Ok, it seems like X10 may be a bad word here, but hear me out. Now that the Elk is working (wonderfully, I might add), the next thing I want to do is control ceiling fans based on temperature. Searching e-bay I see that there are tons of rocker switches for 5-10 bucks each and I can even control the speed of the fan. It seems the major problem with X10 has been reliability. Knock on wood, I have not had a problem here with the few X10 devices I have. They always seem to do what they are supposed to. So, considering I would likely have to drop down several hundred to get started in Insteon, UPB or whatever, why shouldn't I try some X10 switches? Can they be dangerous at all? Is there any other reason other than reliability not to part with a few bucks and see what happens?
X10 Wall Switches for Fans
- Thread starter mstarks01
- Start date
The two wire X10 dimming switches that steal power through the load will not work correctly.
They do have X10 wall switches with a mechanical switch in them. They are made for things like fans. Since they do not steal power through the load. They also need a Neutral power wire in the switch box; along with the Line and Load.
X10Pro also makes a in fixture module if that can be mounted in the fans electrical box. If it has enough room in it.
They do have X10 wall switches with a mechanical switch in them. They are made for things like fans. Since they do not steal power through the load. They also need a Neutral power wire in the switch box; along with the Line and Load.
X10Pro also makes a in fixture module if that can be mounted in the fans electrical box. If it has enough room in it.
X10 is not a bad word here, many Cocooners still use it successfully. If you want to control the speed of the fan, there are only 2 X10 compatible switches I can think of right now which would allow you to do this (any others will just shorten the motor's lifespan, and create a loud humming noise), but this would be the switch I recommend:
Lightolier CCWHISPLC-X
It's expensive, but it's probably the best switch of its kind out there. I can't remember the other manufacturer/brand, but I am sure someone can post that info.
Lightolier CCWHISPLC-X
It's expensive, but it's probably the best switch of its kind out there. I can't remember the other manufacturer/brand, but I am sure someone can post that info.
Rupp
Senior Member
While not inexpensive these switches were designed for ceiling fans. I have 5 and they work flawlessly. All three speeds can be controlled. I use HomeSeer to adjust my fan speeds at night depending on what the temps are in my bedroom.
http://www.automatedoutlet.com/product.php?productid=87
http://www.automatedoutlet.com/product.php?productid=87
For that price it would probably make more sense to invest in a more robust HA technology. I can't see paying almost a hundred bucks for an X10 wall switch. But thank you, anyway.
Isn't this a z-wave fan control? Leviton Z-Wave?
I personally think the Vizia line is ugly - I would prefer a standard paddle switch.. I am going OnQ/ALC for lighting, but I might end up going z-wave for door locks and fans...
Monk
Active Member
Indeed it is - I have one, works great.
I especially like the ability to:
A. Set the fan manually to its lowest speed
B. Set the Z-Wave switch speed to its lowest speed.
Of course it doesn't take a Z-Wave switch to do this, but I really like a really slow fan speed most often. A 3 speed control device effectively gives you 9 fan speeds from a 3 speed fan.
That last line really confused me.. How does it give you 9 speeds exactly? I think I am going to miss my lutron fan switch, it had a canopy module - but that gave me 7 speeds.
Monk
Active Member
With the fan controller set on its lowest speed, you are able to change the speed at the fan to 3 different speeds. Fan controller on medium, 3 more speeds at the fan, fan controller on high, 3 more.
They are the same speeds on the fan, giving different results each time you change the speed on the fan controller.
I usually leave the fan on it's lowest speed.
drozwood90
Senior Member
I have one of those Compose switches I'd be willing to sell + SH.
The wife and I had fans in the last house. In the new house, we don't have any...so it seems pointless for me to have the switch.
--Dan
The wife and I had fans in the last house. In the new house, we don't have any...so it seems pointless for me to have the switch.
--Dan
jumbodogs
Member
I installed a XPDI3 x10 last night but its making a humming noise and I don't like the way the dimmer works on it would be nice if it just went to 3 set levels like the zwave switch that was mentioned. I hope to get some more time later today to play around with this but I wouldn't recommend this switch. I really don't change fan speed that much so for me I am just going to get non dimming model for now.
RAM
Active Member
I might be interested. How much (with S&H) to zip 55117?
