When we visit a site for a free estimate, one of the most common questions we hear is: "Should I go motorised or is a regular gear shutter fine?" The honest answer depends on how the shutter will be used — there's no single right answer. This guide walks through each option so you can make an informed decision.
The two operation types
All rolling shutters — whether galvanised steel, perforated, industrial, or grill-type — can be fitted with either a manual (gear-based) mechanism or an electric motor. The shutter itself is identical; it's only how you open and close it that changes.
Manual (gear-based) shutters
A gear-based shutter uses a side-mounted crank handle connected to a gear assembly. You turn the handle to wind the shutter up and down. It's the traditional method and still the most widely used for small to mid-sized openings.
- ✓ Your opening is under 12 feet wide
- ✓ You open and close it 2–3 times a day
- ✓ Power supply at the shutter is limited
- ✓ You want lower upfront cost
- ✓ Reliability during power cuts matters
- → You open it 10+ times daily
- → The opening is very wide or tall
- → Multiple people need to operate it
Motorised shutters: your three control options
When you choose motorised, you also choose how the motor is controlled. We offer three options, and they can sometimes be combined on the same shutter.
1. Wall switch control
The most common motorised setup. A three-button switch panel (Open / Stop / Close) is mounted on the wall near the shutter. Press once to open, press again to stop or close. Simple, reliable, and familiar to anyone who has used a lift.
This is the right choice for most shops and commercial spaces. The switch is wired directly to the motor, so there's no battery to replace or signal to lose. If you have staff who operate the shutter, this is the most foolproof option.
2. Remote control
A wireless handheld remote allows you to operate the shutter from anywhere within range — typically 20–30 metres. You can open your shutter before you reach the door, or close it after you've stepped away. Most remotes are small enough to keep on your key ring.
Remote control is popular for residential garages, warehouses where the operator is often away from the entrance, and shops where the owner prefers not to reach a fixed switch. Multiple remotes can be paired to one motor so different people can operate the shutter independently.
3. Key switch control
A key-operated switch panel means the shutter can only be operated by someone holding the correct key. This is particularly suited for premises where you want to restrict who can open or close the shutter — godowns, storage facilities, and commercial units with multiple staff.
Key switches can also be combined with a remote, giving you the option of both wireless convenience and keyed security on the same installation.
What about power cuts?
A common concern with motorised shutters is what happens during a power cut. All our motorised installations include a manual override mechanism — so you can still operate the shutter by hand even if the motor has no power. You're never locked in or locked out.
Our recommendation
For a single shop shutter that you open and close once or twice a day, gear-based is perfectly adequate and saves you the cost and maintenance of a motor. For any shutter that's used more than 4–5 times daily, or any opening wider than 12 feet, motorised is worth the investment — the convenience is immediately noticeable and motor wear on a quality motor is low.
Not sure which is right for your situation? When we visit your site, we'll take one look at your opening, understand how often it will be used, and tell you exactly which option we'd put in if it were our own property. Book a free visit — no commitment.