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🔌General Home Automation => Automating Your House => Troubleshooting Automation Problems => Topic started by: JohnnyHolt on August 04, 2011, 04:50:05 PM

Title: x10 (PLW01-i) Switchs blow like a fuse.
Post by: JohnnyHolt on August 04, 2011, 04:50:05 PM

x10 (PLW01-i) blows when I turn on the light with it.  Replace it, it blew, and still again.  I had the one swith for years.  4 years on this outside light on the power pole.  The bulb is a 300watt.  That's the only thing on this switch.  Since it's an outside light, do you think it's a short between the switch and the light.  I know they are only rated at 500w so I keep way below that.  Been fine for this light for about 4 years.
Ideas, suggestions. :)

Thanks
John

Title: Re: x10 (PLW01-i) Switchs blow like a fuse.
Post by: Dan Lawrence on August 04, 2011, 05:25:39 PM

That isn't on the pole that your electric feeder comes from?   There may be leakage that's fouling your PLW01-i s  if it is.  I would never use anything X10 on a pole where my electric feeder is also on it.

Title: Re: x10 (PLW01-i) Switchs blow like a fuse.
Post by: Brian H on August 04, 2011, 06:15:51 PM

It is a possibility. There is a short between the switch's location and the light.
Since it is outdoors. You may also want to verify the light fixture itself doesn't have a failure in it.

Title: Re: x10 (PLW01-i) Switchs blow like a fuse.
Post by: dave w on August 04, 2011, 07:37:41 PM

Quote from: JohnnyHolt on August 04, 2011, 04:50:05 PM

Since it's an outside light, do you think it's a short between the switch and the light. 

Yup. You got "a short in the socket" so to speak.

If you are handy with a soldering iron you can probably repair the two blown units by replacing the triac. Radio Shark used to carry a 5A, 600V, pin compatible replacement.

Title: Re: x10 (PLW01-i) Switchs blow like a fuse.
Post by: JohnnyHolt on August 05, 2011, 10:31:04 AM

Thanks for your input. :)
I put a regular switch on there just to try it.  Trips the circuit breaker in the box instantly. Yep, got a short.
I'll have an electricion find the short.  Try replacing the triac myself just for the experience but put a new PLW01-i on there anyway.