X10 Community Forum
🔌General Home Automation => Automating Your House => Troubleshooting Automation Problems => Topic started by: claude2000 on February 06, 2010, 08:52:23 PM
-
I just install a wall dimmer switch(WS12A) but doenst seem to be working properly as a switch and dimmer it works find but I cant control it from AH that switch control a wall receptacle( non x10) could that be the problem I want to be able to dim that wall receptacle with that dimmer switch but its not communicating with AH but it works locally at the wall location.
thanks if you can help
-
that switch control a wall receptacle( non x10) could that be the problem
It is not generally good practice to use a wall dimmer switch to control a receptacle, but as long as you put an incandescent lamp on it you should be okay. If this is not set up as a split receptacle (switch dims only the top or bottom outlet where the other outlet is full live all the time), make sure you only have lights plugged in to it and that the combination of lights do not draw too much current.
With that said, make sure you have the correct switch chosen in AHP. Choosing the wrong switch can have undesired effects. I have a couple WS12As set up and working just fine through AHP. Another thing to check is your module recycle bin in the lower left of the AHP screen. Clear that out and see if that fixes it. I have had modules in the recycle bin that have caused trouble with active modules where deleting them from the recycle bin has helped.
Dan B.
-
It is not generally good practice to use a wall dimmer switch to control a receptacle, but as long as you put an incandescent lamp on it you should be okay.
Not only is it not good practice, it is clearly a violation of the electrical code:
404.14(E) DIMMER SWITCHES General-use dimmer switches shall be used only to control permanently installed incandescent luminaries (lighting fixtures) unless listed for the control of other loads and installed accordingly.
Someone in the future could accidentally plug something else into that receptacle, overheating the dimmer switch, or possibly causing damage to the device plugged into it.
Jeff
-
Thanks you guys I will replace the dimmer switch with a regular one to be in code.
Thanks again the answer was fast awesome
-
Thanks you guys I will replace the dimmer switch with a regular one to be in code.
You can use a X10 switch to control a receptacle, but it must be a relay switch such as the WS13, XPS3, or Leviton 6291.
Jeff