Need help understanding X-10 light control

[TheForce]

OK, I know the basics of X-10. I have a ton of systems in my house already.

But I have this weird issue with one X-10 light control that has baffled me for many months and I finally got around today in debugging the problem enough to know what to do to fix it. However, I would like to understand what caused it.

The light is on a breaker that also has a window AC and a few wall outlets with nothing plugged in.

The problem is when I turn on the light, I can't shut it off. At one time I thought the problem fixed itself but today I realize it was just a repeatable condition I can now replicate.

The condition is that If the AC is running the compressor (cooling) the light can be turned on but not off. If I shut off the AC, I can now turn off the light with the X-10 remote controller. It works 100% without fail. When the AC with compressor is on, I can only turn the light on but can shut it off.

To fix this weird problem I plan to move the light with X-10 module to another circuit, off the AC circuit, allowing the AC to have its own breaker.
I haven't tested this yet but that's the plan.


Anyone with ideas out there on this? I don't understand how the AC can prevent the X10 on the same breaker from shutting off, yet turn on just fine. Other X-10 modules located throughout the house work fine. A test X10 module plugged into one of the additional outlets on the troubled circuit breaker works fine. The test of Ground faults and other electrical issues proved normal neutral and normal ground, proper voltage on the hot.


Help!

 

[AllieVi]

I’ve been using X-10 since the early ‘80’s and never had a situation like you describe. Quite a strange problem.

Have you tried substituting a different module for the one on the lamp to eliminate the possibility that the module itself may be the problem?

The only thought I have is that when the A/C compressor is running, the signal path through it offers a lot less resistance to the signal than the module does. As a result, less signal will pass through the module. The specific digital code for turning off may be attenuated beyond the module’s signal threshold or electronic noise generated by the compressor may in some way interfere with the code. To determine if it’s code specific, you could try using a switching to a different one.

 

[TheForce]

Thanks, Allie

I've tried those things too. Moving to different number code as well as isolating that light on it's own House code with a separate controller. The actual light is a complex fixture. It is an outdoor light with motion detector, day / night photocell and X10 remote.

For now I did make the breaker box switch to another breaker that only has one Kitchen outlet on it. Problem gone! It was an easy fix, but I still don't understand why this problem was happening in the first place.

 

[AllieVi]

… but I still don't understand why this problem was happening in the first place.

Sometimes, X-10 problems can be vexing.

Are you aware of the newer technology, Insteon? I got interested in it a while back as a replacement, but haven’t bought anything. That system is more sophisticated and can also control X-10 devices. Google it for more information.

 

[docpadds]

I have found for a few of my lights that an appliance module, or a real outlet module, have worked better then the light modules. You loose the ability to dim the light but beyond that they seem far more solid and reliable.

That said, nothing works when my microwave runs, which is moderately worrying LOL

 

[Ronald_Jeremy]

It is the A/C causing noise in the lines.

Pick up an x10 xppf from EBAY and put it on the A/C. It will prevent interference from feeding from the A/C to the rest of the circuit. I have had this a couple of times in my house with various electronics.

Used to solve it by putting the offending equipment on a ratshack a/c (alternating current not air conditioner) line filter, but they are no longer available.

Got the x10 xppf from ebay a lot cheaper than from the x10 pro store.

This most recently happened when I replaced a power supply on my PC a few weeks ago. Got it all hooked up and everything on the circuit that was x10 would work sporadically. Even with the PC off. After trouble-shooting I found that if I unplugged the PC completely everything worked fine. Put one of the filters on it and problem solved.

You will see a post from me on the next page about an A/C Line interference filter. That is why I needed it!!!