When to Specify Motorised Curtains for Large Glazing

Why it matters at project stage

A correctly selected motor can support regular operation of heavy or high-level curtains. Test reach, operating frequency and control expectations before treating motorisation as necessary.

On tall or wide openings, fabric weight, track capacity, stack depth and access are interdependent. System selection should start from surveyed dimensions and daily operation rather than assumptions based on standard windows.

Information required

Establish manual reach, actual fabric and track load, opening frequency, power provision, control groups, motor side and maintenance access.

Assess fabric width, seams, heading and motor capacity against the relevant manufacturer limits. Large glazing does not automatically require motorisation; the practicality of manual operation should be tested for the project.

Reaching a project decision

Retain manual operation where it is comfortable and accessible. Where motorisation is justified, choose capacity, speed, controls and power from documented compatible products.

Use “Was manual operation assessed” and “Is the actual load known” as decision gates for this subject. Compare any viable alternatives against those two project-specific questions, then document why the selected approach answers them.

Coordination through delivery

Issue the decision before ceiling and electrical finishes. Mark track, power point, motor side and control group on the same opening schedule.

Include installation height, access equipment and future maintenance in the delivery plan. Do not release the fabric or track for production until the final opening has been verified.

Before handover, resolve “Is power provision ready” and “Is the control scenario defined” with the named project parties. Record the answer under the relevant opening or room reference so a later site, material or programme revision can be assessed against the correct approval.

Recording and verifying the decision

For when to specify motorised curtains for large glazing, the approval record should identify the opening or room, current drawing revision, responsible party and date. Attach the dimensions, samples or system information needed to evidence “Is service access retained”; mark superseded decisions explicitly rather than relying on verbal instruction.

The release checklist for this guide is: Was manual operation assessed; Is the actual load known; Is power provision ready; Is the control scenario defined; Is service access retained. Any unanswered point remains an action with a named owner and decision date, not an assumed instruction to proceed with production or installation.