How do I know if my roller shutter motor is dead?

Your roller shutter motor is making noise but not turning. Would you like to know how to determine if a roller shutter capacitor is dead? In our article, we will discuss electric roller shutter malfunctions and how to tell if it is broken or not. We will also explain how to test a roller shutter motor.

Discover the answer to the question: How do I know if my roller shutter motor is dead? in this article!

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How do I know if the motor on my roller shutter is dead?

Is your roller shutter no longer working? Or do you think the motor is out of order? The truth is, like any device, the components of a roller shutter can fail. 

Here are a few signs to help you recognize that there is a problem with the engine of your roller shutter :

• The difficulty of up and downThe shutter may require assistance to raise and, in addition, it slides or descends automatically when stopped.
• Roller shutters comes up against Where blocks suddenly during operation.
• The remote control is unable to control it or works in the opposite direction.
• Unusual smells or sounds A serious problem can be clearly identified by observing burning smells or unusual engine noises.
• After each start-up or a short period of operation, a motor at the end of its service life appears to be... unusual sizzling.

You can also check the electrical mechanism of the roller shutter to determine whether the motor is damaged. It is located inside the winding shaft, which is itself placed in the roller shutter box. Nevertheless internal parts of your roller shutter, such as the slats, the limit switches, the switch or even the control unit, can also be at the root of the problem.

So let's take a look at how to determine whether the problem is really with the engine, before deciding what to do about it. 

How to check if your roller shutter motor is out of order?

First and foremost, it's important to check whether the malfunction comes from the motor. To do this, you must check the condition of the fuses and wires.

• The easiest way is topress on the control (switch) and lend an attentive ear to the trunk at the top of the window, to see if the engine makes the normal noise it usually does when it's running well. If it does, then the motor is working perfectly and you'll have to look elsewhere for the problem.
• On the other hand, if the motor makes no noisethis means it is out of order or that the power supply is incorrect. To check that the motor is properly supplied with electricity, use a electronic tester to measure the voltage across the wires. This voltage must be around 220 V.

Otherwise, a blown fuse or faulty cable may be the cause of the motor's poor power supply.

But if it is 220V power supply and makes no noise this really means that your engine is really out of order.

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Roller shutter motor : How long does it last?

On average 10 to 15 years to replace the motor of a roller shutter. It is essential to consider the quality of your equipment. So, if you chose PVC shutters, they will reach the end of their life after 10 to 15 years.

How do I repair a damaged roller shutter motor?

To repair your roller shutter motor you must to change the worn capacitor or replace the motor entirely. But if you are not comfortable with electronic DIY, call in an expert after you've done a little diagnostics yourself.

Removal of the roller shutter motor

Dismantling an electric roller shutter motor is also feasible for the uninitiated. However, absolute caution should be exercised if you wish to attempt to replace the capacitor without specialist knowledge. 

Capacitors can store large amounts of energy and are therefore life threatening even when the motor is unplugged. If you are not sure, better not touch it.

1. Before removing the engine cover, be sure to cut off the power supply and of lower the deck down or block it;
2. Open the roller shutter box and remove the fasteners from the apron of the winding shaft.
3. To remove the trunk drive shaftThis makes it easy to detach the motor from the winding motor.
4. Unscrew the screws on both sides of the metal flanges.
5. To disconnect the cables from the motor, simply unplug the wires from the switch.
6. Remove the motorized shaft at its base.
7. Remove the previous motor from the winding tube.

Change the entire motor

1. Install the new motor on the winding shaft and tighten the retaining screw to secure it.
2. After inserting the motor into the tube, make sure to align the tip with the notch.
3. Reinstall and reconnect the motor.
4. Ensure that the motorized axis is correctly aligned and secured before replacing it.

Roller shutter motor failure: What are the causes?

Roller shutter motors are tubular motors that are connected to a shutter shaft and transmit their power directly to this shaft. Most electric motors are so-called  " capacitor»Capacitors are cylindrical components whose lifespan depends on factors such as humidity or ambient temperature.

Capacitors are electronic components that can wear out quickly and are considered a standard problem when the motor breaks down. In 90% cases, the cause of a roller shutter that no longer works is a faulty motor capacitor.

How can I tell if the capacitor on a roller shutter is dead?

In truth, the only way to be sure that the capacitor is worn out is to measure capacitor capacity with a multimeter. But as you know, not everyone can use a multimeter, or even dismantle a shutter motor. Here are some tips on how to recognize a defective motor capacitor in your shutter without dismantling it.

Your roller shutter no longer goes up

When you give your roller shutter a lift command, it stops. Usually 30 cm from the bottom of the window. But if you give the shutter a little push, the motor will lift easily and lower. In this case, the capacitor has lost some of its capacity and is unable to supply the power needed by the motor to raise the shutter.

All you have to do is change capacitor et the motor will return to normal operation.

Your shutter neither goes up nor down

 At this point, you will notice that the shutter does not go up or down. Either your capacitor is completely out of order (short-circuited), or the electric brake is stuck and cannot start the motor.

• In the first case, the motor will make a purring soundThis may mean that the fault is in the capacitor. But there's a 50% chance of this being the case. The best thing to do at the moment is to replace the whole motor.
• In fact, in the second case, you will hear a soft click each time you turn the shutter on or off. However, by pressing the remote control to turn the shutter on and off several times, the electric brake may unlock and start the motor.

Your capacitor has deformations

Note that at this level, you need to remove the capacitor to check the condition of your capacitors. In fact, a capacitor deformed, perforated or even discolored is a sign of wear and tear. Contrary to what you may read on other websites, capacitors can be worn out without showing any physical defects.

VSThis is particularly true for capacitors in electric roller shutters. So even if your capacitor shows no signs of fault, the only way to be sure that it is in perfect condition is to measure its capacity.

How do I repair a broken shutter capacitor?

The motor capacitor is usually located outside the roller shutter motor under a metal cover. Before opening it, the power supply must be turned off; 

• Next, remove the motorized shaft ;
• Now remove the wires connecting the capacitor to the motor (check carefully how they are installed) ;
• Check the type of capacitor and ensure that the power required matches that of your motor;
• Carefully remove the foam protectors from around the condenser;
• The wires must be connected to the new condenser.
• The motor must be replaced in the tube and secured in its holder.
• Restore power supply and carry out tests to ensure its smooth operation.

On the other hand, if the capacitor is not faulty, you need to hire a professional to repair or replace the entire motor.

However, if the roller shutter no longer works, repairing the motor will not be sufficient. The device will need to be replaced.

How much does it cost to repair an electric shutter?

Repairing a roller shutter is a job that requires the expertise of a skilled professional. The cost of this repair can vary significantly depending on various factors such as the nature of the fault, the type of shutter, and the cost of labor in your area.

• The most common failure concerns the motor of the electric shutter.
• Replacing a defective motor generally costs between 200 and 500 euros, including parts and labor.
• If the problem concerns the shutter apron (i.e., the slats that make up the shutter), the repair will cost between €100 and €300.

Similarly, if the problem stems from the roller shutter's winding shaft, the repair cost ranges from $100 to $200. Note that these prices are given for information only. and may vary depending on the complexity of the work and the rates charged by the professional.

It is also possible that the problem is electronic. In this case, the repair may consist of replacing a switch remote control or control box. These repairs are generally less costly, ranging from 50 to 150 euros.

If the repair requires the total replacement of the shutter, the cost can rise significantly. On average, a new electric roller shutter costs between 300 and 1,000 euros, depending on the quality, brand, and specific features of the model. It is a significant investment, but one that can pay for itself in the long term thanks to the longevity of the shutter and the energy savings it provides.

It is therefore recommended to call on a professional to obtain an accurate quote, taking into account the specificities of your shutter and the exact nature of the failure.

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