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Opening roller shutters during a power cut: manual crank and alternatives

Dietmar Heiken

A-OK AM45E awning motor with emergency hand crank

Updated: 07.11.2026

In brief: Ein normaler Rohrmotor hält den Rollladen bei Stromausfall fest – von Hand lässt er sich nicht bewegen. Wer auch ohne Strom öffnen will, braucht einen Motor mit Nothandkurbel, einen Akku-Solar-Motor oder eine Notstromversorgung. Das ist besonders wichtig bei Rolltoren und Fluchtwegen.

Three solutions

Solution How it works Example
Motor with manual override worm gear with crank connection, can be turned by hand A-OK AM45E, 30–50 Nm, ab 125 €
battery-solar motor keeps running on its own battery A-OK AM45 battery-solar, ab 235 €
Emergency power / UPS powers the motor for a short time for commercial use, see UPS

How to use the manual override crank

  1. Insert the crank into the eyelet on the motor head or the crank feed-through.
  2. Turn slowly – because of the reduction (15:1 on the AM45E), many turns are needed.
  3. When power returns, remove the crank and check the end positions.

When is manual emergency operation mandatory?

For roller doors that are the only access and for windows that serve as escape routes, opening without power should be possible. Similar considerations apply to window actuators – more in the guide Window actuator during a power cut.

Frequently asked questions

Can I add a crank to an existing motor?

No, the crank must be built into the motor. The motor is replaced with a model with manual override.

Does the crank also work with radio motors?

Yes, the AM45E is also available with a built-in radio receiver (433 MHz).

Calculate the torque yourself: Roller shutter motor calculator. All guides on roller shutter, awning and external venetian blind motors: Sun protection guide.

Advice on the right motor

Send us the shaft diameter, curtain size and material – we will name the right A-OK motor. Phone 040 50694631 (Mon–Fri 8 am–5 pm) or via the Contact form. All motors at a glance: Sun protection motors.

Technically reviewed by Dietmar Heiken, Sales, Vent Systems HDI GmbH, Hamburg – around 20 years of industry experience. Questions? Phone +49 40 50694631 or info@ventsystems.de

Last updated: 07.11.2026

About the author: Dietmar Heiken

Dietmar Heiken is responsible for sales and technical advice at Vent Systems HDI GmbH in Hamburg. He has around 20 years of experience with electric window actuators for ventilation and smoke and heat exhaust ventilation (SHEV).

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