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🔌General Home Automation => Automating Your House => Troubleshooting Automation Problems => Topic started by: szyhxc on December 01, 2009, 05:37:20 PM

Title: Clicking Wall outlet modules
Post by: szyhxc on December 01, 2009, 05:37:20 PM

I have a couple wall outlet modules outdoors (wet protected) and in my garage.  Both get cold in winter.  Under certain loads (Mostly Christmas decorations, a lot of lights, LEDs, and one very small motor.) when the module cycles on, it will click four times, the light flash on, off, on, and end off.  It does it with both high (800) and low (40) wattage loads.

Is there a fix for this? 

Title: Re: Clicking Wall outlet modules
Post by: Brian H on December 01, 2009, 06:39:08 PM

Sounds like the switch contacts are corroded and not making good contact when on. The module electronics thinks it didn't go on and tries a few time more.
Does it click four times with no loads at all on it?
Replacement of the module is what most would do. Some here have disassembled them and cleaned the contacts. With varied degrees of success.

Title: Re: Clicking Wall outlet modules
Post by: twood on December 02, 2009, 04:47:43 PM

More info here:  http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=19191.0 (ftp://http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=19191.0)

Title: Re: Clicking Wall outlet modules
Post by: szyhxc on December 06, 2009, 11:37:43 AM

Brian,

I have had the same exact problem with a new replacement module.  I have not seen the issue with no-load, but I will try that again and let you know.  I can open  the module and clean the contacts and will try that as a last resort.  THX.

twood,,, THX

Title: Re: Clicking Wall outlet modules
Post by: Brian H on December 06, 2009, 12:39:47 PM

If a new one is also doing it. I would suspect the load being switched is making some noise or voltage spike that is confusing the outlet.

Title: Re: Clicking Wall outlet modules
Post by: budlat on December 15, 2009, 07:55:30 PM

Having similar problem.  I'm using the outlet in my garage to control my Xmas lights.  Was working perfectly.  Then the temp took a BIG dive (like -35C).  Suddenly the unit is not switching as programmed.  Stays on all day, though programmed to turn off at 8am after a brief show for my neighbours.  I think is just doesn't operate correctly in the cold....

Title: Re: Clicking Wall outlet modules
Post by: szyhxc on January 05, 2010, 08:56:42 AM

Brian,

Sorry it has taken so long to get back to you and the rest.  I have not done the test (no load) that I promised.  It has just been to cold here in Michigan to work outside, and I can't do it with gloves on.  I will probably wait until April to take down my Xmas lights (some are stuck in the frozen ground).  I may be able to do this test before then, when it is still, but not as, cold.

Thanks  and Happy new year.  Bernie