X10 problems (not ad related)

As I've stated before, I'm an X10 junkie. I love the products (mainly the lighting ones).

I recently bought wall switch modules so I can control ceiling lights and an outdoor light with the system. My problem comes in the wiring stage, adn I figured this would be the best place to ask.

I followed the instructions in the attached pamphlet. I set the code, turned off the breaker, and unscrewed the wall plate and old switch. Then I ran into the problem.

My current switch has 3 wires running into it instead of 2 as the instruction say. No, it isn't a 3 way circuit. Only one switch turns the light on. I found the same thing in the other switch I wanted to wire. It appears all of my switches have three wires running to it. Furthermore, all the wires are white sheethed (sp?).

Any ideas on what I should do?

I have no clue what the answer to you question is, but I just wanted to say how amusing and ironic your message subject line was.

The fact that you had to say "not ad related" says a lot for the company's marketing techniques.

One is a ground maybe? Use an ohm meter and see which connections on the old switch are important.

I like X10 too, but those damn wall switches break too easily for me taste. I put two in and they both broke within six months.

From the lets slam it again department:

...but those damn wall switches break too easily...

Me too. I gave up on the whole concept cause things (not only the switches) just kept cra**ing out.

damn, that sucks! well I'll give it a whirl. I've only had one lamp module crap out on me I think. and that's in 3 years of use, so I'm doing okay (knocks on wood desk).

I don't have anything to add about your actual problem, but...

I'm sure this has been said before, but X10.com isn't the only place to get x10 stuff. X10 is a standard that multiple companies use and it's all interoperable. That being said, all my x10 stuff comes from x10.com, but I havn't bought any since they stopped having good sales and started thier massive advertising campaign.

All the X10 protocol stuff I've seen looks like it's just rebranded stuff from X10.com, or maybe X10.com rebrands someone else's stuff, or maybe they both rebrand stuff from a third party. Whatever it is, that won't help the problem with poor quality. Are you (or anyone) aware of another company that makes X10 protocol stuff?

I couldn't tell from your post, but if you current switch has two terminals, with two wires running to one and one to the other then this is no problem. Your sparky has just connected something else to the live side of the switch.

If you have three wires running into three seperate terminals, then I have no idea. Sorry

PeterK

Are you (or anyone) aware of another company that makes X10 protocol stuff?

RadioShack probably doesn't make it but I would sooner buy from them than give X10.com a single penny.

sure. leviton makes a line of x10-compatible devices that blow away x10's own line in terms of features and reliability. they're more expensive, to be sure, but they're not simply rebranded x10 devices. check 'em out on smarthome.

--dan.

Yeah, that smarthome site is where I look for all the cool stuff.

X10 carries what they say are RCA modules that were acquired from RCA. Supposedly they got the rest of their stock and have "limited supplies". Of course, supplies have been limited on those for 2 years

That's another funny thing they do on their own site. Some "promotional offers" last forever, and they keep changing the end date.

Overall, X10 reminds me of used car dealers.

But one thing I will say on their behalf, they have 24 hour sales and technical support that is friendly, helpful, and you don't have to wait on the phone for very long. That's more than I can say for almost any company out there, especially one that seems to be doing well and has less than admirable advertising techniques.

I still stand by my x10 system. I absolutely love it

Yea...I do have to agree with the quality, I've got a bunch of their stuff, and not had any problems with it...I've even got a pair of lava lamps that can be turned on and off from my webcam page....Good thing no one has played around with it and tried turning on and off my main room light

I've been looking at the X10 controlable thermostat over at smarthome, but $200+ for that is a bit much for my blood...