X10 outlet trouble

[jumbodogs]

I have a X10 outlet not working. When I send off command I hear two light sounding ticks ... tick tick .... not the normally heavy sound they make. I got this meter from AO yesterday and did some testing. I think the signal is strong enough. The bars go about 1/2 way up. I wonder if the outlet is shot?

 

[BLH]

1/2 way up is around 2.5 volts and should be plenty of signal.
The tick tick tick. Is the module trying a few times to turn on. There is a small plastic actuator in them that moves the ratchet to change its state on or off. The plastic arm has been known to break and that maybe your problem.

There is some data on the failure including some photos here. Under Super Socket failures.
http://www.idobartana.com/hakb/index.htm

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

I had an X-10 outlet go and that was the first signs (that ticking sound).

 

[jumbodogs]

If I have to replace what would be a setup in quality for them?

 

[oberkc]

If I have to replace what would be a setup in quality for them?

I don't think physical quality of devices is necessarily related to being X-10. Some X-10 devices are better than others.

 

[jumbodogs]

The outlet that my pool pump is plugged into is doing the samething ... Tick Tick Tick sound then I got it to turn on but it won't shut off. The outlet is in a water proof box but I don't think they like being outside. I was going to switch to a appliance module seeing how they are cheap and easy to replace if it did go but they are only rated for 1/3 hp motor and my pool pump is 1hp.

So I am looking for suggestions for controlling my pool pump. I use Girder and have a ELK, Ocelot, and X10 setup in my house.

 

[Jrock]

I have 12 X-10 outlets outside. Except for normal X-10 reliability issues they have been working fine outside for the past 5 years. One of the outlets is the split one (top is always on, bottom is switched) and last year I had the same problem with that outlet. However, if I unplugged the load it worked fine.

edit: spelling

 

[electron]

IMO, you have 2 options. Get a heavy duty PCS 20A relay to control the pump (which is what I do, but you will also need a UPB PIM), or get a RIB (relay-in-a-box) which you can control with a Universal module (the thought of X10 controlling your big pumps is just scary tho )

 

[mustangcoupe]

Cast,

In your case I would use a RIB and trigger that from elk relays

 

[Rupp]

If I have to replace what would be a setup in quality for them?

If you can find any more of these on fleBay they are excellent and last much longer outside.
http://www.smarthome.com/2000BE/Black-Deck...e-FWLROD/p.aspx

I use these similar Z-Wave out door modules now that I'm switching to newer protocols.
http://store.homeseer.com/store/HA-04WD---...on-P771C41.aspx

 

[Rupp]

The outlet that my pool pump is plugged into is doing the samething ... Tick Tick Tick sound then I got it to turn on but it won't shut off. The outlet is in a water proof box but I don't think they like being outside. I was going to switch to a appliance module seeing how they are cheap and easy to replace if it did go but they are only rated for 1/3 hp motor and my pool pump is 1hp.

So I am looking for suggestions for controlling my pool pump. I use Girder and have a ELK, Ocelot, and X10 setup in my house.

This is a heavy duty controller (Z-Wave):
http://store.homeseer.com/store/ELK-9200-H...K-P740C101.aspx

 

[Kevin L]

If I have to replace what would be a setup in quality for them?

If you can find any more of these on fleBay they are excellent and last much longer outside.
http://www.smarthome.com/2000BE/Black-Deck...e-FWLROD/p.aspx

I use these similar Z-Wave out door modules now that I'm switching to newer protocols.
http://store.homeseer.com/store/HA-04WD---...on-P771C41.aspx

I've been trying to find similar items for outside that are dimmable. Anyone know of any?

Thanks,

Kevin

 

[Rupp]

I've been trying to find similar items for outside that are dimmable. Anyone know of any?

Thanks,

Kevin

I've never seen any outside dimmable modules but you could always wrap an X10 lamp module in a baggie and use that. I used one of these for 3 or 4 years before it died and they are cheap enough to replace.

 

[jumbodogs]

No X10 modules that I can use with a 1HP motor?

 

[Kevin L]

I've been trying to find similar items for outside that are dimmable. Anyone know of any?

Thanks,

Kevin

I've never seen any outside dimmable modules but you could always wrap an X10 lamp module in a baggie and use that. I used one of these for 3 or 4 years before it died and they are cheap enough to replace.

Thanks. Any other module that might be more reliable than X10? I have HomeSeer Pro for control.

Kevin