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🔌General Home Automation => Automating Your House => Topic started by: joshlee1973 on December 01, 2012, 04:07:25 PM

Title: WS467 and CFLs - why not??
Post by: joshlee1973 on December 01, 2012, 04:07:25 PM

Hello Board!  Super duper newbie question.  I tried searching the board but, frankly, I wasn't sure what to search for. 

Ok, I installed several X10 flood light modules and put in CFL flood lamps.  Is that a mistake??

Now, I want the x10 floods to control other lights via a WS467.  It says ABSOLUTELY not to use CFLs.  Is it a fire danger?  I do not intend to dim these lights.  Why can CFLs not be used with the WS467??

Have I screwed up??  Should I remove the CFL bulbs from the flood lights??

Please help.

Thanks

Josh

Title: Re: WS467 and CFLs - why not??
Post by: Brian H on December 01, 2012, 04:24:53 PM

What X10 Flood Light module are you using?
Others may have information on the Flood Light Module and CFLs.

The WS467 steals power through the load and will not work with CFL bulbs.
Normal CFL bulbs that are not dimmable. Can also be damaged by any dimmer type switch. X10 or otherwise.
If you read the fine print on the CFL box or maybe on the bulb itself. It will say not to use on a dimmer type switch.
Even at 100% brightness. The WS467 modifies the AC waveform and again the CFL doesn't like the distorted AC.

Most dimmable CFL and LED bulbs also don't work with a WS467. In my tests the X10 commands can't get through properly and you can't control them or they act weird.

Is it a mistake to use a CFL and a WS467? Yes.
Will it be a fire hazard. May depend on the exact electronics in the CFL itself.

The X10 WS13A relay type switch can be used with CFLs.
It is a decorator type switch and needs a Neutral Power Connection in the switch box.

Title: Re: WS467 and CFLs - why not??
Post by: joshlee1973 on December 01, 2012, 04:29:08 PM

Ok, what about the floods?  Will they be ok with the CFL bulbs??

Title: Re: WS467 and CFLs - why not??
Post by: Brian H on December 01, 2012, 04:34:14 PM

I will have to do some research on the flood light module. I think you are talking about the PR511A.

Could not find anything on the PR511A on the X10 sites regarding bulb types.
I did find a few independent X10 dealers that indicated 150-500 watt Incadescent or Halogen Bulbs for loads.
CFL may not work well.

Title: Re: WS467 and CFLs - why not??
Post by: dave w on December 02, 2012, 05:02:51 PM

FWIW
My OLD PR511s (circa 1990) had a relay, not triac for bulb control. Like an Appliance Module, you could hear them "clack" 50 ft away. Can't speak to newer PR511s but if they clack when turning ON and OFF you should be alright with CFLs or LEDs.

Title: Re: WS467 and CFLs - why not??
Post by: pomonabill221 on December 02, 2012, 06:19:34 PM

I am using a PR511 with three LED flood lights, and yes there is a relay inside... I can hear the clack when it turns on and it hasn't missed a beat.

Title: Re: WS467 and CFLs - why not??
Post by: joshlee1973 on December 02, 2012, 06:44:39 PM

Thanks for the help all.