Subject: From: Date:

Re: RE: [ECS] X-10 problem with porch light Scott Danks Thu, 14 Sep 2000 10:41:51 -0500

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 Thu, 14 Sep 2000 10:41:51 -0500
Hi Ed;

I'm sure you know about the problem with X10 not going across the two phases of your
house?  You need a coupler or capacitor to bridge the signal across the two phases.
 I had a similar problem with my house at first.  My controller would sometimes work
and other times not during the same hour!.  I went and got a large capacitor. Here is
a link to the X10 suggestions. (http://www.x10.com/support/support q1.htm) I have heard
discussion here as to whether or not an amplifier, or coupler or capacitor is O.K. 
I have lived in two houses now, one 1200 sqft and now 2500 sqft.  The capacitor has
worked for me, but I was confident about wiring inside the breaker box.  I put it across
the two breakers that go to my washer/dryer circuit and I turned it off before wiring
it in, and then turned on the breakers and put the cover back on.  I found a capacitor
that was rated for 600v AC.  That way I am sure it is big enough.  I used an underrated
cap on the old house and it blew up after about 2 days.   So this time I got one that
was voltage rated way above the recommendations.  I hope this helps.

Scott Danks

>>> "Randy E. Bowman" <rbowman@firsttechsolutions.com> 09/12 7:53 PM >>>
a possible wiring problem or a bulb problem.  Incandecent lights always have
a path (small electrical connection)on, that is why x-10 needs no neutral
connection (does not apply to fans/florescents/appliance)  The bulbs you are
using may not be regular bulbs, or you could have a 3way switch incorrectly
wired.  these are a few things to check, hope this helps  

Signed, "been there, done that" :)

-----Original Message-----
From: Ed [mailto:erohner@earthlink.net] 
Sent: Tuesday, September 12, 2000 9:23 AM
To: ecs-list@netbloc.com 
Subject: [ECS] X-10 problem with porch light


I have several outside lights on x-10 modules. They all function
properly except my front porch light. Sending an "on" signal does not
turn the light on. But if I manually turn the light on and send an "off"
signal, it will turn off. I'm sure it is not an ECS problem, but an X-10
problem. Any ideas how to solve ?
Thanks--

Ed

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