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🔌General Home Automation => Automating Your House => Troubleshooting Automation Problems => Topic started by: devcaka on September 16, 2010, 05:39:31 PM

Title: Wall Switch doesn't respond after its been idle
Post by: devcaka on September 16, 2010, 05:39:31 PM
Hi Everybody,

I've just got my first flat and at last got the chance to build an x10 network.

However I am experiencing a strange issue and couldn't find any info on the web about this.

My switches (PLC-R2222E and PLC-R2223E) seems to stop responding after they have been idle for 10 minutes. I can switch them on and off and set the DIM via ActiveHome/cm15pro as many times as I want and it never misses a signal. However, if I leave the switch alone for 10 minutes (on or off), they dont respond to any x10 signals.

To be able to get them to respond again, I need to physicly click on the switch. After that, x10 signals work again.

I have set these as UK Wall Switch on the active home.

Do you have any idea how I can fix this? or how can I troubleshoot this?

Your help is appreciated.

Devcaka
Title: Re: Wall Switch doesn't respond after its been idle
Post by: Brian H on September 16, 2010, 06:45:56 PM
http://www.x10bus.com/
http://www.x10bus.com/products/
Well it took awhile to find out what a Shanghai Super Smart Electronics Co, Ltd. PLC-R2222E and PLC-R2223E modules where and actually find manuals for them.

What type of lights are connected to the modules?
What wattage are the lights?
Title: Re: Wall Switch doesn't respond after its been idle
Post by: devcaka on September 17, 2010, 05:17:53 AM
Hi Brian,

Thank you for your reply.

The switches control Halogen bulbs on transformers. I believe they are around 50w. But will double check after work, when I get home.

More information:

I also have bought from the same place a "Two Load Lamp Micro Module [X10-2264]" (here is the link so you don't have to spend time searching for it again: http://x10-hk.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=21_29&products_id=48 ). This is running perfect. The differences are:


I thought it might be weak signals etc. However, I don't understand why it works perfect and no signal is lost as long as I don't leave the switch idle.

Thank you
Devcaka

Title: Re: Wall Switch doesn't respond after its been idle
Post by: Brian H on September 17, 2010, 06:44:49 AM
One problem with the 2222E and 2223E is they are a two wire type switch.
They steal their power through the load.
They are not made to run an inductive load like a transformer.
I know the users sheet says they are OK with Incadescent and Halogen lamps. I believe the halogens reference is for 230 volt one and not one on a transformer.
This maybe the cause of the problem but I can not say for sure.

The 2264E does not steal power through the load as it uses the Line and Neutral house wiring for its power. That could be the difference. The users manual does not say if it is OK with a transformer. The Notes section of the sheet is not too clear on that point.
The web link sales page for the 2264E does say incandescent types only. So how a transformer powered halogen light works with a 2264E maybe a thing to watch.

Do you know if the transformers are rated for dimmers?
Some are not.
Title: Re: Wall Switch doesn't respond after its been idle
Post by: devcaka on September 29, 2010, 04:55:47 AM
Hi Brian,

The issue is fixed by removing the transformers and placing main powered down lighting instead.

Just a TIP for others that have similar issues:
Transformers seem to cause problem even if the transformer is not directly in on the loop you are trying to control. If LIVE or NEUTRAL is shared between 2 circuits, the transformers seem to cause plenty headache..

Thank you for your help.

Devrin