Info Center | Soleffect

Information Center

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the Soleffect Information Center, your comprehensive resource for expert guidance on architectural shading solutions. Here, you will find detailed answers to frequently asked questions regarding our high-performance roller shade systems, from manual clutch options and WCMA-compliant safety devices to advanced 120V, 24V, and rechargeable battery motorization. Whether you are specifying Phifer or Mermet fabrics, exploring third-party smart home integration via the TaHoma Hub, or selecting the perfect architectural fascia or recessed pocket finish, our technical guides ensure a seamless installation. Explore our library to learn about the EZ Lift cordless system, low-voltage power distribution, and our industry-leading 10-year fabric warranty.

General Questions

What fabrics do you carry?

In addition to all Phifer and Mermet roller shade fabrics, we also carry a proprietary line of cost-effective commercial and residential selections.

What is the warranty for your fabrics?

Phifer/Mermet = 5 years exterior, 10 years interior

Soleffect = 10 years

For motorized RTS products, is third-party integration available?

Yes, with the Tahoma Hub or URTSII, third party integration is easily accessible, allowing you to set scenes and integrate with other home automation systems. Smartphone control, Alexa, Google Home, and Crestron are just a few of the many third-party integration options. Please contact your sales representative for programming instructions.

If I have trouble programming my shades, is there live support I can contact?

Yes, Somfy’s customer service line will guide you step-by-step on site with any Somfy motorized product. Contact 1-800-227-6639 for support.

How do I control my motorized shades?

We offer several types of hand-held remotes and wire-free wall switches, with single and multi-channel options available. These can be purchased directly through our online ordering system under ‘Motor Controls and Accessories.” Situo remotes are our standard handhelds, while Decoflex wall switches are our standard for in-wall, wire-free control.

What colors are available for fascia?

3”-4” square/curved fascia: white, anodized, alabaster, black, bronze

7” square fascia: white, black, anodized, bronze

What colors are available for pocket?

5.5” pocket with closure: White, black and anodized

3.5” pocket with closure: white, black, bronze, anodized

What colors are available for side and sill channel?

White, black, bronze, alabaster, anodized

What types of top treatments are available?

3” square and curved fascia, 4” square and curved fascia, 7” square fascia, 3.5” pocket with closure, 5.5” pocket with closure, 5.5” pocket with closure and lip for tile support, 3” and 4” curved fabric wrapped fascia, 3.25” curved cassette with fabric insert, 3.25” square cassette with or without fabric insert, hanger and closure

What colors are available for non-fascia systems?

White and black for manual, 24v, and battery non-fascia systems. Our new non-fascia Deco Bracket, which is compatible with battery shades has white, chrome, and black options. 120v non-fascia brackets are mill-finished. Cordless open roll headrails come in white.

Manual Systems

What are Soleffect’s clutch systems?

SX clutch: superior durability with a steel bearing and shim. Built-in chain guide for easy installation. Quiet and easy operation.
S-Clutch: comes with three hooks on the clutch which attach to bracket. This keeps roller shades extra secure. Chain guide installed on brackets to run the beaded chain in any direction that works for you.
Apex Clutch: ceiling and wall mount options, as well as an extended bracket for large roller shade drops. Premium clutch.

What safety device does Soleffect use for manual shades?

Our WCMA-compliant safety device features a spring-loaded mechanism which requires the chain to be fully tensioned to allow shade operation. Please contact your sales representative for installation instructions.

What types of chain can I use for manual shades?

Stainless-steel, stainless-steel powder coated white, stainless-steel powder coated black, plastic white, plastic black, plastic grey.

Touchless AC 120V

What cable is used to power 120v motors?

SJTW 3-conductor cable is used for all 120v RTS motors from Somfy.

What types of plugs does Soleffect use for 120v motors?

120v motors are compatible with 3-prong plugs, Anderson plugs, Wago plugs, and Fast Connectors. Plugs can also be removed from motors upon request.

Which top treatments are compatible with 120v motorized roller shades?

4” fascia, 5.5” pocket with closure, hanger and closure.

Touchless AC 24V

Aside from having an electrician bring power to each shade location, how can I power low voltage shades?

Low voltage motors can be powered with two other methods. The first would be our 24v wall mount power supply, which can be plugged into any standard outlet. The second option would be to use a Power Distribution Enclosure Kit, which can power up to 20 motors. Both options are available on our online ordering system.

Which top treatments can I use with 24v shades?

120v motors are compatible with 3-prong plugs, Anderson plugs, Wago plugs, and Fast Connectors. Plugs can also be removed from motors upon request.

Battery Systems

How often do I have to recharge a rechargeable battery motor?

Battery motors on average last around one year before they need to be recharged. To do this, connect Somfy’s 6-foot wall charger to the motor, and recharge overnight.

Is the battery for the motor located inside or outside of the roller shade tube?

Depending on the size of the shade, Somfy carries embedded batteries, as well as external ones. The minimum width for an embedded battery is 24”.

Does Soleffect have extensions for the wall charger in case my motor is further than 6 feet away?

Yes, 94.5” cables can be purchased to extend the 6-foot cable length of the wall charger. Up to two of these can be combined with the wall charger.

Which top treatments are compatible with battery shades?

Fascia, hanger and closure, cassette, and pocket in all sizes.

Cordless Systems

Which top treatments are compatible with cordless shades?

Square and curved cassette, as well as open roll headrail.

How do I operate cordless shades?

To operate Soleffect’s EZ lift cordless system, pull down slightly on the hembar to release the tension, automatically bringing the shade to its upper limit. To bring it back down to the lower limit, simply pull it down until it reaches the bottom. The shade will lock into place at the bottom.

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