91 99709 28681
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- Emailinfo@rollvento.in
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