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[pbusardo]

Hello everyone.

I have the following system:

2x Item Number 2201PH – X10 Decorator Dimmer Switch
1x Item Number 2208PH – X10 Pro Multi-Way Companion Switch
1x Item Number 4040 – IR X10 Command Console
1x Item Number 2002 – X10 Appliance Module
1x X10 Plug-In Noise Filter – XPPF
1x FilterLinc 10-Amp Plug-In Noise Filter

This system is automating my Home Theater lighting and dehumidifier.

The appliance module (running the dehumidifier) did not work in the outlet until I put a filter on the second plug that had a power strip on it.  Then it worked fine.  For a couple of days anyway.  Now it no longer works.

I also bought another filter (FilterLinc 10-Amp Plug-In Noise Filter) to see if that would work and it did not.

I ordered a coupler/repeater (XPCR) to attempt to fix this.  I'm waiting on it.

So in the meantime, I decided to move the appliance module to another location to see if I could get the fans on my equipment rack to automate.  I've got the appliance module turning on and off, however, when I turn it off, it turns itself back on after a few seconds.  I even plugged the FilterLinc into the outlet, plugged all the equipment into the filtered outlet and the appliance module into the through outlet and it did the same thing.

I really appreciate the low cost of the X10 equipment, however, I really need some solutions to all these issues.

Any suggestions would be very much appreciated.

Thank you!

[dave w]

The appliance module (running the dehumidifier) did not work in the outlet until I put a filter on the second plug that had a power strip on it.  Then it worked fine.  For a couple of days anyway.  Now it no longer works.

So in the meantime, I decided to move the appliance module to another location to see if I could get the fans on my equipment rack to automate.  I've got the appliance module turning on and off, however, when I turn it off, it turns itself back on after a few seconds.  Thank you!

First problem sounds like a coupling or noise problem.

Second is probably the fan load on the appliance module re-triggering the "Local Control" module feature, perhaps a thermostat changing state on the fan. This is likely an older Appliance Module. The newer "CFL friendly" Appliance Modules apparently do not have the Local Control feature. Search this forum if you are not familiar with the feature. A simple fix is to use a "cube tap" to put a 7W night light in the circuit.

[Brian H]

Smarthome stock numbers.
2201PH WA12A {that is what they called it}
2208PH WS14A
4040    IR-543
2002   AM466 or PAM02.
You can see if the appliance module has local control with a table lamp. Leave the table lamps local switch on and connect it to the appliance module. Then turn it off. Cycle the local lamps switch from on to off and back to on. If the module turns back on it has local control. Though both the models have had local control removed when they went to a more CFL friendly module.
I would also say it could be noise from the fan being switched off. The small incandescent bulb test may give you more information.

[pbusardo]

Is there a particular module that does not have the "local control" feature or would it be a revision of a model?

Does the AM466 have this feature?

[Brian H]

Unfortunately it is a revision of the same AM466 model number.
Older ones had local control. Newer ones did not.
I believe it is at least a year since the CFL friendly X10 appliance modules where released.
On the back of the module is a small round white sticker. It has a date code on it and it may assist us.
Note they still have a small current on the output to determine if the load is on or off. The noise could even be triggering a newer CFL friendly module. If the fan has some speed settings. Try it at different speeds and see if some act differently.
Try the small light bulb as suggested and let us know if it changes the way the module acts when turned off.

[pbusardo]

Thanks guys.  Disabling the local control with a nightlight has worked.  Now to find a module that does not have local control!

[Brian H]

First did you test to see if yours actually has Local Control?

Turn the appliance module off with an X10 command.
Then with a table lamp in its controlled outlet. See if turning the lamps own switch on and off triggers the appliance module back on. If it does not go back on. It does not have local control. The fans motor noise is getting into the sensor circuit used to see if the relay is on or off.

So looking for a module without local control may not apply if you already have one.

You can always leave the small light bulb load if you already have a newer one without the local control or some have added a resistor across the fan to stop it from going back on.

What is the date code on the modules small white sticker on the back?