Difference between revisions of "Switch Turns On But Not Off"

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'''Why does my Wall Switch Module turn on but not off?'''
 
'''Why does my Wall Switch Module turn on but not off?'''
  
The wall switch module is wired in series with the light bulb, meaning that the electrical signals have to pass through the filament of the bulb in order to complete the circuit. The reason you can get the wall switch module to turn on but not off is because the X10 signal has to pass through the lamp, and a hot lamp has a higher resistance than a cold lamp, therefore it takes a slightly stronger signal to turn a wall switch off than it takes to turn it on. If however you have a powerful enough signal, you would not notice the difference. Also, certain types of bulbs block the X10 signal.
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Standard wall switch modules are wired in series with the light bulb, meaning that the electrical signals have to pass through the filament of the bulb in order to complete the circuit. The reason you can get the wall switch module to turn on but not off is because the X10 signal has to pass through the lamp, and a hot lamp has a higher resistance than a cold lamp, therefore it takes a slightly stronger signal to turn a wall switch off than it takes to turn it on. If however you have a powerful enough signal, you would not notice the difference. Also, certain types of bulbs block the X10 signal.
  
 
The following types of bulbs should NOT be used with a WS467 or WS12A Wall Switch Module:
 
The following types of bulbs should NOT be used with a WS467 or WS12A Wall Switch Module:
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[http://www.activehomepro.com/accessories/pro/xps3_iw_wa1_s.html X10 Pro Non-dimming Wall Switch (XPS3)].
 
[http://www.activehomepro.com/accessories/pro/xps3_iw_wa1_s.html X10 Pro Non-dimming Wall Switch (XPS3)].
 
Note that these versions require a neutral connection and are therefore recommended for installation only by a qualified electrician.
 
Note that these versions require a neutral connection and are therefore recommended for installation only by a qualified electrician.
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'''Why does my Non-dimming Wall Switch Module turn on but not off?'''
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Although the XPS3 and the WS13A can safely be used to control any type of load, if the load produces too much powerline noise, it can prevent the wall switch from hearing the command to turn off.  This problem is comonly seen when controlling certain brands of Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs).
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The easiest solution is to change the load so that it doesn't produce as much powerline noise (switching brand of CFL for example).  If that isn't possilbe, or doesn't solve the problem you will have to install a noise blocker (such as the X10 Pro [http://www.x10pro.com/pro/catalog/xpf.xppf.page5.html 20A 3-wire Noise Filter (XPF)] or a Leviton [http://www.levitonhelpdesk.com/catalog/default.asp?frame=body&screen=productdisplay&ProductNumber=6287 5 amp noise block (6287)]) between the wall switch and the load.  Be sure to choose one that is rated higher than the maximum current draw of the load.  The filter will also filter out X10 commands, so don't install it between the wall switch and the breaker panel. 
  
 
===Related Articles===
 
===Related Articles===
  
 
[[Modules Work in Some Locations but not Others]] <BR>
 
[[Modules Work in Some Locations but not Others]] <BR>
 +
[[Fluorescent Lights]] <BR>
 
[[Phase Coupling]] <BR>
 
[[Phase Coupling]] <BR>
[[Fluorescent Lights]]
+
[[Noise, Noise Filters and Automatic Gain Control]]
  
Key Topics: neutral, ground, incandescent, wire, load, ballast
+
Key Topics: neutral, ground, incandescent, wire, load, ballast, noise
  
 
Relates to: WS467, WS4777, WS12A, WS13A
 
Relates to: WS467, WS4777, WS12A, WS13A
  
 
[[Category:troubleshooting]]
 
[[Category:troubleshooting]]

Revision as of 15:13, 10 April 2006

Questions

Why does my Wall Switch Module turn on but not off?

Standard wall switch modules are wired in series with the light bulb, meaning that the electrical signals have to pass through the filament of the bulb in order to complete the circuit. The reason you can get the wall switch module to turn on but not off is because the X10 signal has to pass through the lamp, and a hot lamp has a higher resistance than a cold lamp, therefore it takes a slightly stronger signal to turn a wall switch off than it takes to turn it on. If however you have a powerful enough signal, you would not notice the difference. Also, certain types of bulbs block the X10 signal.

The following types of bulbs should NOT be used with a WS467 or WS12A Wall Switch Module:

  • Florescent bulbs
  • Halogen Bulbs
  • Sodium Vapor Bulbs
  • Any kind of energy saver bulb (i.e. Sylvania Capsellite, GE Miser, etc.)
  • Any kind of low voltage bulb

To control fluorescent fixtures, we recommend the use of X10 Non-dimming Decorator Wall Switch (WS13A) or X10 Pro Non-dimming Wall Switch (XPS3). Note that these versions require a neutral connection and are therefore recommended for installation only by a qualified electrician.

Why does my Non-dimming Wall Switch Module turn on but not off?

Although the XPS3 and the WS13A can safely be used to control any type of load, if the load produces too much powerline noise, it can prevent the wall switch from hearing the command to turn off. This problem is comonly seen when controlling certain brands of Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs).

The easiest solution is to change the load so that it doesn't produce as much powerline noise (switching brand of CFL for example). If that isn't possilbe, or doesn't solve the problem you will have to install a noise blocker (such as the X10 Pro 20A 3-wire Noise Filter (XPF) or a Leviton 5 amp noise block (6287)) between the wall switch and the load. Be sure to choose one that is rated higher than the maximum current draw of the load. The filter will also filter out X10 commands, so don't install it between the wall switch and the breaker panel.

Related Articles

Modules Work in Some Locations but not Others
Fluorescent Lights
Phase Coupling
Noise, Noise Filters and Automatic Gain Control

Key Topics: neutral, ground, incandescent, wire, load, ballast, noise

Relates to: WS467, WS4777, WS12A, WS13A