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[dan]

Big push from averywhere to convert from
incandescents to fluorescents, but X-10
doesn't seem to work with them.  What is
the issue/solution?

[Brian H]

Lamp Modules or any dimming switch should
never be used for a Flourescent type lamp.
Appliance Mosules and switches with a relay
can be used with them. Problem you may have
seen is they flicker or even turn back on
again. The local sensing circuit can cause
them to turn back on or flicker. I did the
mod found on a few web sites and used X10
Appliance Modules on many of mine. I know
would be nice to have a appliance type that
dosen't flicker or turn on from the factory.
Some other brands don't do that.

[fred]

I bought a few XPS3 relay operated wall
switches in order to be able to use CFL
lamps. The switches work fine for the "ON"
command but do not accept the "OFF" command.
Everything is OK when using normal
incandescent lights.
So, at $40 a pop these switches are useless
for fluorescent lights. What a turnoff.

[Brian H]

My XPS3s worked fine with CFLs in a bedroom
cealing light. Note SOME CFLs make so much
powerline noise that the X10 off signals
can't get to the switch. So if off thay are
fine going on but not back off. I had one
brand that I had to remove to clear up noise
and replace with another brand.

[fred]

Brian,
the lamps I bought were 26W=90W Floods from
NOMA. I returned them.
Which brand are you using that works?

[Brian H]

The ones I had problems with where made by
TCP and I have seen them with a few
different brand names on them Durabrite was
one of them. I also got some from my Power
Companies Energy Savings web site. I have
Greenlite spiral bulbs in most of my inside
lights except a few with an 'A' shell on it
for a lamp shade thet are GE. A GE
Brightstick in the kitchen also. None
outside at present.

[patrick]

Compact Fluorescents are definately a problem
with X10.  I have trouble using all kinds of
modules of there is a CF turned on ANYWHRE on
the same circuit breaker as the module I'm
trying to control.  Sometimes works,
othertimes doesn't.

[fg]

New to this forum and have not installed X-
10 yet. The CFL issue is mostly holding me
back. I have some outside lights on a timer
(which also is not supposed to have CFLs),
but I found that when I put one regular
light bulb into the the mix (the switch
controls 4 bulbs), all works. If this one
regular light bulb is burned out...the
other lights flicker until the reg bulb is
replaced. Could that work with the X-10 as
well ?

[dave w]

FG
Yes a regular bulb in the mix will stop the
flicker when OFF, but it usually doesn't
help with noise problems when the CFLs are
ON. I have some noisy CFLs and some are OK.

[fg]

Actually, the flicker I was talking about
was the light flickering when on, when off,
there is no flicker...not sure what flicker
you refer to when off ...I'm new to this,
so I'm not sure.

[Brian H]

The two wire switches steal some power
through the bulb. So some cfls flicker even
when off. The standard light bulb gives it a
path to steal power. Flicker when on is the
triac [electronic device that dims the
light] modifying the AC power that sometimes
makes CFLs flicker again the regular light
bulb smooths thing out. On an Appliance
Module they flicker when off as the module
has a local sensing circuit to allow you to
cycle the local power switch to turn the
module on. This also leads sometimes to the
ghost turning back on when you turn the
appliance module off with a CFL on the
output.

[bigbear1969]

Google for "dimmable compact fluorescent" 3 or 4 companies are makin em now.

[nklght]

Now You Can Have Both! With X10's decorator wall switch you can now enjoy the flexibility of X10 remote control along with a wall switch to control fluorescent lights, low-voltage lights and higher load appliances like air conditioners, ceiling fans or high-wattage lighting.

The WS13A decorator wall switch is like a heavy-duty appliance module you put in the wall. It works on 120V and can handle up to 20-amps at a maximum of 2,400 watts. This makes it the ideal switch to help you cut energy costs by putting devices like your air-conditioner or landscape lights on a timer while retaining manual control with the wall switch.

    * Control ceiling fans, fluorescent lights, pool equipment, air conditioners
    * Save Energy by controlling 120V devices at up to 20-amps and 2,400 watts
    * Red LED indicates if switch is on
    * Works in 3-Way or 4-Way setups when used with Companion Switch (WS14A)
    * Responds to ALL LIGHTS ON and ALL UNITS OFF
    * Does not respond to bright and dim commands
    * Match your decor. Includes both white and ivory paddle switch covers and trim plates

I have the same problem with CFL's turning on but not off.  Yet, according to the website these switches are supposed to be able to control them.

[roger1818]

I have the same problem with CFL's turning on but not off.  Yet, according to the website these switches are supposed to be able to control them.

I just answered this question at Unit will respond to on command, but not off comand.