Motorised Gable Blinds Wiring: What You Need to Know
Motorised gable blinds wiring is something that must be planned at first fix — because once the ceiling is closed up, it’s often too late to hide the cabling properly. This guide gives architects, builders, and electricians five essential tips for getting it right: from fused spurs to flex outlet placement, and from motor cable rules to wireless control setup.
If you’re designing, building, or wiring a space that includes motorised gable-end blinds, this guide is for you. It’s written specifically for architects, builders, and electricians working alongside The Scottish Shutter Company, and it explains how to get the first fix right — avoiding costly mistakes later.
This video shows one of our large gable-end cellular blinds using a 240V motor. It’s a perfect example of clean cable concealment and a wireless, remote-controlled finish.
Why This Matters
Motorised gable blinds are custom-built and pre-wired with an intelligent 240V motor and a factory-fitted mains cable that also acts as a wireless aerial. This cable must not be cut or extended. If the wiring isn’t planned properly, there’s no quick fix — and you could end up with visible cabling or unusable blinds.
We’ve installed hundreds of these systems across Scotland, and this guide reflects the best practices we recommend to make your project run smoothly.
Motorised Gable Blinds Wiring – When Do You Need a 240V Motor?
For cellular blinds fitted to shaped or gable windows, a 240V motor is normally required if:
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The slope of the blind exceeds 2500mm, or
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The vertical drop exceeds 3200mm
These more powerful motors are essential for smooth, safe operation in larger or steeper gable applications.
One Flex Outlet Plate Per Blind – Positioned Perfectly
Each blind requires its own flush-mounted flex outlet plate:
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Size: approx. 80mm x 80mm
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Location: on the sloped ceiling, as close to the apex of the gable as possible
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Orientation: the slot must face down the slope, allowing the cable to exit naturally
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Distance: the back of the blind will sit 90–100mm forward of the window frame, leaving room for the outlet plate and motor cable
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Do not use surface boxes — the outlet must be flush-mounted to stay hidden behind the blind
Power Supply – One Per Blind, Isolatable
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Each blind must be supplied by its own independent power feed.
Shared circuits are not acceptable. -
Provide a 13A switched fused spur (FCU) for each individual blind, fused at 5 amps.
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Isolation must be local and accessible, ideally positioned on the small vertical wall to either side of the window or gable.
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Clearly label each isolator (e.g. Trapezoid Blind Left – Isolator).
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This setup allows for safe maintenance, servicing, and fault diagnosis of each blind individually.
Who Does What?
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Your electrician installs the fused spur and runs the supply cable to each flush outlet plate
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The Scottish Shutter Company handles:
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The final motor connection
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Setup and programming of the blind
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Wireless control configuration
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Will Any Cable Be Visible?
Yes — but not from inside the room. The factory-fitted motor cable, which must remain unmodified, will run from the flex outlet to the blind’s headrail. It sits behind the blind, fully concealed from the internal view. Depending on the blind’s position and window height, it may be faintly visible from outside through the window — but never from within the room.
No Control Wiring Required
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These motors are wireless and self-contained
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The cable itself contains the aerial
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Control is via:
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A wall-mounted remote, or
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A handheld remote
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In multiple blind situations, one controller can operate:
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Each blind individually, or
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All blinds together
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All setup and programming is done by us during the installation
We often get last-minute calls from clients saying, “The electrician is on site and needs to speak to you now.”
We completely understand that things move quickly on site — but in most cases, the electrician’s visit was already scheduled in advance. Just like them, we also need to plan our time.
If your electrician might need to speak to us, the best approach is to let us know in advance. That way, we can make sure someone from our team is available to take the call when it’s needed — rather than being tied up elsewhere.
A bit of notice makes all the difference and helps keep the project running smoothly.
Cable Routing Guidelines
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Use suitable cable (e.g. 1.0mm² twin & earth or 3-core flex)
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Cable must run from the FCU to the outlet fully concealed within the structure
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Use conduit where appropriate and ensure compliance with BS 7671
Quick Summary
Power Supply: 240V via FCU, fused at 5 amps
One Blind per Supply: Yes – each blind needs its own isolator
One Flex Outlet per Blind: Flush-mounted on sloped ceiling, slot facing down the slope
Control Wiring: Not required – motor is wireless
Visible Cable: Factory-fitted motor cable visible behind the blind only
Programming: Done by The Scottish Shutter Company on installation
Final Word
This guide is based on our typical installation practices at The Scottish Shutter Company and is designed to help you plan a tidy, compliant install.
Disclaimer:
This article is intended for guidance only. Each project may differ depending on the building layout, materials, and window construction. All electrical work must be carried out by a qualified electrician and certified to comply with BS 7671 and Part P of the Building Regulations. If in doubt — just ask us. We’re happy to advise before first fix.
If you have any doubts about how to plan your motorised gable blinds wiring, please contact our team. We’re always happy to help ensure a clean and compliant setup.
If you’re planning a project involving motorised gable blinds wiring, we’re always happy to advise before first fix. Getting it right early ensures a cleaner finish and a stress-free install.
What is the correct way to wire motorised gable blinds?
Each motorised gable blind requires a 240V fused spur with a 5A fuse, a dedicated flex outlet plate mounted flush on the sloped ceiling, and no modifications to the factory-fitted motor cable. Control wiring is not needed — motors are wireless and setup is handled by The Scottish Shutter Company.
Shaped Gable Blinds
BS 7671 Wiring Regulations
