How to Install a Tubular Motor in a 60mm Octagonal Tube
Installing a tubular motor correctly ensures smooth operation, long lifespan, and reliable automation for your blinds or shutters. This detailed guide will walk you through every step needed to install a tubular motor inside a 60mm octagonal tube, from preparation to final connection.
1. Preparing the Motor and Tube
Before you begin to install a tubular motor, take a few minutes to prepare both the motor and the roller tube. Place the motor near the tube and use a marker to mark the position of the drive wheel on the motor housing. This mark will indicate where to drill a securing hole once the motor is inserted.
When the tubular motor is fully inside the octagonal tube, fasten it with two to four screws to ensure it remains stable during operation. This step is crucial for preventing vibration or unwanted rotation inside the tube.
2. Inserting the Motor into the Tube
Slide the motor gently into one end of the octagonal tube. If the fit feels tight, slightly compress the motor head with your hands. Apply steady pressure but avoid using excessive force.
For non-EU standard tubes, you may find slight dimensional differences. If the tube’s internal diameter is too small, carefully file some plastic from the drive adapters. Conversely, if the tube is slightly larger, apply a few layers of duct tape to the adapter for a snug fit.
Push the motor all the way in until the crown adapter flange is flush with the tube’s edge. Never use a hammer or other hard tools to force it in — this can easily damage the internal components.
3. Locking the Motor in Place
To secure the installation, drill a hole at the previously marked position on the tube and another small hole in the motor adapter. Insert a locking screw to hold the motor firmly in place. The screw head should sit flush with the surface to avoid interference with the shutter fabric or slats.
For a 40mm octagonal tube, a 5mm penetration depth is enough, while an 8mm screw works well for a 60mm tube. Always ensure the screw is not too long, as it could damage the drive shaft or the embedded metal plate within the plastic drive wheel.
4. Antenna and Signal Considerations
If your tubular motor comes with built-in radio control, proper antenna positioning is vital. The antenna wire, covered by heat-shrink tubing, must not touch any metal surface, as this can weaken the radio signal.
Remember that radio frequency (RF) signals can penetrate walls, but infrared (IR) signals require direct line of sight. Keeping the antenna wire clear ensures optimal range and stable communication with the remote control.
5. Adjusting the Limit Switch
After you install a tubular motor, you’ll need to set the upper and lower stop positions. On the motor head, you’ll find two adjustment holes marked with arrows. Use the correct hole for each direction — one for the upward stop, the other for the downward limit.
Turn the adjustment screws gently using a flat-head screwdriver. Make small adjustments until the curtain or shutter stops exactly where you want it. This step ensures safety and prevents over-rotation that could damage the motor or fabric.
6. Mounting the End Cap
Insert the idler or end adapter into the opposite side of the tube. This component balances the load and allows smooth rotation. Once both sides are ready, mount the entire roller assembly into your shutter box or window frame using standard hanger brackets and screws.
7. Connecting the Wiring
Electrical connection is the final stage when you install a tubular motor. For safety, it’s highly recommended to let a licensed electrician handle this part. Follow the wiring diagram below:
- Yellow/Green Wire: Ground (Earth)
- Blue Wire: Neutral (N)
- Brown Wire: Direction 1 (Up)
- Black Wire: Direction 2 (Down)
Make sure all terminals are tightly connected and insulated. Loose wiring can cause short circuits or malfunction. Always turn off the power before making any electrical connections.
8. Final Check and Safety Tips
After you install a tubular motor, test its operation several times to ensure everything moves smoothly and stops correctly. Listen for unusual noises and verify that the motor doesn’t wobble or shift inside the tube.
Safety Warning:
Always follow proper electrical safety standards. Never connect or adjust the motor while power is on. Incorrect installation can lead to electrical shock or mechanical damage.
✅ Conclusion
Learning how to install a tubular motor properly will save time and ensure optimal performance for years to come. Whether you’re automating blinds, roller shutters, or awnings, precision and care during installation make all the difference.
With the motor securely fastened, the wiring safely connected, and the limits correctly adjusted, your tubular motor system is now ready for smooth, reliable operation.
