XPFM wont fit into Gang Box

[drdisney]

Does anyone have any ideas on how to fit a XPFM into a standard gang box ? I was able to place it into only one of the three lights that I wanted to add to the system. The other ones are just to filled with the other lead wires. Does anybody have any tips or tricks to making it fit. Thanks in advance !

Dr D

[STI2NR]

Put it in the panel attached to the circuit that is giving you issues. 

Does that help???

[Mellowmark]

Where are you trying to do this inside or out.  You might be able to use an extension box or add a box in the attic for the XPFM. Maybe you could put it in the box before the light like the switch or something.  Give us some more detail about the location so we might have ideas that will look good.

[drdisney]

Where are you trying to do this inside or out.  You might be able to use an extension box or add a box in the attic for the XPFM. Maybe you could put it in the box before the light like the switch or something.  Give us some more detail about the location so we might have ideas that will look good.

The lights are for my bathroom and kitchen. I live in a second story condo with no homeowner accessible attic area. I do have the circuit breaker inside by bedroom, but would need to see if I could monkey with that without pissing off the HOA.

On a side note, what types of issues arise when using the CFL's with a Incandescent only switch. When I tried to ask the CSR, all she could really explain is that the switch wouldn't last as long. But couldn't give me any time line.

Dr D

[Dan Lawrence]

Using lamp modules with CFLs is risky, since the modules do dimming.  I always use appliance modules or Socket Rockets as neither dim.

[Knightrider]

could even be a fire hazard. I can't imagine under-volting is good on those electronics.  Even with an x10 two-wire switch off, it still passes current.

[nybuck]

I believe you could use a dimming switch and an external relay, as the voltage to the fluorescent light would be constant, and under-voltage to the relay would simply not make the connection.

Of course, that would also require space.   

[Brian H]

Two wire X10 dimming switches steal power through the load and will not work with a CFL. Even a dimming type.

An external relay may also not work as it probably would not load the switch to it minimun rating.

If your switch boxes have a Neutral wire along with the Line and Load. They do make switches with relays in them for CFL and inductive loads.
X10's WS13A and the X10Pro XPS3

[nybuck]

Two wire X10 dimming switches steal power through the load and will not work with a CFL. Even a dimming type.

An external relay may also not work as it probably would not load the switch to it minimun rating.

If your switch boxes have a Neutral wire along with the Line and Load. They do make switches with relays in them for CFL and inductive loads.
X10's WS13A and the X10Pro XPS3

You have a good point about the relay.  I stand corrected. 

Interesting how X10 forgot the 'standard' wall switch for fluorescents, and only offer the "decorator" style.   

[Mellowmark]

My best idea for you would be to add an extension box to the ceiling box your light hangs from.  There you could put the XPFM.  Hopefully you are a little  handy with wood.  Because you can fashion an escutcheon out of some layered plywood to hide the unsightly jbox extension. The light canopy will hold the wood in place, two layers of 3/4 plywood can be set up to look very nice.  I have used this idea to move boxes over several inches as well as add depth.  I am sure you have seen the decorative platters made from plastic at the home centers, that are used to hide big holes and such.  You might like what you come up with. Good luck!