BLIND SOLUTIONS
Motor Calculator — Cheat Sheet
Quick-reference cheat sheet for the Motor Calculator tool.
Published 27 May 2026
CHEAT SHEET
Motor Calculator
Quick-reference companion for the free Portal tool
What This Tool Does
The Blind Solutions Motor Calculator is an essential online tool designed for South African architects to accurately specify the correct motor requirements for our range of automated blinds and shading solutions. This calculator streamlines the process of determining motor torque, power, and control options based on your project's specific window dimensions, blind type, fabric weight, and environmental factors.
Use this tool early in your design process when specifying glazing, preparing tender documents, or detailing electrical layouts. It ensures that the chosen motor can reliably operate the blind system, preventing under-specification issues or unnecessary over-specification costs. It's crucial for projects aiming for optimal thermal performance, daylight control, and occupant comfort, especially in South Africa's diverse climatic regions.
This calculator is indispensable for architects working on commercial buildings, high-end residential projects, and any structure where automated shading is a key design element. It helps ensure compliance with performance specifications and integrates seamlessly with your electrical and building management system (BMS) planning.
Step-by-Step Usage Guide
Step 1: Access the Tool & Project Basics
Navigate to the Blind Solutions Architects Portal and select the "Motor Calculator." Begin by entering your project name and location. This helps us understand potential environmental factors like wind loads for external applications.
Navigate to the Blind Solutions Architects Portal and select the "Motor Calculator." Begin by entering your project name and location. This helps us understand potential environmental factors like wind loads for external applications.
Example: Project Name: "Sandton Office Tower," Location: "Johannesburg, Gauteng"
Step 2: Select Blind Type & Orientation
Choose the specific Blind Solutions product you intend to use (e.g., Roller Blind, Venetian Blind, External Screen). Then, specify the orientation of the window (e.g., North, East, South, West). This is critical for solar gain calculations relevant to SANS 10400-XA and energy efficiency.
Choose the specific Blind Solutions product you intend to use (e.g., Roller Blind, Venetian Blind, External Screen). Then, specify the orientation of the window (e.g., North, East, South, West). This is critical for solar gain calculations relevant to SANS 10400-XA and energy efficiency.
Example: Blind Type: "Roller Blind," Orientation: "North-Facing"
Step 3: Input Window Dimensions & Glazing Details
Accurately enter the width and height of the window opening where the blind will be installed. If known, provide details about the glazing, including U-value and SHGC. This informs the calculator about potential solar loads.
Accurately enter the width and height of the window opening where the blind will be installed. If known, provide details about the glazing, including U-value and SHGC. This informs the calculator about potential solar loads.
Example: Width: "3.5m," Height: "2.8m," Glazing: "Double Glazed, Low-E (U-value 2.0 W/m²K, SHGC 0.35)"
Step 4: Choose Fabric & Weight
Select the desired fabric from our extensive library. The calculator will automatically apply its specific weight per square meter. If using a custom fabric, you can manually input the fabric weight (grams per square meter). This directly impacts the required motor torque.
Select the desired fabric from our extensive library. The calculator will automatically apply its specific weight per square meter. If using a custom fabric, you can manually input the fabric weight (grams per square meter). This directly impacts the required motor torque.
Example: Fabric: "Sunscreen 3% Openness, Charcoal," (Auto-populates to ~400 gsm)
Step 5: Select Control Option & Power Supply
Indicate your preferred control method (e.g., Wall Switch, Remote Control, BMS Integration, Smart Home System). Also, specify the power supply available (e.g., 230V AC, 24V DC). This will help in recommending compatible motors and advising on necessary electrical infrastructure.
Indicate your preferred control method (e.g., Wall Switch, Remote Control, BMS Integration, Smart Home System). Also, specify the power supply available (e.g., 230V AC, 24V DC). This will help in recommending compatible motors and advising on necessary electrical infrastructure.
Example: Control: "BMS Integration (KNX)," Power: "230V AC"
Step 6: Review & Generate Report
Once all inputs are provided, click "Calculate." The tool will display the recommended motor model, its torque rating, power consumption, and compatible control accessories. You can then generate a detailed report for your project documentation.
Once all inputs are provided, click "Calculate." The tool will display the recommended motor model, its torque rating, power consumption, and compatible control accessories. You can then generate a detailed report for your project documentation.
Example: Output: "Recommended Motor: BS-TorqueMax 6Nm, Power: 120W, Control: KNX Interface Module"
Common Scenarios & Expected Results
| Scenario | Input | Expected Output (Motor Recommendation) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Office Window (Johannesburg) |
Project: "Rosebank Office Block" Blind Type: Roller Blind Orientation: West Dimensions: 2.0m (W) x 2.5m (H) Fabric: Sunscreen 5% (380gsm) Control: Wall Switch Power: 230V AC |
BS-StandardDrive 3Nm (AC) Suitable for medium-sized roller blinds, reliable for daily operation with standard switch control. |
| Large Residential Slider (Cape Town) |
Project: "Clifton Residence" Blind Type: Roller Blind Orientation: North-West Dimensions: 4.0m (W) x 3.0m (H) Fabric: Blockout (650gsm) Control: Remote Control (RF) Power: 230V AC |
BS-PowerLift 8Nm (AC) High torque motor required for large, heavy blockout blinds, ensuring smooth and quiet operation. |
| External Screen (Durban) |
Project: "Umdloti Beachfront Apartments" Blind Type: External Zip Screen Orientation: East Dimensions: 3.0m (W) x 2.8m (H) Fabric: External Performance Mesh (700gsm) Control: BMS Integration (Modbus) Power: 230V AC |
BS-WeatherGuard 10Nm (AC) Robust, high-torque motor with weather resistance, designed for external applications and BMS integration. |
| Small Boardroom Window (Pretoria) |
Project: "Hatfield Corporate Park" Blind Type: Venetian Blind Orientation: South Dimensions: 1.5m (W) x 1.2m (H) Fabric: Aluminium Slat (Lightweight) Control: Smart Home (24V DC) Power: 24V DC |
BS-QuietGlide 1.5Nm (DC) Low-voltage, quiet motor ideal for smaller blinds and seamless integration with DC-powered smart home systems. |