Electric vs Manual Awnings
A motor makes an awning effortless to use – but a manual crank has its fans. Here is how to decide.
Every retractable awning has to be wound in and out somehow. On a manual awning you hook a crank handle into a gearbox at one end and turn it; on an electric awning a tubular motor hidden inside the roller does the work at the press of a button.
The right choice depends mostly on the size of the awning, how often you will use it and who will be operating it. For a small awning used now and then, a manual crank is perfectly practical. For anything large, or for anyone with limited strength or mobility, a motor is hard to beat.
Manual awnings: simple and reliable
Manual awnings are cheaper and have very little to go wrong. There is no wiring to arrange and no motor to replace. Opening a 3-metre awning takes perhaps 30 to 40 turns of the handle, which is fine occasionally but becomes a chore if you use it every day.
The main drawback is human nature: if closing the awning is effort, it is tempting to leave it out when a breeze picks up or rain is forecast. That is how most awning damage happens.
Electric awnings: convenience and protection
A motorised awning opens or closes in under a minute with a wall switch or a remote. Good motors have adjustable limits so the awning always stops in the right place, and most have a manual override in case of a power cut.
The real advantage is automation. Add a wind sensor and the awning closes itself when gusts become dangerous, even if you are out. Sun sensors can open it on hot days to keep the house cooler, and smart-home controls let you operate it from your phone.
- Wall switch – the simplest and cheapest option
- Remote control – one handset can run several awnings or blinds
- Wind, sun and rain sensors – automatic protection
- Smart hubs and apps – control from anywhere, schedules and voice control
Powering an electric awning
A motorised awning needs a 230V supply close to the motor end, usually a switched fused spur on the outside wall. Outdoor electrical work should be carried out by a registered electrician, who will use weatherproof fittings and RCD protection and give you a certificate for the work.
Many awning installers have an electrician on the team or can recommend one. If the cable route is awkward, solar or battery-powered motors are available for smaller awnings, though they suit occasional rather than daily use.
Typical costs: electric versus manual
| Job | Typical UK price |
|---|---|
| Adding a motor and remote to a new awning (versus manual) | £300–£700 |
| Outdoor fused spur and cable for the motor | £150–£400 |
| Converting an existing manual awning to electric | £450–£900 |
| Replacing a failed awning motor | £300–£650 |
Indicative UK prices. The cost of the electrical connection depends on how far the cable has to run and whether walls need to be drilled through.
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Electric vs manual: common questions
Can a manual awning be converted to electric?
Often, yes. Many awnings can take a tubular motor in place of the gearbox. The installer will check the roller diameter and brand before quoting, and you will need an outdoor power supply.
What happens to an electric awning in a power cut?
It stays where it is. Many motors have a manual override so you can wind the awning in with a crank – worth asking about when you order.
How long do awning motors last?
A quality tubular motor typically lasts 10 years or more with normal use, and usually comes with a five-year guarantee from the manufacturer.
Do I need an electrician to fit an electric awning?
The outdoor power supply should be installed by a qualified electrician. Some awning companies employ their own; others will coordinate with yours.
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