X10 Community Forum

🔌General Home Automation => Automating Your House => Troubleshooting Automation Problems => Topic started by: SuRje1976 on July 16, 2006, 09:50:11 PM

Title: Air Conditioner, Strange Plug
Post by: SuRje1976 on July 16, 2006, 09:50:11 PM

Forgive me for my ignorance please.  I just moved into a new apartment that I hoped to automate. The AC's are built in.  The plug on the living room AC is 3-pronged, and the RIGHT and LEFT prongs are HORIZONTAL. I saw the 220v modules, and ordered one, thinking this would cover me, but when it arrived, I realized that the RIGHT prong is VERTICAL.  I cannot obviously use this.

Problem is, it seems that when the compressor of this AC is running, the signals to all other devices is unreliable.  Actually they RARELY work at all. 

Is all lost?  I do not see a module for sale that will accommodate the plug.  The only alternative I can think of is to leave the AC off, which is really not practical, especially in this heat.

Thanks in advance for any help!

Title: Re: Air Conditioner, Strange Plug
Post by: steven r on July 16, 2006, 10:27:15 PM

I'm not sure from your post if you're trying to control the plug in AC unit with X10 or just make sure everything else works.

What it sounds like you need, however, is a filter for the AC unit. Is appears to be generating a bunch of line noise that is interfering with your X10 signals. What I don't know is where you can find it.

The good news is that if there is plug in filter for that type of plug someone out there will know about it. Worst case I imagine you could make some sort of in line filter.

Title: Re: Air Conditioner, Strange Plug
Post by: Brian H on July 17, 2006, 07:03:34 AM

You sure it is 220?. There is a 20 amp 120 volt plug with one horizontal and one vertical pin. I would have to dig to find out which one is which. Position wise.

Title: Re: Air Conditioner, Strange Plug
Post by: SuRje1976 on July 17, 2006, 08:56:31 AM

I'm not entirely sure it's 220.  But looking around, I'm starting to think that it's a 15amp 220.  Their pins appear to be both horizontal.  This morning, with the AC kicking, NOTHING is contollable again!  I don't know if the "heavy duty" 220 modules you can get from X10 will filter out the line noise.  Anyone know?  Thanks again!

Title: Re: Air Conditioner, Strange Plug
Post by: Brian H on July 17, 2006, 04:54:03 PM

Oops. I read you post incorrectly.
Two horizontal is 220 Volts 15 Amp; with Ground Pin NEMA 6-15P for the plug 6-16R for the Receptacle.
One Horizontal One vertical is 220 Volt 20 Amp; with Ground Pin NEMA 6-20P or 6-20R

Title: Re: Air Conditioner, Strange Plug
Post by: SuRje1976 on July 17, 2006, 05:03:57 PM

Thanks for your help!

I don't see a X10 Pro Heavy Duty 15A 220V module.  There is a regular X10 module available that will fit.  Do you think it will stop whatever "noise" the AC is making?

Title: Re: Air Conditioner, Strange Plug
Post by: KDR on July 17, 2006, 05:36:28 PM

You may be able to build your own filter using something like this.  X10 PRO 20A Wired-In Noise Filter 120/240 VAC

Get some type of workbox, mount an outlet in it that matches the plug in the wall, install the filter inside then get a short pigtail lead to go from the workbox to the outlet.   Basicly you are making a short extension cord setup with a filter in it.

Title: Re: Air Conditioner, Strange Plug
Post by: steven r on July 17, 2006, 06:23:40 PM

Quote from: KDR on July 17, 2006, 05:36:28 PM

You may be able to build your own filter using something like this....

I think that may be the best as well as the only way to eliminate the signal noise in this case. Your permanent wiring options are limited in an apartment situation.