Somfy
Europe's leading motorised blind and shutter manufacturer — with deep KNX integration.
Somfy (founded 1969, Cluses, France) is the world leader in motorised blinds, shutters, awnings, and solar protection. In Europe, Somfy motors are found in most residential roller shutters, venetian blinds, and retractable awnings. Their io-homecontrol wireless protocol and native KNX integration make them the natural choice for smart building projects.
Role in our panels
How we use Somfy
Somfy offers three levels of smart home integration: standard RTS (one-way radio), io-homecontrol (bidirectional, feedback, recommended), and hardwired DC motors with KNX actuator integration. For KNX projects, the Somfy io motor series is preferred — they communicate bidirectionally so the KNX system always knows the exact blind position.
In our panels, Somfy integration takes one of two paths: (1) KNX blind actuator directly wired to Somfy DC motor terminals — the actuator sends UP/DOWN/STOP signals; or (2) KNX-io gateway (Somfy ref. 1870571) that bridges KNX group addresses to io-homecontrol radio commands — the preferred method as it preserves bidirectional feedback and works without running motor wiring to the panel.
Used in these project types
Somfy products
Key components we install
Sonesse 30 WF io
35Nm tubular motor for roller blinds and Roman blinds. io-homecontrol wireless, built-in limit switch via software. Silent, accurate positioning. Most popular for interior blinds.
Oximo io
Tubular motor for roller shutters. io-homecontrol wireless + RTS. Obstacle detection. Used for exterior roller shutters in villas and apartments.
KNX-io Gateway
DIN-rail gateway bridging KNX group addresses to io-homecontrol radio. Supports 100 io devices. Bidirectional: position feedback from motor to KNX. ETS-programmable.
TaHoma Switch
Cloud hub for Somfy io + RTS devices. Provides remote control via app. For KNX, the KNX-io gateway is preferred — TaHoma adds cloud redundancy for remote access.
Glydea 60e DCT
Electric curtain track motor. io-homecontrol. Ultra-silent for bedroom automation. Position feedback for scene-triggered positioning.
Sunis Wirefree io
Wireless solar sensor. Detects sun intensity and sends auto-close commands to connected blinds when sun exceeds threshold. Works with KNX via KNX-io gateway.
Somfy FAQ
Can Somfy io motors be controlled by a standard KNX shutter actuator?
Yes, but only for hardwired DC motors — you wire UP/DOWN from the KNX actuator. For wireless io motors, use the KNX-io Gateway (ref. 1870571) which translates KNX group address commands to io radio commands. The gateway also provides position feedback.
What's the difference between Somfy RTS and io-homecontrol?
RTS is one-way (controller → motor). You can't confirm the blind is fully closed — you send a command and assume. io-homecontrol is bidirectional: the motor confirms its position, reports obstacle detection, and acknowledges commands. Always prefer io for KNX projects.
How does sun protection automation work with KNX and Somfy?
The Theben TR 608 KNX weather station measures sun intensity (W/m²) per façade direction. When sun exceeds threshold AND window is occupied → KNX sun protection logic → KNX-io gateway → Somfy motor moves to 70% (blocks direct sun but allows light). Wind alarm → motor raises to 0% immediately.
Can I add Somfy motors to a KNX project years after initial installation?
Yes — the wireless io path makes this easy. Add a KNX-io gateway to the panel (or expand an existing gateway), program the new motor in ETS as a new blind object, and teach the gateway to the motor. No new cable runs needed.
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