SKYSHADE 6000FC - Full Cassette Awning

The SkyShade 6000FC is a high-performance full cassette retractable awning, manufactured from durable aluminium for longevity and strength.

Installation & Brackets

• Standard Fixings: Supplied with 2 no. 'end fix' face fit brackets for standard external wall installation.
• Enhanced Fixings: Larger size brackets are available for installations requiring additional wall anchor points.
• Ceiling & Special Mounting: Optional ceiling brackets and bespoke brackets for non-standard substrates are available on request (POA). Please contact us for details.

Operation & Motorisation

• Electric Operation: Choose from left or right-hand motor placement.
• Power Cable: Supplied with a 3m black power cable as standard. Custom lengths and colours available on request.
• Manual Override: Optional manual override motor available to ensure operation during power failures via a built-in winding system.
• Manual Operation: Available with a steel winding handle (1400mm length standard). Specify left or right-hand eye outlet when ordering.
• Safety Sensors: Multiple sun and wind sensor options available. We always recommend a motion sensor for electric awnings to automatically retract the unit in high winds.

Fabric Options

• Standard: Extensive choice of premium Dickson acrylic fabrics.
• Specialist Fabrics: Optional Dickson Jacquard, Solar Protection Max, and Spark FR (Fire Retardant) fabrics available on request.

Minimum Width Requirements

Due to the folding arm mechanism, a minimum awning width is required for each projection size:

Simple 'End-Fix' Installation

The SkyShade 6000FC is designed for simplicity. As a 2-bracket 'end fix' system, it is one of the easiest retractable full cassette awnings to install. The entire unit is supported by just two heavy-duty brackets positioned at either end of the cassette, minimizing the need for complex alignment across the wall width.

Installation Process Overview:

1. Bracket Positioning: Secure the two main brackets to the wall or ceiling substrate using appropriate heavy-duty fixings.
2. Lifting: Lift the awning cassette into position. Note: This is a minimum 2-person lift due to the weight of the unit (approx. 100kg for max sizes). Mechanical lifting equipment is recommended for larger widths.
3. Securing: Lock the cassette onto the brackets and secure with the provided safety bolts.
4. Adjustment: Fine-tune the pitch angle (up to 55°) and arm alignment using the integrated adjustment bolts.

Downloads & Resources

Comprehensive installation instructions are supplied with every awning. For advance planning, you can download the full technical manual below:

• Download Full Installation PDF (Includes exploded views, cut dimensions, and motor wiring diagrams)

Important Safety Notes

• Lifting Hazard: The awning is heavy. Ensure you have sufficient manpower or lifting gear.
• Fixings: Wall bolts are not always included as standard due to the variety of wall types (brick, stone, concrete, timber). Ensure you use fixings appropriate for your specific wall construction and the loads involved.
• Electrical Connection: All electrical work for motorized models must be carried out by a qualified electrician in accordance with current regulations.

Awnings Online guarantees that awnings are free from material and assembly defects, provided that such products were correctly installed in a domestic or commercial situation. The obligation of Awnings Online is limited to repair or replacement of the defective materials or components. Repairs will be made with like or similar parts. The guarantee is limited to the original purchaser.

Exclusions

Please bear in mind that the following are excluded under the guarantee (this is not an exhaustive list):

• Damage due to improper and/or incidental use of the products.
• Incorrect installation of the products.
• Inadequate maintenance of the products.
• Normal wear and tear due to use of the awning.
• Damage caused by third parties or abnormal conditions such as fire, storm, wind and water damage.
• Batteries, fuses and/or bulbs.

The guarantee and the CE Declaration of Conformity will be null and void if changes are made to the awning that have not been carried out by the manufacturer.

Scope of Warranty

Note: Somfy motors all carry a separate comprehensive 5-year manufacturer's guarantee.

How to Measure for Your SkyShade 6000FC

Accurate measuring is the key to a successful installation. Because the SkyShade 6000FC uses a specific 'end-fix' bracket system, it is vital to check your wall structure at the specific fixing points before ordering.

1. Measuring the Width (Critical)

The width you order is the overall width of the cassette, including the end brackets and covers. The awning will be manufactured to this exact dimension.

• The 'End-Fix' Rule: Unlike other awnings where brackets can be moved along the torsion bar to find a brick, the SkyShade 6000FC brackets are fixed at the extreme ends of the cassette. You must ensure you have a solid fixing point (brick or stone, not mortar) at the exact outer edges of your desired width.
• Fabric Width Note: Please be aware that the fabric canopy will be approximately 200mm narrower than the total cassette width (approx. 100mm gap per side) to accommodate the motor and winding mechanism.

2. Measuring Mounting Height

We generally recommend a mounting height between 2.6m and 3.0m from the ground. This ensures adequate headroom when the awning is fully extended.

• Pitch & Headroom: To use the awning in light rain, we recommend a pitch angle of at least 14° to allow water runoff. At this angle, the front bar will be significantly lower than the wall mount.
• The 'Drop' Factor: As a rule of thumb, for every metre of projection, allow for approximately 250-300mm of drop. For example, a 3m projection mounted at 2.8m height will have a front edge height of roughly 2.0m when pitched correctly for rain.

3. Measuring Projection

The projection is the distance the awning extends out from the wall. Measure from the wall to your desired shade limit.

• Clearance Check: Ensure there are no obstacles (trees, tall fences, or outbuildings) that would obstruct the front profile when fully extended.
• Minimum Widths: Remember that large projections require a minimum awning width to house the folding arms. (See the Specification tab for the Minimum Width matrix).

4. Essential Checklist

• Obstructions: Check the wall area for downpipes, hopper heads, outdoor lights, or air bricks. The brackets cannot be installed over these.
• Substrate: Ensure you are fixing into solid masonry. If you have a single-storey extension, check you have enough courses of brickwork above the opening to take the weight (approx. 4-5 courses recommended).
• Power Supply: For electric models, identify your nearest power source. The motor power cable typically exits the cassette at the rear (Left or Right hand facing).