Subject: From: Date:

Re: [ECS] [Fwd: X-10 in UK] Ingo Pakleppa Sun, 21 Mar 1999 16:37:14 -0800

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The modifications would probably be non-trivial. You can probably do it
safely if you have a lot of experience with this kind of work and are
willing to invest into a lot of research, but otherwise, I would not
recommend it.

For one, it's quite possible (in fact, likely) that the 110V modules
contain components that would not safely survive 220V. I'm thinking of
resistors, coils, capacitors, etc. that may be rated for 160V or so. Also,
the actual electronics is probably powered through a transformer that
outputs maybe 5V (or 3V or some other voltage, I don't know) or so at 110V
but 10V at 220V, and it would need to be replaced with one that gives you
220V : 5V.

Another thing is that the electronics are designed for 60 Hz, not for the
50 Hz that you guys have. Exactly what difference that makes, I can't tell
without knowing the internals of the modules. I would guess that at least
one or two resistors or capacitors would have to be replaced. It's possible
although less likely that the main X10 chip is different.

You also won't be able to use the US high-load 220V modules, because they
are designed for a neutral wire in the center and two phases around it.
European 380V modules would require three phases.

There is one other thing you could do, although I'm sure it would violate
British Electric code, and be quite impractical for other reasons: you
could put a transformer at the power line entrance of your house and bring
the whole house down to 110V, install US outlets etc., and import all your
appliances from the US. Now whether that is cheaper than the UK X-10 stuff,
I don't know...

Ingo

At 05:46 PM 3/20/99 -0800, Mark Gilmore wrote:
>Any E.E. advice here for Ben in the UK ?
>-- 
>Mark Gilmore
>Omnipotence (ECS Home Automation Software)
>omnip@usit.net
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>Mark Gilmore wrote:
>
>> Hi Ben,
>> I'm confused - do none of those businesses reside in the UK ?
>
>Ah yes, there are a few distributors in the UK. However, as generally the
>prices are approximately 4 times the price of US stuff I am wondering if it
>would work out cheaper to import it from the US and mod it for 220V??!
>
>Ben.
>
>
>
>
>
>

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