problems with X10 signal

[Steve]

And I am not sure how the apartment manager would respond to me installing a phase coupler at the electrical panel (even being neat and all, their is those pesky liability issues to worry about). Is there an easy way to install a capacitor into the electrical box that will bridge the signal locally at the box.

Maybe it's just me, but I fail to see how a home rigged (albeit proper) fix would be more acceptable than a properly installed UL listed device? If I were the apt manager I would rather see the latter. I also believe electrical code dictates no 'circuitry' in a breaker panel, only wiring.

I'm no attorney, but I would think a separate UL listed phase coupler would be the 'safest' option and incur the least liabilty for you.

That being said, the capacitor/inductor route would work. You can see it documented fairly nicely HERE. Good luck.

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

I re-read your entire post and have a few comments.

I think, for the time being, I am going to try using a BoosterLinc (which I just ordered, should arrive on Friday) and place it on the side of the master bedroom that is receiving X10 signals, and see if that amplifies the signal enough to get those 3 lights to work

The boosterlinc did not seem to help much getting stuff over to the second phase.

You may want to try placing the boosterlinc on an outlet near the Power Line Interface instead. This way it will amplify a cleaner signal (that may "punch through to the other phase) rather than just amplifying the possible "noise" that is on the signal in the master bedroom.

And was looking at the insides of the circuit breaker box, which DOES NOT have a main shutoff for that particular box

I have seen this in businesses and apartments. Since there is no way to make that box "cold" you will have to use extreme caution when adding/modifying/wiring anything inside it, especially if the two main bus bars are exposed.

I also have to agree with Steve's comments above. If you are going to "modify" and add hardware to that panel box, why not just get a phase coupler/repeater? I realize that the other statement Steve said is true (no hardware is supposed to be installed inside a breaker box), but it seems you are going to modify and add an item to the box anyways.