Benefits of Tube Motor Roller Shutters
Tube motor roller shutters offer a practical and cost-effective solution for securing openings where simplicity and reliability are key.
Designed for smooth day-to-day operation, they combine compact installation with dependable performance, making them ideal for a wide range of commercial and light industrial applications. Explore examples of our completed door projects.
Key features of Tube Motor Roller Shutters
Designed with reliability and practicality in mind, our tube motor roller shutters incorporate a range of built-in features that ensure smooth operation, consistent performance and long-term durability.
Every component is selected to deliver dependable day-to-day use with minimal maintenance.
Single Skin Lath Comparison
Understanding the differences between single skin lath types is key to selecting the right roller shutter for your application. While all options provide a robust and reliable security solution, each variation offers distinct advantages depending on your operational needs.
Solid galvanised lath delivers maximum strength and durability, making it ideal for industrial environments. Where airflow, visibility, or ventilation is required, perforated and punched lath options provide a practical balance between protection and openness, commonly used in retail, car parks, and loading areas.
For projects where appearance is just as important as performance, powder coated or plastisol finishes offer a high-quality aesthetic solution, with a wide range of colours available alongside enhanced corrosion resistance.
By comparing these options side by side, this guide helps you quickly identify the most suitable lath type for your environment—whether your priority is security, airflow, durability, or visual appeal.
How Tube Motor Roller Shutters Work
Tube motor roller shutters offer a simple, efficient and highly reliable solution for securing openings where moderate usage is expected. By housing the motor neatly within the barrel, the system provides a compact and streamlined design, making it particularly well suited to shopfronts, internal openings and smaller industrial applications.
As illustrated, the tube motor drives the shutter curtain smoothly via the drive wheel, delivering consistent and quiet operation on every cycle. This makes it an excellent choice for environments where noise reduction and ease of use are important considerations.
A key feature of this system is the built-in safety brake, which automatically engages in the unlikely event of motor failure. This prevents uncontrolled descent of the curtain, protecting people, stock and equipment, and ensuring compliance with essential safety expectations.
In addition, the inclusion of a manual override facility ensures continued operation during a temporary power outage, allowing the door to be opened or closed safely by hand. This provides valuable peace of mind for businesses that rely on regular access throughout the day.
Designed for dependable, day-to-day performance, tube motor shutters are low maintenance and built to withstand demanding environments. While they are typically suited to lower usage applications, they remain a cost-effective and practical solution where simplicity, reliability and safety are the priority.
Overall, this infographic highlights why tube motor roller shutters continue to be a popular choice across retail, commercial and light industrial settings—delivering a balance of performance, protection and ease of operation.
Hardwired or Remote Control Activation?
The correct principle:
For a standard tube motor roller shutter without additional safety devices:
-
Opening (upwards travel):
-
Can be operated on a single press (impulse control)
-
This is generally permitted because the door is moving away from risk
-
-
Closing (downwards travel):
-
Must be hold-to-run (deadman control)
-
The operator must keep pressure on the control (remote or switch)
-
Movement stops immediately when the button is released
-
👉 This is to prevent injury or obstruction risk during descent.
⚠️ Why this rule exists:
When the shutter is closing, there is a crushing / trapping hazard.
Without protection such as:
-
Safety edge (bottom rail pressure sensor)
-
Photoelectric safety beams
…the system must not be allowed to close automatically without supervision.
This aligns with:
-
UKCA / CE machinery safety expectations
-
BS EN 12453 (Industrial, commercial and garage door safety in use)
✔️ When full remote automation IS allowed and if the shutter is fitted with appropriate safety devices, then:
-
Open and close can both be single press (fully automatic)
Typically requires:
-
Safety edge on bottom rail
-
Photo cells / light curtains
👉 This allows the door to stop or reverse if an obstruction is detected.
Installation & Site Preparation
We aim to make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
Prior to installation, we will carry out a site survey to ensure the shutter is correctly sized and suited to your opening. At this stage, we will also confirm whether the opening is ready to receive the shutter or if any preparatory work may be required.
If any adjustments are needed, we will:
-
Clearly explain what is required
-
Offer guidance on how this can be completed
-
Provide a quotation should you wish us to carry out the work
Once everything is in place, we will agree a mutually convenient installation date. To ensure a smooth and efficient installation, it is important that:
-
The agreed date is adhered to
-
The opening is clear and accessible on arrival
Electrical Connection
The only requirement outside of our scope is the provision of a suitable electrical supply.
A 240V 13 amp switched fused spur should be installed within 1 metre of the motor side of the shutter.
This allows for:
-
Safe and compliant operation
-
Easy isolation of the power supply
-
Efficient commissioning on the day of installation
Peace of Mind
From initial survey through to installation, we guide you through every step of the process. With clear communication and careful planning, we ensure your new shutter is installed safely, efficiently and with minimal disruption.
Servicing & Legal Obligations
Understand your legal obligations and ensure your roller shutters remain safe, compliant and efficient.
Explore our guides to legal requirements and what’s included in a professional service visit to keep your doors operating at peak performance.
Could Faster Operation Improve Efficiency?
Tube motor roller shutters provide a practical and economical solution for many commercial and industrial buildings. They are widely used where security is the primary requirement and where traffic volumes are relatively modest.
However, whilst a tube motor roller shutter can provide an effective physical barrier, it is worth considering how the opening is used on a day-to-day basis. In many warehouses, workshops and distribution facilities, the door may open and close dozens of times each day to accommodate forklift movements, deliveries, dispatch operations and pedestrian traffic.
As the frequency of operation increases, the amount of time the opening remains exposed can become an increasingly important consideration. Every time a door is open, conditioned air may escape whilst external air, dust and draughts can enter the building. This can affect employee comfort, environmental control and overall energy consumption.
For higher usage applications, many businesses investigate whether a High Speed Door may offer operational
advantages. Faster opening and closing speeds can help improve traffic flow, reduce waiting times and minimise open-door exposure. In some environments, this can contribute to lower energy costs and improved temperature stability throughout the building.
You may find the following resources helpful:
• High Speed Doors – explore solutions designed specifically for frequently used openings.
• Energy Saving – learn how door speed and open-door exposure can influence building performance and running costs.
• ROI Calculator – estimate the potential financial benefits that may be achieved by reducing unnecessary air exchange and heat loss.
Avoid Costly Mistakes - Call Us First
Send us your opening sizes, site photos or project details and we will provide clear advice and a competitive quotation.
👉 Request a Quote
Alternatively, contact us directly to discuss your requirements.
Energy Saving Doors
25 Britannia Square
Worcester
Worcestershire
WR1 3DH
United Kingdom
+44 1905 317878