X10 - Newbie Help

[essexboy80]

Hi,

I was wondering if someone could offer me some advice with X10 Automation.

This is what I am trying to achieve :

I have purchased an emergency standby air conditioner for our server room that runs from a 13amp socket.

What I want to achieve using X10 is that if the room goes above a certain temperature the standby air conditioner automatically turns on.

I cannot see why this would not be possible but was just after some advice of others with experience with these things.

Thanks

Paul

[Brian H]

Are the outlets for the Air Conditioners on any type of power line filters or emergency backup devices. This could effect the X10 signals sent on the power line.

[essexboy80]

The Standby Unit will be on a seperate 13Amp Spur, so the answer is no.

[HA Dave]

...... if the room goes above a certain temperature the standby air conditioner automatically turns on.

I would think... it would be simpler and [therefore likely] more reliable to simply connect the backup A/C to a (15Amp line) thermostat.

Then if you would like notification (and I would think you would) setup an X10 email/phone call, warning/notice.

[essexboy80]

ah cool, where will I get one of them?

[HA Dave]

ah cool, where will I get one of them?

Local builders supply, heating cooling contractor, hardware store, for the thermostat.

For the notification... I would think a PowerFlash (PF284) module, and a small low voltage/wattage [AC] walwart transformer on the same connection as the backup Air Conditioner. So when the air kicks on so does the walwart transformer, which would trigger the PowerFlash module. A CM15A on the same circuit (maybe same outlet) connected to a running Internet connected PC. The AHP software should allow for email notices... and with a third party software (alert dialer or PCC?) you might be able to get a phone alert.

Good luck, and let us know how your project works out.

[Knightrider]

it's not a "window" type AC unit is it?  Some of those have IR capabilities.

[essexboy80]

no it is a floor standing unit.

can someone send me to some links for the bits i need to buy

[dave w]

knightrider brings up a good point.

How do you turn on the floor unit? Is it a "hard" OFF-ON switch (I can hear the X10 marketing director snickering) , and not some type of momentary push button to activate the unit?

For the external thermostat to work, the HVAC units needs to have a switch that can be turned ON and will remain on even if the power is disconnected.

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_524747_524747

Or Google "120V thermostat for cooling"