Programming and controls · Rolling Shutter Guide
Wall switch, key switch or keypad: which control is right for my rolling shutter?
It depends on the motor. A switch-operated (wired) motor takes a paddle or toggle wall switch, either momentary or maintained, or an outdoor key switch. A radio motor takes a battery wall remote that looks like a switch, or a code keypad, with no wiring at all. Pick by who uses it and from which side of the shutter.
Key facts
- For wired motors, Roll-A-Shield offers paddle (Decora-style) and toggle wall switches, each momentary or maintained, and outdoor key switches in flush- and surface-mount versions; indoor key switches are no longer offered. Roll-A-Shield data
- The digital keypad is a radio control, so Roll-A-Shield offers it only on Gaposa remote-control motors, not on Somfy or wired motors. Roll-A-Shield data
- Gaposa's keypad ships with factory codes 11 for UP and 22 for DOWN; each code can be changed to 1 to 9 digits.
- The standard recessed key switch measures 3.25 in wide by 2.625 in tall. Roll-A-Shield data
- A wired shutter can have an outdoor key switch and an indoor toggle switch on the same unit, so it can be run from both sides. Roll-A-Shield data
Applies to: Rolling shutters with Gaposa or Somfy switch-operated (wired) motors, including manual-override versions, and with Gaposa or Somfy radio motors; Gaposa QCTRKP keypad, Gaposa and Somfy on-wall remotes. Not OZRoll battery or manual shutters.
Which controls work with my motor?
The motor decides. A switch-operated motor is wired to its control; a radio motor listens for a battery transmitter, so its "switches" are really remotes. A switch motor has a 4-wire cable (two direction wires, neutral and ground) and a radio motor a 3-wire cable (hot, neutral and ground).
| Control | Motor it needs | Wiring | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paddle (Decora-style) wall switch | Wired, Gaposa or Somfy | Yes, mains | Everyday indoor use |
| Toggle wall switch | Wired, Gaposa or Somfy | Yes, mains | Matching existing toggle switches |
| Outdoor key switch, flush or surface mount | Wired, Gaposa or Somfy | Yes, mains | Operating from outside, keyed |
| On-wall remote | Radio, Gaposa or Somfy | None; battery | The look of a switch without the wiring |
| Gaposa digital keypad | Radio, Gaposa only | None; battery | Coded access from outside |
Somfy wired motors get the same wall-switch and key-switch choices as Gaposa wired motors. Indoor key switches were dropped from the range; the key switches offered now are outdoor models.
A key switch is a wired control. Choosing one makes the shutter a wired build, so it cannot also take handheld remotes or a key fob unless a radio receiver is added.
What is the difference between momentary and maintained?
A momentary switch runs the shutter only while you hold it. A maintained switch latches, so one press keeps the motor running until the shutter reaches its limit. Paddle and toggle switches come either way.
Momentary is the cautious choice for a shutter over a doorway, a counter or anywhere people or things sit under it, because the shutter stops the moment the switch is released. Maintained is convenient on a tall window where holding a switch for the full run is tedious. Where the limits or the shutter are new, check them before relying on a maintained switch. See set or adjust the mechanical limit screws.
What should I know about key switches?
Use a key switch when the shutter has to be operated from outside by people with a key, such as a storefront or a garage.
- Mounting: the outdoor key switch comes as a flush-mount momentary model or a surface-mount model.
- Size: the standard recessed key switch is 3.25 in wide by 2.625 in tall. Confirm the depth with us before you cut into a wall.
- Both sides: an outdoor key switch and an indoor toggle switch can both be fitted to the same wired shutter, as separate controls.
- Keys: replacement key blanks and new tumblers are available for key switches. See lost keys and rekeying.
What should I know about the keypad?
The Gaposa keypad is a battery-powered radio transmitter that mounts on a wall and sends UP or DOWN only after the right code is typed. Roll-A-Shield offers it on Gaposa remote-control motors only.
| Keypad detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Factory codes | UP 11, DOWN 22 |
| Code length | 1 to 9 digits; UP and DOWN can share a code or have their own |
| Time to type a code | 10 seconds |
| Range | 65 ft indoors, 650 ft outdoors; up to 25-30% less on a low battery |
| Battery | two CR2032 cells, about 2 years |
| Weather rating | IP54; 14 to 122 °F |
| Size | 3.35 × 2.96 × 1.42 in |
Change the factory codes as soon as it is installed. Pairing, code changes and resetting a forgotten code are on the Gaposa keypad page and keypad not responding or forgot the code. Gaposa asks you to test the keypad from its intended spot before fixing it to the wall, and to keep it off and away from metal.
How is a wall switch or key switch wired?
By a licensed electrician, to the shutter's own switch rules. Follow the motor maker's instructions: terminate in a listed junction box; do not run the motor cable through the wall. Mains wiring by a licensed electrician. Two rules matter when choosing. First, do not plan on two wired motors sharing one ordinary switch: Somfy says never to wire two or more of its wired (LT) motors to one single-pole switch, and Gaposa's instructions for its mechanical-limit motors say not to connect more than one tubular motor to a single switch. Second, which motor wire means "up" depends on the motor brand and the side the motor is on, so the electrician needs to know both. The full wiring guide is on how to wire a shutter motor to a wall switch; running several shutters together is on run two or more shutters from one switch or remote.
Can I replace a broken switch myself?
The switch is ordinary mains wiring, so treat it as an electrician's job. Replacement shutter switches are Decora-style rockers, and the age of the shutter alone does not rule one out; give us the installation address and we can confirm the right switch. Paddle and toggle switches are sold in the online store. The steps are on how to replace a shutter wall switch. Following a published Roll-A-Shield guide does not void the warranty. Mains wiring must be done by a licensed electrician.
For help choosing controls for a new shutter, call (480) 921-0200.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a wall switch and a remote on the same shutter?
Not on a wired switch motor as it is, because it has no radio receiver; that takes a radio receiver added ahead of the motor. On a radio motor, an on-wall remote gives you the wall-switch feel plus any number of handhelds.
Should I order a momentary or a maintained switch?
Momentary means you hold the switch for as long as the shutter should move. Maintained latches, so one press sends the shutter on until it reaches its limit. Choose momentary where you want someone watching the shutter the whole time.
Is a keypad a security device?
No. Gaposa says its keypad is not intended as an intrusion-prevention system; it controls who can operate the shutter, and the shutter's construction does the protecting.
Will a standard light switch run my shutter?
No. A shutter switch has separate up and down connections; an ordinary on/off light switch has one. Replacement shutter switches are Decora-style rockers, and the age of the shutter alone does not rule one out.
Parts and next step
Need a part or a hand?
Replacement motors, remotes, straps, slats and hardware ship from our Tempe, Arizona factory. Phoenix-area owners can book a service visit; everywhere else, our technicians help by phone. Call (480) 921-0200; the factory answers technical questions for any rolling shutter, not only ours.