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[Mellowmark]

Is the xpdi3 switch good for controlling cfl and any new other than lowvolt bulbs..  I want to get some new switches and also be ready for the end of the incandesent bulb. Any one know what is the best switch modual for cfl lamps and such..

[ggrote]

I can't speak to the "best" switch for your application because I am relatively new to this X-10 thing, but I'm using an XPS3 to control seven 16W CFL floods in cans in the eves of my house ... the CM15A turns them on in the evening and off in the morning ... plenty of light for about 15¢ per night (assuming 12 hrs, since we're getting into fall now) ... and once I get AHP running properly I will engage the dusk-dawn timer and let 'er rip!

(Note:  my first XPS3 died day 1, so I bought a second one which has been working fine, and I just got my warranty replacement for the first one (it took me a while to send the dead one back) so I've got a spare in case this one dies ... but word on the street (a.k.a., this forum) is that these are general pretty hardy so I'm hoping my case was an exception.)

[Brian H]

You may want to look at the X10Pro web site for added information.
http://www.x10pro.com/

The xpdi3 does not list CFL bulbs as compatible. Most CFL bulbs are not dimmable and should not be on a dimmer device.
Low voltage transformer low voltage lights and small inductive motors are listed. Electronic ballasts would have to be specified to be dimmer friendly.
The newer ones now have soft start. That means it ramps on and off slowly. So the load would have to be able to be ramped up and down.

Also if your old switches are the two wire ones, that steal power through the bulb. The xpdi3 and the relay type xps3 need a neutral power wire.
So a neutral is needed in the switch box.
The xps3 is better for CFL and Fluorescent type fixtures.