Home Automation Frequently Asked Questions

What is X 10?
There are a number of companies making X10 products. The name X10 is actually a one of the companies sometimes called X10 Powerhouse. I gather the "Power lline carrier" technology was either not patentable or the patents expired, so there are many companies making them. The products are being called "x10 compatible" so they are communicate with each ohter no matter what company made them.

Some of the companies that make them are IBM, Stanley and Levition (a high quality electrical component manufacture.) 90% of the homes with home automation use some version of X10, the others are hard wired. I first purchased X10 in the 70t’s they were then called BSR. I believe BSR was purchased or changed their name to X10.

If there is something you want to do just email me, there probably is some X10 product will do it. At this time, I have only one vendor who carries a lot of x10 stuff, but not everything and not every make. Home Automation what is it?
Home automation can be simply be described. It is using X-10 receivers on lights and appliances with a programmable console to automatically turn the lights on or off. This is an over simplification. There is so much equipment available today, that you can remote control just about everything in the home. Examples are the best way to describe Home Automation. See X-10 Tips.

How does the X-10 work?
X-10 uses an "old" technology that sends a signal through the 120v AC line called power line carrier technology. What that meens is it uses the power line to send a signal. AC is at zero 2 times a second, so during this time a signal be sent without interference from the AC. When it was first researched critics said it is impossible to stabilize because of the interference from the 120v AC. There is now research in transmitting of voice and TV and computer communication over the 120V AC line! If possible this will open up more competition for the cable and phone industries.

Do you have a catalog?
No. Since I purchase from large dealers the only catalog I have access to is theirs with of course their prices and addresses.

What if my neighbor is using X-10, will I be turning on his lights also?
All the modules have a house code as well as the module number. The house code is from letters A to P so if a neighbor has X-10 you just need to use a different house code. You can use different house codes within your home for controls that you do not what everyone to have control over. Like the master bedroom. Do you want your children to be able to turn on your lights in your bedroom?

Is X-10 subject to power problems like computers?
Yes, they can be. It's dependent on the stability of the area. You will know when the X-10 is installed for a while. They could go off or on without reason and they could cease to function. There are available surge protectors for the whole house. They range in the couple of hundreds and will protect you home entertainment and computer as well. A licensed electrician needs to install it and can be retrofitted also you may need a building permit.

Is there any wiring to do?
The only wiring to do is to replace the existing 120V light switches and 120 volt receptacles you want to remote control. If you use the in line modules these will need to be wired as well. Most of the lights and appliances you want controlled will be controlled by plugged in modules.

What is the limit to the number of devices that can be controlled?
In any one house code the limit is 16 devices. The number if house codes 16 from A to P.

How am I going to decide what I need?
First you need to look at all the information on our site. Like our Beam Central Vacuum site we strive to keep it simple. As I mentioned there is a lot of X-10 home automation equipment available from simple and inexpensive to complicated and expensive. We are not offering all that is available but have selected the equipment that would most suits the average home. Once you know what can be remote controlled you simply think about what you want to remote control. See Tips for examples.

What if I do not see how to solve my problem?
Please fell free to email your "project". If possible we will give you solutions which could included modules not covered on our site.

Can two modules have the same number?
Yes, but not recomended.

I what to turn off and on a phone, (so I can sleep). How can I do that?
Here are two ways that I can think of..

Purchase a low volt X10 control and wire it to "break" one line of the phone line wires (red and green) and wire it to a phone jack.
The only other way to turn off a phone with a X10 module is to use get a applicance module and plug in a 120 volt double pole double throw relay into the module. Here is the plans for a project. You will need to make a box for the relay and wire a 120 volt plug to the relay power contacts. Then wire the output to a phone jack mounted in the box. This would be wired to the relays NO or the NC contact depending on what you need. Remember the relay will be energized when turned on by the module this will flip the contacts to NC. You have a choice of having the relay energize turning the the phone is on and in its resting state with the phone will be off or energized turning the phone is off and in its resting state the phone will be on. Your choice. You need some electronics experience to do this project.

How do I control lights or appliances away from home?
With the Telephone Transponder plugged in at your home you can call and it will answer then you can control your modules and other x10 receivers.

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P.O. Box 829	California Contractors License 618599
Forest Knolls, CA 94933	California ACO License 3699