.

Most modern houses are wired with two 110 volt circuits (often called phases). About half your lights and outlets will be on one phase and half on the other phase. Unfortunately X10 signals do not easily cross from one phase to the other. If your system doesn't work, the problem is probably because the controller is plugged into one phase and the module into the other phase.

Here it gets just a little technical--sorry! Your main power distribution center in your home probably has a configuration like that shown below. Note how the two phases (labeled A and B for convenience here) alternate.

You should have a chart showing the lights and outlets that are connected to each supply breaker. If so, great. If not, you may have to turn the breakers off one by one to note which breakers supply each part of your house.

The Simplest Solution

Try to plug all your X10 devices into the same phase. Once you know how your outlets are connected you can often rearrange where your components are located so that they are on one phase. This is much easier if you are using an RF transceiver since it can placed almost anywhere in your house that there is an outlet on the same phase as your controlled devices.

Try Rearranging Your Breakers

This requires some expertise in house wiring. If you are unfamiliar with wiring fundamentals, hire an electrician or at least find a friend who is familiar with wiring. Once you remove the load center cover, you can snap the individual breakers out of their sockets and move them to another position so that the outlets you use for X10 devices are all on the same phase.

The Last Resort

If the above solutions are not feasible, you may need to purchase and install a phase coupler which will transfer X10 signals from one phase to another. Many of these devices are expensive and must be connected into your wiring by a qualified electrician. However, a new model is available that plugs into a 220 volt outlet such as those used by electric dryers. Still a bit pricey but you don't have to hire an electrician and it should solve the problem. Just be sure that the model you order has the socket configuration that your 220 volt outlet has. To see the various models available, go to smarthome.com and search for "phase coupler".

ORDERING THE COMPONENTS

To order from Smarthome (or just see their description of these devices) click on the Smarthome X10 affiliate link below:

X10

OTHER LINKS

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(C) Donald Scouten 2003