Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[MX1100]

Hi,

I would appreciate a hand with a vexing problem.

I have a WS467 wall switch module controlling an outdoor light on my front porch.  This combination has worked for 10+ years (through at least one wall switch changes for a burn out that I can remember), but over the last 3 or 4 months it has ceased to reliably turn off.  Turning on is no problem.  I am using the Active home system.  I have another similar setup on the side door with the same unit number that continues to work well.  I have tried two new switches but they have the same problem - on is fine ... it does not recognize the off signal.  For a couple of months, it would not turn off at all.  Recently it is turning off once in a while.  I get the feeling that this light is human and is playing games with me

Anyone have any suggestions on what else I should try? 

Thanks -Harvey

[HA Dave]

........ over the last 3 or 4 months it has ceased to reliably turn off.  Turning on is no problem. 

Don't want to "rush to judgement" but when there is a problem with an established X10 setup the first question is what has changed... what is new. And with light fixtures (and changing times) often it is CFL's (Compact Fluorescent Lamps). Some can tend to make enough extra noise that the switch doesn't hear the X10 off signal.

[dave w]

Even though the light turns ON properly, it still could be a borderline noise problem. Once the light is ON the triac in the wall switch begins generating noise, which may be enough to deafen the switch to commands.

What new electronic devices is have you installed since the problem started? Look for things on the same electrical branchs as the switch and the controller.  Switching power supplies are prime suspects (power bricks, wall warts, especially very light weight small wall warts like cell phone chargers, TVs, and computers are also noise produces).

Next make sure the bulb is tight in the socket.  (Don't ask me how this could effect OFF, it's just black magic that somethimes I have results from).

Does it turn OFF reliably from a remote?

Also, make sure light is at full brightness, and send a OFF command. Does that make a difference in OFF reliability? If it gets less reliable as the light is dimmed, that could be a strong indication of a noise problem.

[BVD]

Harvey,
Plug a TM751 in a receptacle close to the switch and use RF Commands to turn it on and off. The new WS467's have soft start circuitry built in so when your other switch turns off it may think the light on the front porch is off as well when in reality it is not. Also try changing the unit code of the front porch switch.

Hope this helps.
Bob