X10 Community Forum

🔌General Home Automation => Automating Your House => Topic started by: george536 on November 14, 2010, 01:22:04 AM

Title: can i use the xpd3 to control an outlet?
Post by: george536 on November 14, 2010, 01:22:04 AM
i currently have an outlet thats controlled by a simple paddle switch that i use to turn on simple incandescent lamp for my room.

I was going to use a lamp module for it, but i want to just keep the stock location and put a xpd3 and leave the lamp just connected to the outlet.

want to make sure the xpd3 is the one i need before i pull the trigger? and if that works for it, will it now make that lamp dim-able?
Title: Re: can i use the xpd3 to control an outlet?
Post by: Mellowmark on November 14, 2010, 07:33:16 AM
It is not a good idea to put a dimmer on a receptacle, it will also not pass any inspection legally. It would be better if you used a lamp module. then maybe you could put an xpt in the switch location and wire the receptacle hot all the time. The xpt would give you so many more options and still accomplish your original task.
Title: Re: can i use the xpd3 to control an outlet?
Post by: Brian H on November 14, 2010, 09:11:15 AM
If you don't need dimming. The XPS3 should work. It does need a neutral wire in the switch box.
I would also say any dimmer switch controlling an outlet is asking for trouble an agree it is most likely illegal.
Title: Re: can i use the xpd3 to control an outlet?
Post by: JeffVolp on November 14, 2010, 09:31:59 AM
I would also say any dimmer switch controlling an outlet is asking for trouble an agree it is most likely illegal.

Using a dimmer to control a receptacle is specifically forbidden in the National Electrical Code.  I quoted that paragraph here on the forum some time ago.

Jeff
Title: Re: can i use the xpd3 to control an outlet?
Post by: george536 on November 14, 2010, 01:49:03 PM
Ok good thing i asked, i did order some xps3s and now i think i will be using one for that purpose also

Thanks