An electric roller shutter conversion is one of the most practical upgrades a North East business or homeowner can make. If you are tired of winding a shutter up by hand every morning, converting it to electric operation can save time, effort and wear on the shutter itself.
Here is what an electric roller shutter conversion involves, how long it takes and when it makes more sense to replace the shutter instead.
Who benefits most from going electric?
Conversions are particularly worthwhile for premises with limited staff, early starts or irregular opening hours, where opening and closing a heavy shutter by hand is a daily chore. Shops, takeaways, workshops and units with several shutters see the biggest difference. At home, an electric roller garage door means you can open the garage from the car at the touch of a button.
What does a conversion involve?
We handle the full conversion from start to finish:
- Removing the manual operation, such as the crank or pull handle.
- Fitting the correct motor for the size and weight of the shutter.
- Running the wiring and fitting the controls.
- Fitting a safety edge with obstacle detection.
- Commissioning and testing the shutter before we hand it over.
In many cases the conversion can be done without replacing the shutter curtain, which keeps the cost well below a full replacement.
Control options
Once the shutter is electric, you can choose how to operate it. Options include remote control handsets, a wall keypad or key fob, and timer or automated operation for businesses that open and close at set times. We fit 240V and 3-phase motors, sized for the shutter and how often it is used, and battery backup is available so the shutter can still be operated during a power cut.
How long does a conversion take?
Most electric roller shutter conversions are completed in a single day, so disruption to your business or home is kept to a minimum.
When is a conversion not worth it?
If the shutter curtain is badly damaged, heavily corroded or the guides are worn out, fitting a motor to it is not good value. We will assess your existing shutter and advise honestly on whether a conversion is viable. If it is not, a new made-to-measure electric shutter is often the better long-term choice. See our roller shutters page for the options.
Is an electric shutter safe?
Yes. Safety edges and obstacle detection are fitted as standard, so the shutter stops if it meets an obstruction. Any electrical work should always be done by a competent installer, and Electrical Safety First explains why that matters.
What our customers say
One customer, Nikita, told us in a Google review that our engineers removed an old manual roller shutter and fitted an electric one that was more compact and less bulky than the old shutter, and that the work was done quickly and to a great standard.
Read more about electric roller shutters and conversions, or browse our commercial shutter services.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an electric roller shutter conversion cost?
It depends on the size and weight of the shutter, the motor needed and the controls you choose. Because the existing curtain can often be kept, an electric roller shutter conversion usually costs well below a new shutter. We survey for free and give you a fixed written quote.
Can every manual shutter be converted?
Not always. If the curtain or guides are badly worn, a new shutter is better value. We will check yours and tell you honestly.
Can a domestic garage door be converted too?
Yes. Many manual roller garage doors can be converted, and we also fit new electric roller garage doors with remote, keypad or smart control.
Do you service electric shutters after conversion?
Yes. We repair and service electric shutters of all makes, and businesses can choose a maintenance contract with agreed response times. An electric roller shutter conversion is backed by our workmanship guarantee.
Book a free survey
Call Elite Security Shutters on 0191 354 5800 or request a free quote online. We cover Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham and the wider North East, and every job is carried out by our own fully insured team.