Somfy motors for awnings and screens: how to read the label, RTS vs io, and what to ask

Somfy is a French company and the most widely recognized maker of tubular motors and controls for awnings, shades and screens. Its motors are fitted by many awning brands at every price level, so "Somfy motor" tells you the drive is a mainstream, serviceable component, not that the whole awning is premium. This guide shows how to read a Somfy label, choose between its RTS and io radio systems, and ask the right questions about torque, sensors and overrides.

Why does it matter whether an awning uses a Somfy motor?

A tubular motor slides inside the awning's roller tube. It contains an electric motor, a reduction gearbox, a brake that holds the load when stopped, a limit system that stops it at full open and full close, and, in radio models, a receiver. The internals are explained in our tubular motor internals guide.

Most awning brands buy these motors rather than make them. When the motor is from a widely distributed maker such as Somfy, three things become easier: any qualified motorization technician can diagnose and reprogram it; replacement remotes and sensors are easy to buy; and if the motor fails out of warranty, a compatible replacement can usually be fitted without replacing the awning. That is the real value of the name. It does not tell you anything about the arms, frame or fabric.

How do you read a Somfy motor label?

The motor head, at one end of the roller, carries a label with the model family, torque, speed, voltage and a serial or reference number. You may need to remove an end cap or look up into a cassette to see it. Photograph it before calling for service.

RTS or io: which Somfy radio system should you choose?

RTS (Radio Technology Somfy) is Somfy's long-established one-way radio system. The remote sends a command; the motor obeys; nothing comes back. It is simple, mature and supported by a large range of remotes, wall switches and third-party bridges. io-homecontrol is a two-way protocol: the motor acknowledges commands and can report its status, so a remote or app can show whether the awning actually opened or closed. Our glossary entry on RTS has a short definition.

If you already have Somfy RTS shades in the house, matching RTS keeps everything on one remote. If you want an app that tells you the awning is closed while you are away, io is the better fit. Either way, confirm which hub your installer will supply and whether it works with your existing smart home platform.

How much torque does an awning motor need?

Motor torque must overcome the pull of the arm springs on the fabric, the weight of the fabric roll and front bar, and friction, with some margin. The awning manufacturer sizes this using its own charts, and you should not second-guess them, but understanding the logic helps you spot a mismatch.

Over-sizing is not free either. A much stronger motor with badly set limits can over-tension the fabric at full close or pull the front bar hard into the cassette. Ask the installer to show that limits are set so the front bar closes snugly without straining. See awning arms won't close if your awning stops short.

Which Somfy sensors and controls are used with awnings?

Somfy sells handheld remotes (the Telis and Situo families are common), wall switches, timers, sun sensors (Sunis), wind sensors (Eolis, including a wireless vibration-type version that mounts on the front bar), combined sun and wind sensors (Soliris), and smart home hubs and bridges (TaHoma and myLink are names you will see). Exact model compatibility depends on RTS versus io, so check before mixing devices.

The wind sensor is the safety-critical part. An anemometer on the wall reads wind speed where it is mounted; a vibration sensor on the front bar reads how much the awning is actually shaking. Each has blind spots. Our sun and wind sensors guide explains placement and thresholds, and the wind rating checker helps you pick a sensible retract setting.

Should your motor have a manual override?

Some Somfy motors are available with a manual override that lets you crank the awning in with a hand rod if the motor or power fails; Somfy calls its integrated version CSI. Not every awning offers it, and it adds cost. It is most valuable on large awnings that would be dangerous to leave out in wind, at second homes, and where power outages are common. Ask about it at quote time, because it cannot usually be added later without changing the motor.

How does Somfy compare with other motor makers?

Somfy is not the only option. Other established motor makers include Simu (part of the Somfy group), Becker and Elero (both German), and Nice (Italian). Several Chinese manufacturers also supply tubular motors, either under their own names or unbranded to awning assemblers.

• Established European motor makers generally offer documented specifications, broad sensor ranges and replacement parts. Availability of technicians who know a particular brand varies by region, so ask locally.
• Unbranded or lesser-known motors can perform well, but check whether replacement remotes, receivers and motors will be available, and whether the awning seller stocks them.
• Cross-brand compatibility is limited. Different makers' radio systems generally do not pair with each other, so mixing brands in one house can mean multiple remotes or a hub that supports several protocols.

For motor and control choices in general, see awning motors and controls and motorized vs manual awnings.

What to ask when a quote says "Somfy motor"

• What is the exact motor model, including torque and speed?
• RTS or io, and which remote and hub are included?
• Which wind sensor is included, where will it mount, and who sets the threshold?
• Is there a manual override, and where is the crank eye?
• Is the motor plug-in or hardwired, and who provides the circuit?
• Who covers the motor under warranty: the awning brand or the motor maker, and does labor count?
• If the motor fails, can a local technician replace it without removing the whole awning?

If your existing motor is misbehaving, start with awning motor troubleshooting and remote not working.

Frequently asked questions