Subject: From: Date:

Re: RE: [ECS] X-10 problem with porch light Bill Freeman/Austin/IBM Thu, 14 Sep 2000 13:30:58 -0400

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What is the wattage of the porch bulb?   I (faintly) recall reading
somewhere that X-10 light switches frequently have a problem if the bulb is
less than 40 Watts or so.    Off to on won't work because the bulb is cold
and the impedance characteristics are different compared to when the bulb
is hot (i.e. has been turned on manually).    If this applies, you may be
able to solve the problem by going up to a higher wattage bulb.

Regards,

Bill Freeman
freemanb@us.ibm.com


"Scott Danks" <sdanks@ci.tulsa.ok.us> on 09/14/2000 10:41:51 AM

Please respond to ecs-list@netbloc.com

To:   ecs-list@netbloc.com
cc:
Subject:  Re: RE: [ECS] X-10 problem with porch light



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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