Skylight Motor Kit

The Skylight Motor Kit is intended to motorize a lightweight (less than 50 lb. lift weight) skylight. If you are motorizing casement or awning widows you must use a Standard Motor Kit.

Wintrol has been motorizing skylights for more than 20 years. It's been our experience that one of the most difficult things a person faces when motorizing their skylight, is correctly identifying which installation kit he or she will need to connect the motor to the skylight's operator hardware. There are a variety of different hardwares used in the United States.

In an effort to assist in the process of identifying your skylight's operating hardware, we have supplied a number of pictures below. While you may not find an exact representation of your skylight’s hardware, you should find something similar. If you read the notes next to each picture you will find tips and clues you can follow to correctly determine if an installation kit is available to meet your needs.

Skylight Motor Kit

This kit contains:
A 24 VDC drive motor.
An installation kit containing all mounting hardware. The kit is specific to the hardware that actuates the skylight being motorized.
A Truth Motor Cover in one of three colors (off-white, bronze, or champagne).

The Skylight Motor Kit is intended to motorize your existing Truth chain-drive hardware on lightweight (less than 50 lb. lift weight) skylights.

Note: The term "Control Switch" refers to either the LC-I Control Switch or the LC-II Control Switch.

Note: A Control Switch is not included in this kit. If you don't already have a Control Switch it must be purchased as a separate item (LC-I Control Switch or LC-II Control Switch) or as a kit (LC-I Control Switch Kit or LC-II Control Switch Kit).

A Control Switch is required to operate a Skylight Motor Kit. However, since a Control Switch can control up to three motors, one Control Switch can operate up to three matching skylights as a group. If the skylights are used as a group, each skylight will move, in sequence, to the same position during an open or close operation. Independent control of a single skylight in a group is not possible.

To see how the Skylight Motor Kit integrates with all of our other components to form a complete system for motorizing your casement, awning, and skylight windows, take a look our wiring diagram. It should give you a basic guideline for planning and creating your own motorized window and skylight system. You can also see the Skylight Motor Kit Installation Instructions below to give you an overview of the steps needed to install your Skylight Motor Kit.

If you have reviewed the information below and you are still not sure what operator hardware your skylight uses or if it can be motorized, open your skylight far enough to see the hardware, take a close-up digital picture, and send it to us at for assistance. After 20 years in the business we pretty much know all the skylight hardware being used. If you have a digital picture of any "oddball" operator hardware, we would very much like to see it so we can continue to add to our list of identified mechanisms.

Weighing skylight One of the first things you need to determine is the lift weight of your skylight to make sure it is not too heavy to motorize.

Using the picture to the left as a guideline, disconnect the skylight hardware from the skylight and, using a scale, weigh the lifting weight of the skylight. If it weighs 50 lbs (23 kg) or less then we can motorize it for you. If your skylight is too heavy we may still be able to help you find a motorizing solution. You can contact us at for assistance.

If your skylight lifting weight is not too heavy you can continue on to see if your skylight operating hardware is supported by one of our Skylight Motorizing Kits.

Skylight operator mechanisms that can be motorized with our Skylight Motor Kit.

Truth Angle-Drive Chain Operator

You can click on the picture to the left for a larger view of this operator.

This is one of the most common skylight operating mechanisms on the market today. Please note that the ribbed drive spindle rises at an angle of approximately 45 degrees from the right-hand side. Truth also produces this operator with a spindle that projects at 90 degrees to the operator (straight out the side). We do not have a means to motorize the 90 degree drive.

Current angle-drives are fused into a one-piece assembly and have a shorter chain than some of the earlier 3-piece assemblies. As long as you can identify that you have a 45 degree angle-drive the standard Truth Skylight Installation Kit will fit properly and you can order one of the Skylight Motor Kits below.

Please be sure Wintrol supports motorizing your skylight operator hardware before you order the Skylight Motor Kit.

Price: $193.95 USD
Part No. TSKY01W	-	Skylight Motor Kit for use with a skylight with Truth Angle-Drive Chain Operator, off-white.
Part No. TSKY01B	-	Skylight Motor Kit for use with a skylight with Truth Angle-Drive Chain Operator, bronze.
Part No. TSKY01C	-	Skylight Motor Kit for use with a skylight with Truth Angle-Drive Chain Operator, champagne.

Below are some common skylight operator mechanisms that cannot be motorized with a Skylight Motor Kit at this time.

Velux Scissor-Arm Operator

You can click on the picture to the left for a larger view of this operator.

This mechanism is found on Velux Skylights which have been sold by a variety of companies. Earlier versions of this mechanism had a removable 13mm nut (shown). Current operators have a nut which is not removable. While we have motorized these in the past, the actuation is very slow. This is due to the very low gear ratio of the Velux operator.

We are not currently offering an installation kit for the Velux operator. However, if you need to motorize this skylight operator you can contact us at about a custom installation package and pricing.

Whitco / H90

You can click on the picture to the left for a larger view of this operator.

This hardware was imported originally from Australia. While it was intended for use on casement and awning windows, it found a substantial market on lightweight plastic skylights. It can easily be identified by it's square drive-nut on the left-hand side of the hardware. When we've motorized this hardware in the past, it proved to be somewhat fragile. Under the increased demands of a motorizing system we noted an increased hardware failure rate.

We are not currently offering an installation kit for the Whitco / H-90 operator. However, if you need to motorize this skylight operator you can contact us at about a custom installation package and pricing.

Skylight Motor Kit Installation Instructions

You can download the Motor System Installation Instructions (1.26MB) to familiarize yourself with the Skylight Motor Kit installation. The installation instructions are in Adobe PDF format and require Adobe's free Acrobat Reader. If you don't have Acrobat Reader you can download it from Adobe's website.

Note: For installation on skylights make sure you are using skylight hardware with an angular drive spindle. If your skylight hardware is not so equipped your kit may include the correct hardware. If not, you will need to contact your skylight manufacturer or Wintrol for more information.

Step 1 - Gather Your Tools

#2 Philips head screwdriver
1/8" (3.0 mm) bladed screwdriver
1/10" (2.5 mm) bladed screwdriver
Electric drill motor
Drill bits (1/4" and 1/16")
An awl for marking mounting holes
Class II, low voltage wire for the motors, switches, and transformers
An assortment of wire nuts

Step 2 - Run Electrical Wires

Use Class II stranded wire for all connections.
Use the table below to select the wire size for transformer and motor connections. Stranded wire is recommended for all transformer and motor connections.
Run the wires to the motors, switches, and transformers. Low voltage wires should be at least 12" away from high voltage (120 VAC or higher) wires to avoid any electrical interference.

Class II Wire Size	Total Distance Transformer To Farthest Window
18 AWG stranded	50 ft (15 m) maximum
14 AWG stranded	100 ft. (30 m) maximum
12 AWG stranded	150 ft. (45 m) maximum

Step 3 - Prepare the Skylight

Prepare skylight 1. The skylight must operate smoothly. Lubrication or cleaning of the hardware may be required.

2. If it is convenient, install the motor while the skylight is open one or two turns. This will make verifying the correct automatic startup closure easier to determine.

3. Skylights weighing more than 40 lbs. (18 kg) must use a chain stop (A) inserted between rivets 3 and 4 to limit the chain extension to 8 inches (20 cm) or less. If the chain is not removable, the chain stop is not required.

4. The skylight lift weight must be less than 50 lbs. (23 kg).

Step 4 - Install Spline Adapter

Install spline adapter 1. For installation on skylights, make sure you are using skylight hardware with an angular drive spindle. If your skylight hardware is not so equipped your kit may include the correct hardware. If not, you will need to contact your skylight manufacturer or Wintrol for more information.

2. Make sure the skylight is open one or two turns.

3. Remove the handcrank from the skylight hardware.

4. Install the spline adapter (B) on the operator shaft. The Allen wrench is included in the installation kit.

Step 5 - Install Motor On Skylight

Install skylight motor 1. For installation on skylights, make sure you are using skylight hardware with an angular drive spindle. If your skylight hardware is not so equipped your kit may include the correct hardware. If not, you will need to contact your skylight manufacturer or Wintrol for more information.

2. If the motor wires are going to be hidden by the window frame, drill a 1/4" hole in the sill to run the motor wires through.

3. Install the motor by slipping it over the spline adapter as shown.

4. Secure the motor with the bracket (C) using the screw and washer supplied.

5. Be sure to use both the rubber isolation grommet (D) and the push-on fastener (E).

Step 6 - Align Motor

Align motor 1. Align the motor to the skylight. In some applications shimming may be required for proper alignment.

2. Tighten the screws in the bracket.

3. Tighten the setscrew in the black plastic alignment collar (F). Caution: Do not over-tighten the setscrew.

Step 7 - Install Screen Interlock

Install screen interlock 1. Install the screen interlock (G) as shown using the #6 x 3/8 PH screw (H) supplied.

WARNING: The screen interlock must be correctly installed. It is intended to prevent personal injury and/or window damage during operation. The correct installation of the screen interlock is the responsibility of the installer.

Step 8 - Connect Motor Wires

connect motor wires 1. Connect the motor wires per the wiring diagram.

2. Secure the wires to the motor with tape.

Step 9 - Install Motor Cover

Install motor cover 1. Some applications will include a Truth Motor Cover that attaches with a screw, as seen in the diagram to the top left.

2. Install the Truth Motor Cover using a #6 x 3/8 PH screw (I) found under the cover button (J). WARNING: Use of a longer screw will damage the motor.

3. Some applications can use Wintrol's Motor Cover, as seen in the diagram to the bottom left.

4. Install the Wintrol Motor Cover using the Velcro strips included with the Wintrol Motor Cover. Refer to the diagrams just below.

Install Wintrol motor cover 5. As seen in the diagrams to the left, in some applications you can mount the motor closer to the sill and enable Wintrol's Motor Cover to dress completely down to the woodwork. Note: When mounting the motor "flat side down" cover the screwhole with tape to prevent grease leakage.

6. The Wintrol Motor Cover has two thin alignment posts. These posts level the cover when mounting the motor "flat side down" (top diagram). If the motor is to be mounted "flat side up" (bottom diagram) the alignment posts should be removed.

7. The use of Velcro to retain the cover permits the installer to easily adjust the Wintrol Motor Cover's fit and maximize coverage of the motor.

8. To install, pull the fuzzy-side of the Velcro away from the prickly-side (attached to cover), remove the backing tape, and place of each side of the motor as indicated in the diagrams.

Step 10 - Install Rain Sensor

Note: The Rain Sensor is available only on the LC-II Control Switch.

Do Not use the Rain Sensor if the skylight is being used as a smoke vent or if "Open & Hold" is required. Refer to Open & Hold Switch Installation.
Install the Rain Sensor with the "grid" exposed. To avoid water pooling, do not mount flat.
The Rain Sensor can be mounted outside (maximum sensitivity) or inside the vent edge (minimum maintenance).
A Rain Sensor can be connected to every LC-II Control Switch, RS Module, and IR Receiver in your system. However, when RS Modules or IR Receivers are used the Rain Sensor could be connected to one of them and not to the LC-II Control Switch.
Use 22 AWG, 2-conductor, shielded, twisted-pair wire, 50 ft. (15 m) maximum. Run low voltage wires at least 12" away from high voltage wires to avoid any electrical interference. Connect the shield to GROUND (G). Refer to the wiring diagram for more information.

Step 11 - Install LC-I Control Switch and LC-II Control Switch Jumper Setting

The LC-II Control Switch is pictured. The LC-I Control Switch does not have the option connector. The term "Control Switch" refers to either the LC-I Control Switch or the LC-II Control Switch.

Install jumper setting
Jumper Block

1. Verify the jumper setting on the Control Switch is correct for your application.
A - For windows with Motorized Locks.
B - For skylights.
C - For windows without Motorized Locks (no jumper installed).

Step 12 - Connect LC-I Control Switch and LC-II Control Switch

The term "Control Switch" refers to either the LC-I Control Switch or the LC-II Control Switch.

Connect LC Control Switch 1. The Control Switch can control up to three matching windows, OR three matching skylights, OR one window with up to two Motorized Locks.

2. Connect the Control Switch per the wiring diagram and the connectors table below. There must be one transformer for each Control Switch.

3. Mount the Control Switch in a single gang electrical box.

LC-I Connectors

Symbol	Connection	Description
P	Power	Input from 24 VAC transformer. There must be one (1) transformer for each LC-I Control Switch.
MC	Motor Common	The common (ground) connection to all motors.
M1	Motor #1	The "hot" output connection to motor #1.
M2	Motor #2	The "hot" output connection to motor #2.
M3	Motor #3	The "hot" output connection to motor #3.

LC-II Connectors

Symbol	Connection	Description
P	Power	Input from 24 VAC transformer. There must be one (1) transformer for each LC-II Control Switch.
O	Open	The unit(s) will open when this input is connected to ground (G). If this contact is continuous the unit(s) will be held open (Open & Hold) with all other inputs ignored, except the Rain Sensor (R). If this contact is momentary (one second minimum) the unit(s) will open and wait for a close command. Any additional open commands will be ignored. If the unit(s) is opened by a momentary open signal and closed by the Rain Sensor, the unit(s) will not reopen when the Rain Sensor dries off. If the unit(s) is opened by a continuous open signal and closed by the Rain Sensor, the unit(s) will reopen when the Rain Sensor dries off.
C	Close	The unit(s) will close when this input is connected to ground (G). If this contact is continuous the unit(s) will be held closed (Close & Hold) with all other inputs ignored, except Open & Hold which has the highest priority. This is an important mode of operation! For example, you may want to use this as a "vacation" mode for home automation systems where all unit(s) should close, and remain closed, while you are on vacation. If this contact is momentary (one second minimum) the unit(s) will close and wait for an open command. Any additional close commands will be ignored.
G	Ground	Signal ground.
F	Feedback	This connection is not an input. When the LC-II Control Switch determines that the unit(s) are closed this output signal will be driven to approximately 24 VDC with respect to ground (G). Conversely when this output is at 0 VDC, the unit(s) is open. It must be stressed that this output must not be used as the sole means of determining window position for security purposes.
R	Rain Sensor	Rain Sensor inputs (2). Moisture on the Rain Sensor will cause the unit(s) to close.
MC	Motor Common	The common (ground) connection to all motors.
M1	Motor #1	The "hot" output connection to motor #1.
M2	Motor #2	The "hot" output connection to motor #2.
M3	Motor #3	The "hot" output connection to motor #3.

Step 13 - Connect Transformer

The term "Control Switch" refers to either the LC-I Control Switch or the LC-II Control Switch.

Connect transformer 1. Install a Free-Air Transformer (pictured to the left) on a 4" x 4" junction box in a cool, dry location. The surrounding air temperature must not exceed 150° F (65° C). A Plug-In Wall Transformer can be plugged into any convenient wall socket.

2. Connect the transformer per the wiring diagram. There must be one transformer for each Control Switch.

Note: Installation must meet local and National Electrical Codes (N.E.C).

Note: Connecting the transformer directly to the motor can cause damage.

Step 14 - Powering Up the System and Testing

Note: Before powering up the system all motors must be installed and correctly wired per Steps 1 through 13.

The term "Control Switch" refers to either the LC-I Control Switch or the LC-II Control Switch.

Because some skylights open clockwise when the handcrank is turned and some open counter-clockwise it is important to determine which direction the skylight travels when power is applied.

Upon connecting power to the transformer wait 15 seconds without pushing any buttons. The system should automatically close all skylights. Skylights already closed should remain closed.
- If any of the units open, power should be disconnected and the motor wires to those units must be reversed either at the motor or at the switch.
- If any of the units fail to open or close, see the Troubleshooting Guide below.
If all skylights closed correctly, press the "Reset" button on the front of the Control Switch. After a few seconds the Control Switch will automatically open each skylight to its full range of available travel. The Control Switch will then close each skylight. This procedure may take several minutes. Once the skylights have closed again, the system is ready for normal operation.
After the system has been "Reset", momentarily pressing "Open" will open all units, one at a time, to the automatic vent position (approximately 80% of available travel). The units may be opened further for cleaning or servicing by holding the "Open" button after the vent position is reached. "Close" will completely close all units from any position. Note: Special open positions can be attained by pressing the button for the opposite direction of travel while the motor is running. This will halt the moving unit and move all other units to the same approximate position.
Each screen interlock must be checked when the unit is running. The motor should stop when the screen interlock is disconnected. Correct installation is the responsibility of the installer. Note: The system must be reset after each test.

Troubleshooting Guide

The term "Control Switch" refers to either the LC-I Control Switch or the LC-II Control Switch.

Symptom	Possible Solution
Unit does not operate, no sound from the motor.	1. Press the "Reset" button on the Control Switch to reinitialize the system. 2. Refer to the wiring diagram and check the connections. 3. Check for power at the transformer for 110-125 VAC input and 24 VAC output. 4. Check the screen interlock connection.
Unit makes a noise, but the skylight will not move or operates erratically.	1. Press the "Reset" button on the Control Switch to reinitialize the system. 2. Be sure the skylight is unlocked. 3. Be sure the skylight will operate freely without the motor attached. 4. Remove the motor cover and test. Be sure the cover screw length is #6 x 3/8 PH. 5. Skylight lid may be too heavy. Refer to Step 3, Prepare the Skylight. 6. Control Switch may be incorrectly wired to the motor. Refer to the wiring diagram.
Unit runs slowly.	1. Due to gear reduction in different operators, the speed will vary. Skylights, due to very low gearing, are normally slower.
Unit makes excessive noise during operation.	1. Check that the rubber isolation grommet was installed. Refer to Step 5, Install Motor On Skylight. 2. Be sure the motor cover is tight. 3. The unit will be louder on a metal window frame.
Unit does not close completely.	1. Press the "Reset" button on the Control Switch to reinitialize the system. 2. Be sure the skylight will operate freely without the motor attached. 3. Disconnect the power and refer to Step 14, Powering Up the System and Testing. 4. Check the jumper setting for the application. Refer to Step 11, Install Control Switch Jumper Setting.
Unit runs continuously in one direction when bench testing.	1. The motor must be connected to a skylight for correct operation. Note: Connecting the transformer directly to the motor can cause damage.
Unit closes when the "Open" button is pressed.	1. Motor leads are reversed. See Step 14, Power Up the System and Testing.

Optional Control Input Instructions

Only the LC-II Control Switch has the Optional Control Inputs available. The LC-I Control Switch does not have the Option Connector.

Control Input Priority

Momentary contact closure will cause the system to respond to the last command given.
Continuous contact closure will override any momentary contact closure.
A continuous contact closure to open has a higher priority than any contact closure to close.
The Rain Sensor, since it is not a contact closure, will close the unit(s) even if the unit(s) are held open by a continuous contact open command. When the Rain Sensor dries off the unit(s) will again open.

Open & Hold Switch Installation

This feature is designed for use with thermostat and smoke vent systems. Note: DO NOT use Open & Hold Switches with a Rain Sensor because the Rain Sensor will override the Open & Hold Switch.
Use a SPST (Single-Pole, Single-Throw) continuous contact relay or switch for this low voltage control application.
Connect the controlling contact between the OPEN (O) and GROUND (G) connectors on the LC-II Control Switch.
When this contact is held closed the unit(s) will open, and remain open, regardless of the state of any other inputs, except for the Rain Sensor.

Close & Hold Switch Installation

This feature can be used when leaving a building to close the unit(s) and prevent any unattended device (such as a thermostat) from opening the unit(s). It can also be used for a security system interface. This feature should not be relied upon for security system purposes.
Use a SPST (Single-Pole, Single-Throw) continuous contact relay or switch for this low voltage control application.
When an IR Receiver is NOT used, connect the controlling contact between the CLOSE (C) and GROUND (G) connectors on the LC-II Control Switch and/or the RS Module. When using an IR Receiver the contacts should be between the CLOSE & HOLD (F) and GROUND (G) connectors on the IR Receiver.
The "Close & Hold" feature overrides all inputs except "Open & Hold".

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