Difference between revisions of "Modules Work in Some Locations but not Others"
(→Answer) |
|||
| Line 7: | Line 7: | ||
If you are having difficulty controlling a module from a particular location, but can control it from other locations, or if the ability to control a particular module is intermittent, it is possible that the module in question and your controller are on opposite phases of your house wiring. | If you are having difficulty controlling a module from a particular location, but can control it from other locations, or if the ability to control a particular module is intermittent, it is possible that the module in question and your controller are on opposite phases of your house wiring. | ||
| − | Most houses are fed from a 220 volt service, which is then split into two phases of 110 volts each in the circuit breaker panel ("breaker box"). The X10 signals, which are transmitted onto the house wiring on one phase, will normally travel across to the other phase through the breaker panel, pole transformer, etc. If, however, the data transmission is not making it from one phase of house wiring to the other, you may couple the signal between them by having a qualified electrician install a | + | Most houses are fed from a 220 volt service, which is then split into two phases of 110 volts each in the circuit breaker panel ("breaker box"). The X10 signals, which are transmitted onto the house wiring on one phase, will normally travel across to the other phase through the breaker panel, pole transformer, etc. If, however, the data transmission is not making it from one phase of house wiring to the other, you may couple the signal between them by having a qualified electrician install a phase coupler, AKA a phase bridge. They are available through an X10 dealer/installer listed on [http://www.x10pro.com x10pro.com] |
Alternately, you may be able to solve the problem simply by moving the controller to another outlet. If the controller is plugged into the same outlet as a TV, its output may be reduced by electrical noise the TV transmits onto your house wiring. Moving the controller away from the interfering device into another outlet may resolve the issue. | Alternately, you may be able to solve the problem simply by moving the controller to another outlet. If the controller is plugged into the same outlet as a TV, its output may be reduced by electrical noise the TV transmits onto your house wiring. Moving the controller away from the interfering device into another outlet may resolve the issue. | ||
Revision as of 22:03, 11 September 2006
Question
Why do some modules work in some outlets and not in others?
Answer
If you are having difficulty controlling a module from a particular location, but can control it from other locations, or if the ability to control a particular module is intermittent, it is possible that the module in question and your controller are on opposite phases of your house wiring.
Most houses are fed from a 220 volt service, which is then split into two phases of 110 volts each in the circuit breaker panel ("breaker box"). The X10 signals, which are transmitted onto the house wiring on one phase, will normally travel across to the other phase through the breaker panel, pole transformer, etc. If, however, the data transmission is not making it from one phase of house wiring to the other, you may couple the signal between them by having a qualified electrician install a phase coupler, AKA a phase bridge. They are available through an X10 dealer/installer listed on x10pro.com
Alternately, you may be able to solve the problem simply by moving the controller to another outlet. If the controller is plugged into the same outlet as a TV, its output may be reduced by electrical noise the TV transmits onto your house wiring. Moving the controller away from the interfering device into another outlet may resolve the issue.
Related Articles
Phase Coupling
Noise, Noise Filters and Automatic Gain Control
Switch Turns On But Not Off
Fluorescent Lights
Key Topics: module, outlet, wiring, phase, electrical, noise, line, interference, circuit
Relates to: LM465, LM15A, LM14A, AM15A, AM486, AM466, WS467, WS4777, WS12A, WS13A