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🔌General Home Automation => Automating Your House => Troubleshooting Automation Problems => Topic started by: rrr on April 15, 2006, 11:25:14 PM

Title: problem with appliance module
Post by: rrr on April 15, 2006, 11:25:14 PM

I just connected a low voltage lighting transformer (for outdoor landscape lights) to a SR227 (appliance) module. When the module is OFF, the LEDs on the transformer flicker. When the module is ON, the transformer works fine. I'm worried that the "current leakage" when the module is off will eventually kill the transformer.

Is there any reason a SR227 can't control a transformer? Does it have something to do with the "local control" feature in the module? I tried adding a "cube tap" to the module output, and connecting both a small (0.3 watt) night lite, along with the transformer, but no difference.

Any ideas?
thanks

Title: Re: problem with appliance module
Post by: Brian H on April 16, 2006, 07:29:51 AM

SR227 is the split wall outlet. I will do some checking as I am not sure it has Local Control. If it does that could be what is keeping the LED flickering. 03. Watt bulb? If so too small. As a test try maybe a 7 watt night light or a 15 to 25 watt light bulb.

Title: Re: problem with appliance module -- solved! somewhat....
Post by: rrr on April 16, 2006, 06:20:24 PM

I tried a 7watt nite light, and the problem is now gone. Thanks.
Yes, I had a 0.3watt lite. Apparently too low a current for the module to detect.

So my next problem is that I don't have room in the junction box to fit a 7watt bulb! (that is why I tried the 0.3watt one...).
 :-\

Any other ideas?

thanks for your help!

Title: Re: problem with appliance module -- solved! somewhat....
Post by: roger1818 on April 17, 2006, 10:41:17 AM

Quote from: rrr on April 16, 2006, 06:20:24 PM

I tried a 7watt nite light, and the problem is now gone.

Sounds like the SR227 does have local control and that is causing your problem.  I don't know how to disable it on an SR227, but here is an article on how to disable it on a regular appliance module: Defeating local current sensing (http://www.geocities.com/idobartana/Modifying_Appliance_module.htm#Defeating%20local%20current%20sensing)  It shouldn't be too difficult to figure out how to modify an SR227.

Quote

So my next problem is that I don't have room in the junction box to fit a 7watt bulb!

I would highly reccomend that you not put a bulb of any size inside the junction box!  If you don't mind having the LED flicker, the current leakage won't harm the transformer, otherwise you can try to modify the SR227.

Title: Re: problem with appliance module
Post by: Brian H on April 17, 2006, 04:31:53 PM

I second that thought on not putting anything like a bulb inside the wall box.
As for local control defeating on an Appliance Module. The newer ones where you cut a small jumper stops the module from turning back on but does not stop the small current that flickers the LEDs from being there. Cutting a few parts out does.