Anyone using X10 or similar systems? - Electrician Talk - Professional Electrical Contractors Forum

Tapeman · 04-17-2009, 08:11 PM

I have an application for remote switching and am thinking of an X10 or similar type of system. I have not installed any of these but have run across them.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

Mr. Sparkle · 04-17-2009, 08:46 PM

I don't know much about high end automation and such but for simple remote switching the X10 technology seems to work fine.

itsunclebill · 04-17-2009, 09:01 PM

I think Insteon is a better product. It really depends on what you are doing.

I worked with X-10 for years and it worked pretty well but it requires you to install all the recommended filters and couplers, sometimes in multiples, to be reliable.

Insteon appears to have stronger signals and is less susceptible to line noise.

BEAMEUP · 04-17-2009, 11:07 PM

Z-wave is the "next generation" of x-10 type of devices on the market. I'm currently working on a custome house with a ferw hundred of the devices with a Lagotek brand home automation system. It's real easy to install.

TOOL_5150 · 04-18-2009, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsunclebill

I think Insteon is a better product. It really depends on what you are doing.

I worked with X-10 for years and it worked pretty well but it requires you to install all the recommended filters and couplers, sometimes in multiples, to be reliable.

Insteon appears to have stronger signals and is less susceptible to line noise.

I feel the same. X10 is a good thought - but sometimes just doesnt work 'right'

~Matt

calimurray · 04-20-2009, 06:45 AM

You should try auora RA or Radio Ra, from lutron, Aurora RA is easy to use and is inexpensive, Radio RA is the same but more expensive.

X10 is Alright but I would go for the Aurora RA system, all you do is install there switches which are receivers wherever you want, and then place a transmitter somewhere and wall ah!You can control up to 7 scenes on this system which is expandable, and from your car to.

Fredman · 04-20-2009, 08:12 AM

http://www.webmtn.com/products/products.php?cat=UPB

Web Mountain (UPB) is X-10 on steroids

- Most high end custom home irrigation guys use this in our area when it absolutely positively must work each and every time. There are some BS claims on the net about some dimmers screwing with operation of these products

- the info is provided by thier competitors of course. Ive worked with the products. Very high quality. No cheap crap here. If you want reliability you need to pay more - like everything else I guess.

Tapeman · 04-20-2009, 07:45 PM

I am only looking to control two maybe three flood lights from two or three locations at this time. I would prefer that the switch modules match normal toggle switches, not the Decora style that most of these products feature.

I think that narrows it down to X-10 pro. I have requested information from a couple of manufacturers, but I will have to make a decision soon.

The home owner may want additional units and I have just finished installing over 40 switches and there are probably another 50 in the house so changing out all of the switches is not a likely option.

calimurray · 04-20-2009, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tapeman

I am only looking to control two maybe three flood lights from two or three locations at this time. I would prefer that the switch modules match normal toggle switches, not the Decora style that most of these products feature.

I think that narrows it down to X-10 pro. I have requested information from a couple of manufacturers, but I will have to make a decision soon.

The home owner may want additional units and I have just finished installing over 40 switches and there are probably another 50 in the house so changing out all of the switches is not a likely option.

The Aurora Ra system comes with toggle switches