X10 Community Forum

X10 Zone => Contractor General Discussion => Topic started by: becker electric llc on January 01, 2006, 04:01:09 PM

Title: Wall Switch modules "False On"
Post by: becker electric llc on January 01, 2006, 04:01:09 PM

Gentlemen:

Anyone have experience dealing with "False
Ons" with x10 wall switch modules. Client
reports some unit codes will "false on"
several times a day. Client has a simple
Palm remote controller, single wall
transceiver, 8 unit code system all
controlling incandescent exterior lighting.
(carriage light fixtures)  Changed House
Code from A to F. No improvement.
Troubleshooting steps from there?  Any
ideas greatly appreciated. Have researched
online and seen possible ideas about
voltage drop during compressor starts,
transceiver possibly damaged by voltage
spike, possible damaged controller, noise
from computers and associated equipment
etc, but what is the most likely cause or
what test can be performed to proceed in a
cost effective logical progression to find
this cause or causes?

Bob...........
BECKER ELECTRIC LLC
Scottsdale, AZ

Title: Re: Wall Switch modules "False On"
Post by: Kelly Parke | Program Manager on January 10, 2006, 07:04:16 PM

i have a solution for your problem:
- get a portable am/fm radio with a dial
tuner
-turn dial up to highest am band, until you
hear a hum (not static)
-extend antenna as far as it will go
-take antenna to various outlets
-if you hear a buzz and crackle at any
outlet, then you have noise in the line
-get yourself a line noise filter
-plugin filter is local to that outlet
-hard wired filter in panel box for whole
house filtering

Title: Re: Wall Switch modules "False On"
Post by: brad on February 10, 2006, 09:05:19 AM

Did you resolve this problem? I have seen
this issure a few times and have found it
to come from many different events.

Title: Re: Wall Switch modules "False On"
Post by: john on February 10, 2006, 09:36:47 AM

Hi Bob, you may also make sure that the lamp
is not an electronic ballast or flourecent as
sometimes these trigger a false on.

Title: Re: Wall Switch modules "False On"
Post by: TK on March 22, 2006, 09:50:05 PM

Bob, the likely problem is the wall switch module itself.  My bet is you are using the cheapo push button wall switch they sell online.  Replace it with an XPS3 or XPDI3 (from X10 PRO) and your problem should disappear.  I know that Edson Electric Supply in Scottsdale stocks them.  Arizona Electric in Mesa, too.