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🔌General Home Automation => Automating Your House => Troubleshooting Automation Problems => Topic started by: pcaboo on August 08, 2009, 07:48:01 PM

Title: Neutral Wire and XPS3
Post by: pcaboo on August 08, 2009, 07:48:01 PM

I need to put a XPS3 switch in to control CFL's. The box I want to put it in doesn't have a neutral wire, but a box on the other side of the wall for a different switch has one. Can I tap into a neutral wire in the box that has one and bring it into the box that doesn't? Is the neutral wire specific for the box it's in?

Thanks

Title: Re: Neutral Wire and XPS3
Post by: Brian H on August 09, 2009, 08:58:21 AM

Do you know if both switches are on the same circuit and phase?
Technically all neutrals tie to a common connection in the electrical box but the current through them may give a noise or electrical differential if on different breakers or phase.

Title: Re: Neutral Wire and XPS3
Post by: dave w on August 09, 2009, 05:16:02 PM

Quote from: pcaboo on August 08, 2009, 07:48:01 PM

Is the neutral wire specific for the box it's in?

No. Neutrals are specific to the branch (breaker) they are on but still tied back to the common neutral buss. Although I had home in Florida that had neutrals from several branches all tied togeather. I found out when I uncapped the wad of neutrals and got shocked even though I had tripped the break for the branch I was working on.
 
Brian has a good point about noise. I have seen noise on neutrals, but could usually make go-away by tightening wire nuts and tie down screws in the electrical panel.

Have you considered skipping the neutral re-wire and using Socket Rockets? They work fine with CFLs.

Title: Re: Neutral Wire and XPS3
Post by: misterbeefy on August 11, 2009, 08:15:45 PM

Quote from: dave w on August 09, 2009, 05:16:02 PM

Have you considered skipping the neutral re-wire and using Socket Rockets? They work fine with CFLs.

They do??? I did not know that! What about if you have those CFL's in a light that is attached to a ceiling fan?

Title: Re: Neutral Wire and XPS3
Post by: Dan Lawrence on August 11, 2009, 08:40:06 PM

Socket Rockets are too bulky to use in a overhead fan/light.  Your ONLY option for independent operation is two X10 control modules, a double gang box to house them and a big rewiring job.  B:(

Title: Re: Neutral Wire and XPS3
Post by: dave w on August 12, 2009, 12:36:09 PM

Quote from: misterbeefy on August 11, 2009, 08:15:45 PM

Quote from: dave w on August 09, 2009, 05:16:02 PM

Have you considered skipping the neutral re-wire and using Socket Rockets? They work fine with CFLs.

They do??? I did not know that! What about if you have those CFL's in a light that is attached to a ceiling fan?

Fan?? "didn't know 'bout no steenkin fan".

That is a different matter. IF the fan lights receive power from the same line that powers the fan (you can only turn on the light by pulling the chain) then the Socket Rockets would not be able to turn ON unless the fan had power. And as Dan said the Socket Rockets add 2 inches to the bulb, so would probably look pretty ugly. Guess you are back to adding a neutral line.   :-\

Title: Re: Neutral Wire and XPS3
Post by: misterbeefy on August 14, 2009, 06:59:22 AM

Yep. Glad I bought those WS13s :) Not sure if I have a neutral wire there or not, haven't pulled the switch covers off yet, but hopefully this weekend.