Installing hardwired motorized shades just got a whole lot easier. Powershades, based in Joplin, Mo., introduced at CEDIA Expo 2019 the industry’s first line of Power over Ethernet (PoE) automated window shades.

These new automated window shades are powered by a quiet PoE motor and can handle up an 80 x 80-inch window. The solution brings increased flexibility, ease of installation, and potential cost savings to integrators who don’t want to go the route of battery-powered automated window coverings.

According to Ryan Chacon, vice president of product development, the PoE solution means integrators don’t need an electrical license to wire for hardwired shades. Instead, they can simply pull a Cat 5 cable for both power and communication. The use of a single network cable means there is no proprietary hardwiring necessary. Also, since the new PoE motor is low voltage (under 50 V AC), it does not require the services of a licensed electrician or special certifications.

With power coming from a single, central source, more information can be transferred on the network cable. Additional sensors can be added to the motor to meet current and future customer needs. The company also offers a quoting tool that analyzes the direction the windows are facing and other attributes to help dealers design the shades.

Powershades’ new PoE automated window shades offer:

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• Cloud connectivity for smartphone/tablet/PC control
• The ability to develop and deploy groups, scenes and schedules across multiple facilities
• Limit setting
• Soft start and stop
• Favorite position setting
• Low power consumption.

The company’s window shades are fully customized, allowing customers to pick from a variety of fabrics, power options and styles, including roller, pleated, and honeycomb shades, horizontal blinds, and more. Powershades partners with Pfeifer Mermet for its fabrics, according to Chacon.

Powershades’ PoE automated shades are compatible with Amazon Alexa, RTI, Google Home, SmartThings, Crestron, ELAN, Control4, and URC. The automated shades can be custom designed and built to meet customer needs and specifications.

“PoE technology has already been bringing fast, convenient power to a number of other smart home products, including VoIP phones, IP cameras and other automated devices,” said Jason Turner, Powershades president. “We felt that our customized, easy-to-operate, automated window treatments were a natural fit for utilizing the streamlined power of PoE technology.”

The company offers window coverings with a wide range of operating methods, including AC powered, RF, solar-powered, and the new PoE solution. Powershades products are sold through distributors and representatives throughout the U.S. and Canada.

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