Integrating tube motors and controls into awning installations is relatively simple these days, with standardised motor sizes, adapters, mounting brackets and various control accessories. However, choosing the optimum configuration of motor and control gear for each installation requires a logical, structured approach.

Electricity supply

Power requirements for awning motors are modest; for example ACM's 240V motors take from 200W to 460W.  Although operating current is low (0.85 to 2.7A) there can be a 0.5 second start-up current of around 10A. So if connecting to an existing wiring installation, ensure there is adequate fuse or circuit breaker protection.  

For a building under construction or major refurbishment, wiring to the awning motor and controls can be easily installed during the 'first-fix' phase. If an integrated domotics or home/office automation system is being installed, wiring to the motors may differ from the conventional method, and the capacity of the system's control relays should be verified. 

Building Regulations - Part P came into force on 1 January. This means certain additional electrical works on domestic premises are 'notifiable' - i.e. the work must be carried out or tested by a Local Authority-certified electrician. Generally, electrical work such as the installation of an awning, is 'notifiable' if it's power supply forms a new circuit or is extended from an existing circuit in a bathroom or kitchen. More details on this can be obtained from www.odpm.gov.uk.

Controls

The control system depends on how the awning is to be used, the customer's life style, and the characteristics of the building in which it is fitted. 

The simplest and often cheapest control is with wired switches. A selection of internal wall-mounted rocker switches is available, as well as key switches for external use. This is a perfectly adequate solution where power and controls cabling is not too problematic and where the awning is only needed when someone's there to operate it. If the awning is integrated with a  home/office automation system, it can be operated using the same control panels (push-buttons, touch screens, remotes ...) as for lighting, heating, A/V equipment, etc.  

Infrared or radio remote control is useful if cabling to switch positions is difficult/expensive, or if the customer wants to operate the awning from a garden chair for example. ACM's remote switches transmit a 433MHz radio signal with rolling code security.  
A small radio receiver/controller can be installed near the motor or alternatively, select a motor with the radio control built-in - which also reduces installation time and risk.  Remote controls can be used along-side wired switches or domotics system controls.

If the awning serves to protect furniture, fabrics, patio plants, etc., from direct sunlight and the customer is frequently away, then an automatic control system with sun and/or temperature sensors is advisable. To automatically retract the awning in windy conditions, a wind sensor can be added to the system.

If a home/ office automation system is not used for this function, a dedicated electronic programmable control unit can be installed.

Modern motors and associated control products are extremely reliable - in fact in ACM's test lab, motors have been raising and lowering shutters continuously for well over 17,000 cycles - equivalent to about 40 years of normal operation. However, to deploy or retract the awning in the event of power failures, motors with manual override attachments are available.  This is probably more important in commercial applications, but also has safety benefits for large awnings if very strong winds occur at the same time as a power cut... a situation indicative of a certain well-known universal law!

Which motor?

ACM recommends that the selected motor should have a large torque* margin over that necessary to deploy or retract the awning in calm conditions. On breezy days, the effective weight of an awning can increase dramatically since it acts like a sail capturing large volumes of air, while friction loading from the folding arm joints or telescopic rams also increases. Chart 2 shows ACM's  recommendations for motors in folding arm-type awnings using a 70mm tube (barrel). The X-axis defines the deployment length, and the Y-axis refers to the number of arms in the awning assembly. 

ACM's tube motors are called 'Matic', followed by a number. This number represents the motor's torque - thus a Matic 30 achieves a torque of 30Nm, and so on.

• ACM's UK office Tel: 020 8840 6988