Circuit Interrupters And X10

Question

I have a GFI / GFCI outlet- can I control this with X10?

I have an arc-fault circuit breaker- can I control devices on this breaker with X10?

Answer

AFCIs vs. GFCIs

The arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) should not be confused with the GFCI or ground fault circuit interrupter. The GFCI is designed to protect people from severe or fatal electric shocks while the AFCI protects against fires caused by arcing faults. The GFCI also can protect against some electrical fires by detecting arcing and other faults to ground but cannot detect hazardous across-the-line arcing faults that can cause fires.

A ground fault is an unintentional electric path diverting current to ground. Ground faults occur when current leaks from a circuit. How the current leaks is very important. If a person’s body provides a path to ground for this leakage, the person could be injured, burned, severely shocked, or electrocuted.

The National Electrical Code requires GFCI protection for receptacles located outdoors; in bathrooms, garages, kitchens, crawl spaces and unfinished basements; and at certain locations such as near swimming pools.

See http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/afcifac8.PDF for more information.

AFCIs

Generally, AFCI breakers will absorb some of the X10 powerline signal. Many customers have reported good results by adding an XPCR coupler-repeater at the breaker box. If you have ActiveHome Pro, you can install a TM751 module and use the procedure here to control devices on that breaker.

GFCIs

GFCI outlets will significantly absorb or block X10 signals. Consider using a spare TM751 module controlled via remote; you can use ActiveHome Pro to control that device via timed radio commands.