ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues X10 Problems?

X10.com is a retailer of home automation devices that send a low voltage signal across your home's electrical infrastructure to turn on/off assigned lights, appliances, etc.. Anyone familar with problems, possible concerns, etc. with this type of product?

Thanks,

Red

Its a great product and can do a lot more than you realize. For $30 I got a software program that sets up a graphical interface, downloads to a wall module, a remote radio controller/IR controller-ti talks to a reciever to run the lights.

Can run into problems with signal strength and perhaps your neighbor can operate your lights. But there are easy ways around this.

The best source I have found for X10 is www.smarthome.com in calif. I wanted a dimmable module I could dim over time and they pointed me to the right unit.

They also sell other x10 compatable products. Leviton makes a commerical product long used in office buildings.

And its a fun system to set up.

Red,

They can be a great labor saver. I've used them to control outdoor lighting 100 feet from the house. The alternative would have been much more expensive. They also add a lot of flexibility. I'm not sure how susceptable they are to power surges though.

Bill

In my experience, they seem pretty immune to "garden variety" power surges and spikes (motor startups, etc.), but a nearby lightning strike will often take them out unless proper surge protection is provided at the entrance panel.

Older units also tend to generate wideband RF noise when in operation, which can wreak havoc with radio reception. Not a real problem with strong signals on the AM or FM broadcast bands, but trying to use these things in the same house as a shortwave receiver or ham radio is a recipe for frustration.