So I don't think I should have to do anything with the outlet itself, correct? I'm more worried about blowing the switch by plugging in anything else into the bottom (always on) outlet.
Walt,
So if I'm reading your response correctly, I should be more worried about someone mistakenly plugging something into the X10 controlled outlet than anything plugged into the always on outlet. I wasn't sure because I think that the always on outlet does pass through the switch (any electrician might correct me).
Has anyone used these switches before?
Kevin
For instance what happens if someone plugs a vacuum cleaner into the switch controlled outlet? If the switch is in "full on" mode (i.e. not dimmed) it still might be blown by the high current required by the vacuum cleaner. Almost any other appliance or AC (wall wart) adapter, etc. would not like it if the wall switch was "dimming". :o
The electrical code does not allow using dimmer switches to control receptacles due to the obvious safety issue:
Please explain a little more about how you would like this setup to work: ???
- Do you want to continue to be able to use the switch to control the lamp?
- Do you want dimming control of the llamp?
- Do you want X10 remote control of the lamp?
- Any other expectations?
We'll sort it out! ;D
If current to the always on half of the outlet passed through the switch, it would be controlled by the switch and would not be "always on". ;)
Wow $80 for a wall switch? I definitely can't justify that. Plus I'd have to use a Lamp module in addition? Also, how does that switch work if it's not controlling the outlet at all (you said they'd be always on). What is the switch wired to if it's not wired to the outlet anymore?
"The electrical code does not allow using dimmer switches to control receptacles due to the obvious safety issue:"
Jeff, is this true for everywhere or just your location?
Quote"The electrical code does not allow using dimmer switches to control receptacles due to the obvious safety issue:"
Jeff, is this true for everywhere or just your location?
That quote was from the 2002 National Electrical Code. The NEC is pretty much the standard used by building codes throughout the country. However, there may still be areas where there are no formal building codes.
Jeff
Originally, my wall switch controlled an outlet right next to the wall switch. That is kind of like gluing one's TV remote onto the TV itself. It isn't of much convenience.
QuoteOriginally, my wall switch controlled an outlet right next to the wall switch. That is kind of like gluing one's TV remote onto the TV itself. It isn't of much convenience.
They do it that way because it is easy and meets code. In the bedrooms I wired myself, the light switch controls the bottom half of 3 receptacles spread throughout the room. Those receptacles are identified with a little gold dot.
Jeff
They do it that way because it is easy and meets code. In the bedrooms I wired myself, the light switch controls the bottom half of 3 receptacles spread throughout the room. Those receptacles are identified with a little gold dot.
My wall switch controls one and only one outlet. That outlet is the outlet just below the wall switch.
I don't think that codes require that.
Wow $80 for a wall switch? I definitely can't justify that. Plus I'd have to use a Lamp module in addition? Also, how does that switch work if it's not controlling the outlet at all (you said they'd be always on). What is the switch wired to if it's not wired to the outlet anymore?If current to the always on half of the outlet passed through the switch, it would be controlled by the switch and would not be "always on". ;)
Bill, This is what I would think too, but if that's the case, I don't know what the other wires to the switch would be for. I'd have to look again tonight, but if I'm remembering properly, I have 2 red wires and 2 black wires running to the switch. I'm positive that this switch doesn't control anything else, so what would the other 2 wires be for?
Thanks,
Kevin
Here's what I found for my wiring. Please note that this house is about 50 years old, so it might not use standard colors.
(http://www.hasphar.net/images/all/outlet%20wiring.jpg)
Hopefully, someone here can have a clue as to what's going on here.
Thanks,
Kevin
Looks to me like any X10 dimmer switch that does not require a neutral connection should work. Just connect both blacks to the Hot on the switch and connect the red to the Load side of the switch.
Looks to me like any X10 dimmer switch that does not require a neutral connection should work. Just connect both blacks to the Hot on the switch and connect the red to the Load side of the switch.
Bill, if that's the case, then the XPD3-IW should work, correct? I don't believe it needs a neutral wire at all.
Thanks,
Kevin
I just wanted to say thanks to everyone that helped. I installed the XPD3-IW this weekend. It works like a champ. Switch controls the top outlet and I've tried plugging in various other things in the bottom outlet without any problems what so ever.
Yeah, I know it doesn't meet code, but if/when I go to sell the house, I'm taking my X10 stuff with me (unless the new people REALLY want it). My wife knows to never plug anything into that outlet besides the lamp. Plus there's plenty of other outlets in that room.
Yeah, I know it doesn't meet code.................
For instance what happens if someone plugs a vacuum cleaner into the switch controlled outlet? If the switch is in "full on" mode (i.e. not dimmed) it still might be blown by the high current required by the vacuum cleaner. Almost any other appliance or AC (wall wart) adapter, etc. would not like it if the wall switch was "dimming". :o
There are several outlets in our house where this is a problem. My wife knows to be careful but other family members who only visit on occasion aren't. What I did was to get a package of molded plastic dummy "kid protection" plugs and put them into the half of the outlets controlled by the X10 switches. So far this has successfully kept vacuum cleaners, irons, etc. from being plugged into them and burning out the X10 switch.
.......... I have changed the switch that controls these outlets from the dimming variety to an XPS3 20 amp appliance/fluorescent wall switch. ..................if anything else, like an iron or vacuum cleaner, is plugged in the switch can easily handle it. Now