UPB and AFCI ?

[knut]

My automation plan is to control a number of UPB switches from my Elk.

My electrical rough-in now has started, and my electrician is predicting that I won't be able to send signals to UPB switches that are behind AFCIs.

True ?
Any special precautions or work-arounds ?

Thank you
Knut

 

[Digger]

My automation plan is to control a number of UPB switches from my Elk.

My electrical rough-in now has started, and my electrician is predicting that I won't be able to send signals to UPB switches that are behind AFCIs.

True ?
Any special precautions or work-arounds ?

Thank you
Knut

My brother in law ran into that over a year ago in someones house when he installed Insteon on a bedroom circuit that had an AFCI. He pulled it out and put in UPB and it was fine. UPB has a 40 V signal where Insteon only has a 5 V signal and is just to weak. Insteon users call GFCI's, AFCI's and UPS's (amongst other devices) signal suckers because they basically kill the signal since it is only 5 V to start with. UPB being stronger has less problems (not swearing it will work 100% of the time but it has a strong track record).

It would also depend on other variables but you will probably be fine. Unfortunately you will have to try it to be sure.

I forgot you asked for workarounds. With Insteon you can add accesspoints near devices that can not communicate (there are threads on Techmall where some people use up to 10 or 12 in a large install). They simply plug into the nearest outlet on the same circuit and "may" fix your problem. With UPB there really is no band aid approach but as I mentioned earlier usually is not necessary in the first place.

My opinion is that if you were to add up all of the "extras" you need to buy to get INsteon to work for many installs (extra accesspoints and filters) it is more expensive then UPB. However if you are lucky you wont need the band aides to get the system to work.

 

[Neurorad]

Hey, Knutson?

I enjoyed the Tom's Hardware piece, that royal/Jamie posted.

Thanks for mentioning CT.

Do you write other types of papers/articles, for your 'real' job?

 

[ano]

I have a pretty large UPB installation with 60+ switches, and updated several breakers to AFCI. No change. I can't say UPB is 100% troublefree, but at least AFCI isn't one of them.

P.S. You'd be surprised how many of us on this board are professional tech writers. ;-)

 

[Neurorad]

I'd love it if authors would share links, when they get things published.

Ano (and Knutson, if that's you), please share.

 

[ano]

My last name is "nogee". Just add that in Google with "wireless" and you should get some.

 

[Neurorad]

Wow, sir. Your 'web presence' is impressive.

I'll PM you when I have trouble setting up a second access point.

j/k

 

[ano]

Wow, sir. Your 'web presence' is impressive.

I'll PM you when I have trouble setting up a second access point.

j/k

It's a job that keep's the automated switches in the wall.