X-10 users

[N38MD]

Ok, so I had my electrician install 5 X-10 recepticals and while doing so he said that although he was not real knowladgeable about them he did know that GFI's are a problem.

I called Smarthome, where I bought them , and they said that GFI's can be a problem, some work and some don't and not only do they not know which brands work, but that 2 identical units from the same manufacturer may or may not work.

So what experiance have those of you using X-10's had with GFI's?

Ron

[digital_dragon]

I bought the whole x-10 controller package and extra outlet controllers, but I have not had time to hook it up along with my medusa temp controller. I wired my sockets with two GFI's and I am curious as well to see if there is anyone out there who has experience with X-10 devices so that I won't have any problems when I set mine up.

Earl

[dwall174]

That's interesting I hadn’t herd of the GFI causing a problem? But I have herd that if there’s any outlets wired wrong (ground & neutral switched) it will cause problems.

[N38MD]

Hey Doug

My understanding through SmartHome and some research on the net is that the problem is with the X-10 signal getting past the GFCI and on to the X-10 recepticals or modules down stream. SmartHome will sell you a signal booster...$ 200!!!

However, I just got of the phone with Leviton and they claim they have never heard of this problem - I suggested they do a search on the net. Anyway, "Ed" said there should be no problem if I use a Leviton GFCI...we will see.

There are some wiring issues depending on wether you are using "split recepticals" vs. dual. With modules, there are occasional issues with how the whole house is wired. Thats why I had my electrician install them

Ron

[dotel]

Big problems come with X-10 on two phased houses. Where they will split the house into two phases. X-10 has a very hardtime crossing from one phase to another, If you house has been wired like this, contact your electrician and X-10 and there is a device that can be installed in your breakerbox to bridge the X10 signal on both phases. I have x10 installed on GFCI's and havn't had a problem. But I use the x10's before the gfci not after like most people do.

[dwall174]

Thanks for the information! I agree with you & dotel that it's best to have an electrician install the wiring! I'm planing to upgrade to a larger tank this fall & I will have an electrician friend of mine come over & install two separate circuits for me.

[seamonkey]

I'm not totaly sure what the x-10 is but what I am wondering if your useing gfci outlets or circuit breakers? There is an extremely large difference to how the 2 will react. I have heard of the outlets causeing problems with certain things but never the breakers. Also whats the x-10?

[Stoney Reef]

I use my x-10s after the CFGCI outlet and have zero problems!

[N38MD]

X-10 is used to turn appliances, ie lights, calcium reactors etc on and off. You can either use modules that you plug into existing outles then plug in the appliance, or you can, as I did, buy recepticals that hve X-10 built in. You need it if you are going to use a controller such as the Aquacontroller (thats what I'm doing) or Neptune.
The Aquacontroller can monitor say your ORP level and turn an ozone genorator on and off at preset levels. It can control your lights to turn on and off in conjunction with the sun/moon phase.

It can also be use for house lights, TV etc, like a sophisticated, programmable remote control. You plug some type of controller into a special module (that is pluged into any receptical in the house) via a phone cord and you can control pretty much anything in the house thats plugged into an X-10 module or built in receptical.

Its the GFIC's that cause the problem not the breaker, and dotel may have a very simple solution.

[dwall174]

Has anyone used an X-10 module for VHO lighting? hellolights.com/ States that they can't be used with their VHO Ballasts?