Updated: 07.11.2026
In brief: A 230 V roller shutter motor usually has four wires: blue is the neutral conductor, green-yellow the protective earth, brown and black are the phases for up and down. It is connected to a blind switch with interlock. Then you set the end positions – mechanically on the motor head or electronically using the hand-held transmitter. The connection to the mains is done by a qualified electrician.
Safety first
Work on the 230 V mains may only be carried out by a qualified electrician. Before any work: switch off the circuit breaker, secure it against being switched on again and verify that the circuit is dead with a voltage tester. Secure the shutter beforehand so the curtain cannot unroll during removal.
The four wires: tubular motor wiring
| Wire | Function | Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Blue | Neutral (N) | N at the switch or in the junction box |
| Brown | Phase, direction 1 | Switch output “up” or “down” |
| Black | Phase, direction 2 | second switch output |
| Green-yellow | Protective earth (PE) | PE |
This applies to most 230 V tubular motors with wired control. The motor’s data sheet is always decisive – for A-OK motors you will find it under Downloads on the respective product page. If the shutter runs the wrong way, swap brown and black at the switch.
Which switch is suitable?
- Blind switch or push-button with interlock: Up and down must never be energised at the same time. Normal double switches are not suitable.
- Several motors on one switch: Do not simply connect motors with mechanical end positions in parallel. Use isolating relays or a group control instead.
- Radio motors: only need a permanent supply (phase, neutral, earth). They are operated by hand-held or wall transmitter, no blind switch is needed.
Setting the end positions
Mechanical end positions (e.g. A-OK AM45 mechanical)
- Run the shutter down with the switch until the motor stops by itself.
- There are two adjusting screws on the motor head, marked with arrows for the directions of rotation.
- Turn the screw for the relevant direction – usually marked plus and minus: towards plus the shutter travels further, towards minus it stops earlier.
- Briefly run up and down again, check and readjust. Repeat for the upper end position.
Set the upper end position so that the curtain does not pull against the stop in the box.
Electronic end positions (e.g. A-OK AM45 radio, AM55)
Electronic end positions are programmed with the hand-held transmitter or a setting cable – the sequence of button presses is given in the motor’s instructions. The A-OK AM45 radio tubular motor can learn the end positions automatically, semi-automatically or manually and recalibrates them every 100 cycles.
A-OK motors at a glance
| Motor | Torque | End positions / control | Suitable for | Net price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A-OK AM35 tubular motor | 6 / 10 Nm | mechanical or electronic with radio | small shutters, 40 mm octagonal shaft | from €69 |
| A-OK AM45 mechanical tubular motor | 15–50 Nm | mechanical, wall switch | roller shutters, roller doors, awnings, 60 mm octagonal shaft | from 65 € |
| A-OK AM45 radio tubular motor | 6–30 Nm | electronic, radio 868 MHz, obstacle detection | roller shutters with convenient operation | from €100 |
| A-OK AM45E awning motor | 30–50 Nm | with emergency hand crank | Awnings | from €125 |
| A-OK AM55 external venetian blind motor | 6–20 Nm | electronic, wired or radio | Raffstores and external venetian blinds | from €97 |
Which torque your shutter needs and which shaft fits is explained in the guide Retrofitting & replacing a roller shutter motor. Removing the old motor is described in Replacing a roller shutter motor: step-by-step guide.
Typical wiring mistakes
- Shutter runs the wrong way: swap brown and black.
- Motor hums but does not run: both directions are energised at the same time – switch without interlock or incorrect wiring.
- Motor stops after a few minutes: the thermal protection has tripped. After cooling down the motor runs again.
- Shutter does not fully close or open: readjust the end positions.
Frequently asked questions
May I connect a roller shutter motor myself?
You can install the motor and set the end positions yourself. The connection to the 230 V mains must be carried out by a qualified electrician.
Which wire is up and which is down?
That depends on the mounting side: a motor installed on the left turns the other way than one installed on the right. So connect brown and black on a trial basis first and swap them if the direction is wrong.
Can I connect two roller shutter motors to one switch?
Not directly in parallel if the motors have mechanical end positions. Use an isolating relay or a group control so that the motors do not interfere with each other.
Do I need a switch for a radio motor?
No. A radio motor only needs a permanent power supply. It is operated via hand-held transmitter, wall transmitter or timer.
Questions about your shutter?
Send us the shaft diameter, shutter size and material – we will name the right motor. Phone 040 50694631 (Mon–Fri 8 am–5 pm) or via the Contact form. You will find all motors in the overview Sun protection motors.
Calculate the torque yourself: Roller shutter motor calculator. All guides on roller shutter, awning and external venetian blind motors: Sun protection guide.
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
Questions? 040 50694631 · info@ventsystems.de
