Electric Points for Motorized Curtains in New Home

dshamim on 22/05/2021 - 20:34
Last edited 22/05/2021 - 20:39

So we're in planning for a new build for a 2 storey house, One of the things I have been researching is after handover IoT / Smart home stuff
this includes motorized curtains

I won't be getting this done through he builder but adding it later - maybe as a DIY by ordering motorised rails online

while doing the research, I found out that you can get the motor for the motorized curtail rails either battery operated or wired in (usually the same motor comes both battery and plug in options)

With battery operated the battery may need to be charged every 4-6 months depending on usage

I was checking some blogs on placement of electric points as part of the electric plan for the curtains / rollers

we want to go with light shears and dark drapes on top - if I understand correctly they would be on 2 separate rails, means 2 motors

Anyone has experience with new house designs and placing electric points, or using battery operated curtains ? - (a few options are , either place the point on top, so it's concealed by curtain cover , or place it below next to the window, so the wire is hidden by the curtain)

One thing I want to check if the motor placement on the motorised rail has the option of putting the motor on both on left or right side ? (in case if we put the electric points on one side on the plan) - if anyone knows about it that's be great as well

How has your experience been and what would you recommend - any good installers that can be recommended ?

Home & Garden Curtain

Comments

  • bradl822 on 22/05/2021 - 20:52
    +3

    I don't think the power position is overly important considering you are putting your blockout curtain on the front. I would personally make the decision based on what's easier for the electrician. Purely for the cost implications.

    All motorised tracks I have seen the motor can go either side.

    Correct 2 tracks and two motors

    Points I would consider:

    • Curtains can be heavy, some drapes weighing in excess of 20kg. And some weigh very little obviously. Most battery motors from what I have found either don't list a weight capability or are only suitable for light drapes. I personally prefer hardwired motors.
    • Type of curtain heading. S-folds/wavefold drapes need a projection of 10cm(back track), 17cm (front track). Most pleated curtains are 10cm(back track), 15cm(front track). This is important to ensure you have the physical room.
    • Cord position, per above I think top or bottom is irrelevant. However I would consider the stack size of your curtains. I.e. if you want your curtains to open entirely off the window them your track obviously needs to extend past the window. Typically this is between 1/4 - 1/3 of the curtains heading width. This should be your main influence for power location.
    • Motor with auto setting limits, important as a lot of motors can burn out over time from overworking, getting caught or other reasons.
    • Most important IMO- if you are ordering tracks online they probably contain joins. Hide them! I personally like a recessed pelmet into the ceiling. All track joiners I have seen on motorised tracks are extremely bulky and unsightly.
    • dshamim on 23/05/2021 - 00:19

      Thanks, this is some really good information!

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