Re: RE: Quick X10 Question

[Kevin Hawkins <lists@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Is there a specific reason you want to use lamp modules rather than
appliance modules ?

Yes, you can just send ON and OFF commands to lamp modules  and they
operate much like appliance modules (some variants do have memory DIM in
that they come on at the last brightness level though). The modules are
quite differently electrically  though - in that appliance modules use
relays that can switch almost anything and lamp modules are aimed at
'resistive' type loads as they use a triac.  These triacs are much
easier to damage.  Two wire lamp controllers also require an electrical
leakage path through the load to pass the X10 signal , and hence can't
be used with florescent/low energy type lamps.

Also the maximum load that a dimmer can switch is much lower than an
appliance module - this could be a major issue with say floodlights
which are very high wattage.   I believe  that floodlights also have a
very high inrush current (the power they take at the instant they are
turned on) which could well exceed the triacs ratings and damage it even
though the steady state wattage maybe within spec. .     As to non
resistive loads it's a bit of a grey area, some transformers for LV
lighting do work OK and some are really poor (damage lamp modules) ,
some are electronic and some of a more standard transformer design. Any
inductive load can generate surges and back voltages when power is
removed. The latter is particularly destructive if not protected
against.   Some X10 dimmers are better at handling awkward loads than
others.

What I would say is that if you only want ONOFF and can use appliance
modules - then do.   The do click at changeover though so are more noisy.

Kevin

Tim wrote:
> p.s. I should've added that I don't need a local switch to turn these
on &
> off, just signals coming over the wiring.
>
>
>
> Cheers,
>
>
>
> Tim.
>
>
>
>   _____
>
> From: Tim [mailto:timsyahoo@xxxxxxx]
> Sent: 16 July 2007 10:13
> To: 'ukha_d@xxxxxxx'
> Subject: Quick X10 Question
>
>
>
> I have a quick question about X10.How closely can lamp modules be made
to
> imitate appliance modules?
>
>
>
> If I want to use some to turn on & off floodlights outside and/or
> fluorescent tubes can I just send "on" & "off"
commands rather than "dim"
> commands? What about lights with transformers?
>
> Does it depend on the exact model number of lamp module?
>
>
>
> Cheers,
>
>
>
> Tim.
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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