What parts make up a motorised curtain track system?
Updated
A motorised curtain track system generally includes the track the curtain runs along, a motor unit that drives the runners, the runners or gliders the curtain hooks attach to, a power supply, and a control method such as a remote control, wall switch or smart home app. Exact parts vary between systems and suppliers.
Motorising a curtain track replaces manual opening and closing with an electric motor, but the track still needs most of the same basic parts as a hand operated one, plus a small number of motor specific components.
The core parts
- The track itself, which may be straight, bent or recessed depending on the window and ceiling design.
- A motor unit at one end of the track, which drives the curtain open and closed.
- Runners or gliders, which the curtain hooks attach to and which the motor moves along the track. The lead runner is the one that is pulled.
- A power supply, which is either wired or battery power depending on the system.
- A control method, which can be a handheld remote, a wall mounted switch, or an app connected through a smart home system.
What differs between systems
Different manufacturers build their motor, control and power systems in different ways, and products vary in how they are wired, controlled and programmed. The practical point is to confirm with your retailer exactly what is included with a particular motorised track, since not every system includes the same accessories as standard.
What to plan for before ordering
- Whether power is available near the track, or whether an electrician is needed to add it.
- How the curtain will be controlled day to day, and whether that suits any smart home system you already have.
- The weight of the curtain and the track layout, including whether there is a sheer and a blockout on two tracks, since a motorised track has to suit the load it carries.
- Where the motor and controls will be, and how the system can be reached for service later.
What to ask your retailer
Ask your retailer exactly which parts are included with a motorised track quote, what power supply it needs, and how it is controlled. For an existing hand drawn track being considered for conversion to motorised, ask whether the existing track can be reused or whether a new track is required. Confirming these points before you order, including whether an electrician's visit needs to be arranged in advance, means there are no surprises once the track is installed.
Other ways people ask this
Does a motorised curtain track need an electrician?
This depends on the system and where power is available, so it is worth asking your retailer whether electrical work is needed before the track is installed.
Can a motorised track still be opened by hand if needed?
This varies between systems, so ask your retailer whether manual override is available on the specific product being quoted.
Is a motorised curtain track battery powered or wired?
It depends on the system. Motorised tracks run on wired or battery power, so confirm with your retailer which suits the track, the curtain weight and where power is available.
This answer is general information. For your own windows, your retailer's advice and your order with them come first.