X10 Help

[bryanajones]

Hi, I have a problem I\'ve been trying to solve for some time but cannot come up with a solution and hope someone can help.

I have an out door light that I would like to be able to control (I have X10 setup and working within the house so would prefer an X10 solution). The bulb is an energy saving bulb and the switch to it is only a 2 wire switch. There is no way to run any other cables to the switch.

How can I use comfort to control this light?

Thanks

Bryan

[ident]

That seems to be a difficult problem, no wires allowed. Perhaps Zwave?

[bryanajones]

I looked into zwave, but the price is nuts. Just for the one light switch I\'m looking at £200 and then there is the comfort z wave kit to buy.

What would happen if I fitted an x10 dimmer switch to control the energy saving bulb, but didn\'t use the dimmer function?

I could fit the dimmer x10 and a incandescent bulb with a massive value, but I really want to keep the energy saver bulb as it only 60w but has the spec of a 500w bulb (seriously, it\'s like daylight outside when it\'s on ).

[juwi_uk]

IMHO the problem is to do with using flourescent bulbs but hey you wont be able to get incandescent ones for love or money soon anyway so the flourescents are here to stay!

I use Zwave and I think you\'d have the same problem as X10,  you need the 3rd wire (neutral) at the switch to power the zwave/x10 circuitry respectively as no return path otherwise via flourescent bulbs.  Only way I could see working is to add one of those lampholder type x10/zwave adaptors between bulb and existing bulb holder but these you\'d need enough space in the lamp for it to fit etc.  Presume then you just need to leave the main swicth in ON position.

Ie one of these. 

http://www.letsautomate.com/10614.cfm?

Maybe lower profile ones available somewhere.

Regards

 

 

[palmlodge]

Home Easy / Bye Bye Standby / other RF products using the same protocol. That\'s a cheap solution once the Comfort U-UCM is released with the RFXCOM transmitter.

[bryanajones]

juwi_uk, but using the adapter would still run into the same issue wouldn\'t it? You cant use a dimmer with a florescent bulb? I could fit the dimmer x10 switch, but no one says WHY you can\'t use a dimmer with a florescent bulb? will it just not work? will the wires melt and catch fire? Thats why I haven\'t test one yet.

I bought an X10 appliance switch for the job but then found it was 2 wire not three behind the switch which led me to this conundrum.

Have you found anywhere that sells ZWave at sensible prices? At the moment I use X10 switches for £20 a switch and I have to say I get no issues what so ever with X10 within the house (don\'t know if this is because I had an x10 filter fitted to the main\'s before they enter the house or not).

Is there an RFXCOM (not heard of that protocol before) UCM on the way out?

[juwi_uk]

Hi Bryan,

The adaptor in the link is non dimmable so that would work in my opinion. It also specifically says it works with a CFL bulb too.  As long as you leave the light switch to ON then IMHO it should work.

As  for Zwave,  I purchased ACT ones from Letsautomate. 

Julian