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Author Topic: Wall Switch with 2-way communication  (Read 4534 times)

ThomS

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Wall Switch with 2-way communication
« on: December 19, 2009, 11:40:25 PM »

Hello all,

I've been using X10 stuff for a while but lately it's blossoming into a very time-consuming hobby, so it seemed worthwhile to register here...!

I did a search on my question but I'm confused as I'm finding what appears to be contradictory information.  So I am hoping I can get some help, or pointed in the right direction by someone more knowledgable than myself.

Here's my problem:  I have a 2-way switched outlet in my living room into which my sofa lamps are plugged.  I want to add some additional wiring to the room, but I can't access the switched power cable inside the wall.  So my thought was to convert the two-way switch to X10, and (using constant power) add a couple of pendant lights with socket rockets.  I want to be able to control both the existing (switched) lights and the new (constant power) lights from the existing switch locations (as well as from remote X10 controllers, etc.).

I know that the basic X10 two-way switches won't work, because they don't transmit commands; they only control the circuit to which they are hardwired.  Is there any X10 two-way that will do what I want?  I know about the wall box-mounted transmitter modules, with the different switch faceplates; would I have to use those, and add a separate lamp module for the current switched circuit?  Or is there a product that will both replace my existing two-way switch and transmit commands to the socket rockets?

Thank you very much in advance to any responders.
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Brian H

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Re: Wall Switch with 2-way communication
« Reply #1 on: December 20, 2009, 07:19:16 AM »

You have a two switches that control a wall outlet correct?

You want to keep on off control of the outlet with a new X10 compatible switch and send an X10 power line signal to some Socket Rockets.
Do you still want to use the second original switch to also control the outlet?

You could use a Smarthome Insteon Relay Switch and program an X10 Address into it. When turned on and off it also sends an X10 on and off to the X10 address programed into it. It can also be turned on and off by an X10 power line signal from other controllers. They do need a real Neutral Power Wire in the switch box and the second old one would have to be disconnected or replaced with a Insteon switch with no load connection.
Their slightly less costly Icon Switch should also work with an X10 address programed into it.
The Icon version has a lower current rating of 10 Amps or 400 watts incandescent. Insteon is 15 amps 480 watts incandescent.

Another option could be. Replace the switch with the X10 wall mounted controller as you mentioned. Then the outlet could be changed to the X10 controlled one. Only the top outlet is controlled by an X10 SR227 or X10Pro PAO11 module. A wall mounted controller would also need a Neutral power connection along with a Line Connection.
« Last Edit: December 20, 2009, 08:25:31 AM by Brian H »
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Mellowmark

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Re: Wall Switch with 2-way communication
« Reply #2 on: December 20, 2009, 09:14:54 AM »

Look at this post it has some pictures on how you can change a regular switch into an xpt great idea. you could do this to both switches and then either use x10 plug, or change it out and put a lamp module where ever you wish.  You said you understand how the xpt works so your good.

http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=19225.0

This idea can be used in allot of applications.
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M M ElectricMan
 

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