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[lfdunn1]

Will hot wiring an X-10 component (e.g., a WS12A dimmer switch) (i.e., connect it without turning off line power at the breaker) damage the component?

[Brian H]

You could damage an X10 device by hot wiring it. Not that it would guarantee a blown module.
Biggest problem could be the person wiring it ending up dead or harmed.
Why do you even want to wire one with the power on?

[lfdunn1]

Why hot wire?  Only because I don't want to walk to the breaker panel in the garage "every time."  By "every time," I refer to a current trouble-shooting matter in which an old, mechanically failed WS12A-type switch was replaced with a new WS12A that worked for two days; then quit.  I have another new WS12A and will wire it with the power off...as I usually do. 

BTW, the label on the X-10 WS12A module says to wire Line-to-Black and Load-to-Blue but the instruction sheet in the package says just the opposite.  X-10 customer support said to follow the directions on the module; not on the instruction sheet.

[Mellowmark]

Well just to say so, if you hook the hot wire up last how does the device no weather  or not you just turned it on.

Just  a thought.  Please turn it off !!!

[Brian H]

I have not see anything definitive on the line and load colors to use.
Guess you use what X10s Customer Service said. They should know.

[Knightrider]

FWIW,  I've always wired them line-to-black  load/blue.

I'm pretty sure that wiring them the other way causes the impedance to change in such a way that the lamps may turn on, but not off.

[Brian H]

The schematics of the WS467 {WS12A has a nice paddle over the button}. Shows Line as Black and Load as Blue.

[Deemar]

No it won't. I know a guy that worked in the industry and he never shut off the breaker, he always just made sure he wasn't grounded. Even if he touched a hot wire nothing would happen. Unless he accidentally touched the ground wire. Or the box.

[Brian H]

Well Deemar, Some day he maybe injured.

It only takes ONE mistake to kill you and for the typical end user it is extra dangerous.