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[ThomS]

I can't even get my WS13A to function as a wall switch-- let alone respond to X10 commands.

I replaced a conventional switch for a kitchen ceiling flourescent fixture (22W + 13W circular bulbs) with a WS13A.  I can't get anything but a strobing effect (very much like a fire alarm lamp) from my fixture.  I was pretty confident of the wiring (hot/fixture/neutral) but I didn't have my meter that day so I tried reversing (what I thought were the) hot/fixture wires with no success.  In both cases the red LED glows very faintly, but pressing the switch seems to have no effect on the LED or fixture.  When I reversed the wires, the relay (and the fixture with it) engaged for just a half second or so, then back to the "strobing."

I have a defective switch...correct?

I assume this is the case, but on the other hand I just had an issue with a bunch of socket rockets and it seems to defy the odds (and completely aggravates me) to have another hardware problem after having no issues at all for years.

I've had X10 for a long time but this is my first time using anything in-wall other than a WS467 wall switch (which of course uses only two wires).

Any thoughts are appreciated.

[Brian H]

Use the meter and verify you have a real neutral wire in the switch box. It sounds like the WS13A is trying to power up through the load and not having a real neutral.

This isn't a three way is it?

Was the white connected to the original switch terminal?

[dave w]

I assume this is the case, but on the other hand I just had an issue with a bunch of socket rockets and it seems to defy the odds (and completely aggravates me) to have another hardware problem after having no issues at all for years.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

Hey Thom,

I'm curious about what type of problem you had with the Socket Rockets?

If you watch the forum, to me it appears there has been a substantial jump in the types of questions that might indicate the X10 product to be defective. IMHO X10 quality is going to the dogs. X10 has an up hill battle maintaining old PLC technology in the noisy environment of a modern home. If they can't nip quality problems quickly they will really lose the market. FWIW

[Brian H]

dave w, Well it does seem that X10 is having extra generous sales.

The one I odered the other day was buy a Socket Rocket $19.99. Second one free and through in three LM465 Lamp Modules.
Though maybe the LM465s are the ones that go to 70% bright. 

The mega module sale is still there and today I saw the ICON RF remote for $44.99 in one place but in the other I believe it was still $69.99

I have seen messages about DOA and Always On right out of the box. Being reported with Socket Rockets.