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Roller Shutter Switches: Which One Do I Need?
Quick answer
There are 3 main roller shutter switches. Use an up/down rocker switch inside the building, where only staff can reach it. Use a roller shutter key switch outside or anywhere the public can reach, so only key holders can open the shutter. Add a remote control receiver kit if you want to open the shutter from your car or from a distance. Many shutters use a key switch and a remote together.
Choosing the wrong switch can leave a shutter that anyone can open, or one that is awkward to use every day. This guide compares the 3 types of roller shutter switch, shows which one suits your door, and explains what to check if your shutter stops working from the switch. It covers shop shutters, garage roller doors, lock-ups and industrial shutters with a 230V tube motor.
The 3 types of roller shutter switch
| Switch type | Best place to fit it | How it works | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up/down rocker switch | Inside, out of public reach | Press and hold up or down. Release and it springs back to off. | £20.49 |
| Roller shutter key switch | Outside, or anywhere the public can reach | Turn and hold the key to raise or lower. Release and it returns to off. IP54 anti-vandal box, 3 keys. | £24.49 |
| Remote control receiver kit | Fitted near the motor, used from up to a few metres away | A receiver wired to the motor, opened with key fob remotes. | from £34.50 |
Up/down rocker switch: for inside use
The roller shutter rocker switch is the simplest and most common way to control an electric shutter from inside. The rocker is marked with up and down arrows. Press and hold to move the shutter, then let go and it springs back to the centre, so the motor stops the moment you release it.
It is rated 240V 10A with a single pole changeover contact, and wires to Live, Up and Down. Because anyone can press it, fit it inside the building, behind the shutter or in a staff area.
Key switch: for outside and public areas
A roller shutter key switch only works with a key, so passers-by cannot open your shutter. Turn the key one way to raise the shutter and the other way to lower it, and release to stop. Our key switch has a tough IP54 anti-vandal box for outdoor use and comes with 3 keys.
It is the right choice when you open the shutter from the street, such as a shopfront or lock-up with no other way in. It also makes a good backup alongside a remote, so you can still get in if a fob is lost or a battery goes flat.
Remote control: for convenience
A remote lets you open the shutter from your car or from a distance. You need a receiver wired between the switch supply and the motor, plus remotes. Our receiver kit with photocell input comes with 2 remotes, and the WiFi shutter receiver adds phone app and Alexa control. If you already have a receiver and just need a new remote, see our replacement shutter fob guide.
Which roller shutter switch is right for my door?
| Your situation | What we recommend |
|---|---|
| Garage door opened from inside the garage | Rocker switch, plus a remote for the car |
| Shopfront shutter opened from the street | Key switch outside, rocker switch inside |
| Lock-up or unit with no other entrance | Key switch, plus a remote as a second way in |
| Warehouse or loading bay | Rocker or key switch, plus a safety photocell |
| Replacing a broken or vandalised switch | Like-for-like: rocker for inside, key switch for outside |
Shutter not working from the switch? Check these first
- Power. Check the fused spur or isolator is on and the fuse has not blown.
- Motor rest. Many tube motors have a thermal cut-out that stops them after a lot of use. Wait 15 to 20 minutes and try again.
- Safety beam. If a photocell is fitted, make sure nothing is blocking the beam and the lenses are clean.
- The switch itself. A worn, wet or vandalised switch is a common fault. If the shutter works from a remote but not the switch, replace the switch.
- The motor. If the motor hums but does not turn, or nothing works at all, the motor may need replacing, such as our 160Nm roller shutter motor.
Add a safety photocell
A photocell sends an invisible beam across the doorway. If a person, car or object breaks the beam while the shutter is closing, the control unit stops it. Our 4m safety photocell suits most garage doors and shopfronts, and the 8m photocell suits wide openings and loading bays. You need a control unit with a photocell input, such as our receiver kit.
Safety and wiring
Roller shutter switches carry 230V mains power, so they must be fitted by a competent electrician or shutter engineer with the power isolated. Always test the shutter after fitting and make sure it stops when you release the switch. For advice on electrical safety at home and work, see Electrical Safety First.
Products in this guide
Up/Down Rocker SwitchSpring return, 240V 10A£20.49
Roller Shutter Key SwitchIP54 anti-vandal, 3 keys£24.49
Remote Control Receiver KitReceiver + 2 remotes£52.50
4m Safety PhotocellTransmitter and receiver£20.50Frequently asked questions
Can I use a normal light switch for a roller shutter?
No. A shutter motor needs separate Up and Down feeds, and the switch should stop the shutter as soon as you let go. Use a proper roller shutter switch with spring return, such as our rocker or key switch.
Do I need a key switch or a rocker switch?
Use a key switch anywhere the public can reach it, usually outside. Use a rocker switch inside, where only you or your staff can reach it. Many shops fit both.
Can I have a switch and a remote on the same shutter?
Yes. Many installations keep a key or rocker switch alongside a remote control receiver, so there is always a second way to open the shutter.
What does IP54 mean on a key switch?
IP54 means the switch box is protected against dust and splashing water, so it is suitable for outdoor use on a shopfront or garage wall.
Do I need an electrician to fit a roller shutter switch?
Yes. Roller shutter switches carry 230V mains power, so they should be fitted by a competent electrician or shutter engineer with the power safely isolated.
Not sure which switch you need?
Send a photo of your old switch, the shutter and the motor label on WhatsApp, or call us. We will tell you exactly which roller shutter switch fits.
More help: all Help & Guides · replacement shutter fob guide · shop roller shutter hardware