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[lvflyer]

Sorry for the length, but I've done a lot of
trouble shooting here.  I want to install 3
cameras in my garage.  For some reason any
of the cameras when plugged into the garage
circuits won't turn off so all on at the
same time.  When I try the cameras in the
house I can find some outlets on the same
circuit and they work like they are suppose
to.  I then take the transceiver to the
garage and leave the cameras in the house
and they work OK.  I take the cameras out to
the garage and even though the transceiver
is on the same circuit and phase none of the
cameras turn off.  I've had these cameras
for a couple years and they were previously
installed in the same garage.  The only
thing different is we converted some of the
garage to a game room and added more outlets
and replaced the 220 screw in fuse panel
with a breaker panel.  Other than that no
other electrical changes.  I don't undertand
why the transceiver can communicate from the
garage to the house, but not from the house
to the garage and none of the outlets in the
garage will allow the cameras to turn off.
I don't want to waste money on the phase
coupler if this isnt' going to solve my
problem.  By the way I am an electrician and
switched the legs on the 220 to the garage
and still no joy.

[lvflyer]

OK I found the problem, but now what to do
about it.  We installed an intercom that
uses the electrical system. Will changing
house help to use both systems?

[storm]

You need to get a phase coupler and install
it in the breaker. That will solve all of
your problems. It fixed mine!

[steingra]

You need to get a phase coupler and install it in the breaker. That will solve all of your problems. It fixed mine!

So where can I purchase a phase coupler, and how do you install it? Can it be as easy as just plugging it into one of the 220 outlets. I think we have one behind the stove.

[Brian H]

A phase coupler may not fix the intercom problem if it uses a powerline signal frequency close to X10s 120Khz. Also n X10 powerline filter on the intercom may stop it from properly working.
You can get plug in phase couplers and coupler/repeaters. Many are for dryer outlets. If you go that route make sure the outlet matches the couples plug. For some reason I have seen stove plugs that do not look like dryer outlets. Couplers just send what signal is at the input back on the other phase while a coupler/repeater take the signal on one phase and retransmits it back on the other phase at a higher level. Like if the X10 signal from the controller is 5 volts and at the coupler 1 volt. The 1 volt is coupled back to the other phase. With repeater it would be maybe 5 volts again depending on the units rated output.

[JeffVolp]

Since the original poster said the devices were on the same phase, a phase coupler will not solve his problem.  In fact, it may even make it worse because it will spread the available X10 signal across both phases.

There have been many reports of wireless intercomes and baby monitors causing problems in X10 systems.  Some research may turn up a unit that is more compatible with X10.  Otherwise, a wired unit may be the only option.

FYI, there are 4 different dryer and stove receptacles commonly in use.  There are the older type 30 and 50 amp 3-pin "angled pin" plugs.  Most building codes now now requires grounded 4-pin 30 and 50 amp plugs.

[Duck69]

If it's the intercom that's interefing with your X10 signals one possible fix would be to use a Uniden 5.8 ghz phone system that has built in intercom. The Uniden 5.8 ghz phone systems send and receive at 5.8 ghz which wouldn't interfere with X10 signals.