What Modules should be used with fluorescent or low voltage lamps?

[Jim 31452]

I am moving to a new home and plan to take my X-10 system and software with me.
My OLD home had NO fluorescent lights but the new home's front porch lights are fluorescent: the screw in spiral type. I noticed that my wall switch modules say do NOT use with fluorescent lights. Am I out of luck, or are there wall switch modules made to control fluorescent lamps. OR do these 'screw in' type fluorescent cost saver bulbs work with normal wall switch modules. AND I suppose I could switch out the cost saver fluorescents with normal bulbs. Just looking to use energy efficient bulbs.

I'm a new user to the forum and any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Jim

[Brian H]

No screw in CFLs don't work with dimmers. Manual or X10 types.
The wall switches with a relay or mechanical switch can be used with that type light. Like an appliance module it just turns on and off no dim. WS13A is X10s Decorator Wall Switch for that type light. The WS14 is the companion if you need a three way setup.
Note unlike the WS467 wall switch. The WS13A needs a neutral power wire in the switch box as it does not steal power through the lights like the WS467 does.

[Jim 31452]

Brian - Very cool - Thanks!
Summary - just to be sure:
Using a WS13A Decorator Wall Switch for my front porch 'screw in' type fluorescent cost saver bulbs should let me control them through the software. No need to dim since they are just porch lights. And if I was to use an appliance module to control some fluorescent 'mood' lights recessed on the top of my kitchen cabinets, I should be able to control them as well - no need to dim those either.

Thanks again in advance for reviewing this. If I have more questions as I get deeper, hope I can post again.

[KDR]

Jim 31452  Feel free to post anytime anywhere!  Post back and let everyone know how it went once you got everything hooked up. So many times people don't post back the positive after they get things working. The good posts help encourage people to not give up and to show that X10 works and is allot of fun.

[Brian H]

KDR; Good point as happy folks tend to not post.

[dave w]

Jim 31452

In addition to the relay style switches Brian mentioned, I have used X10 "Socket Rockets" to control CFLs with no problems. The problem I run in to is the Socket Rocket adds about 11/2 inch to the CFL height so I can not use on some fixtures.

[Brian H]

I use a Socket Rocket with a light myself. I did notice that one Brand in that module made excessive X10 noise. Most of my other tested brands where fine.