Re: Automated stairway lights

["Steve Edwards" <edwards_sj@xxxxxxxxx>]

--- In ukha_d@xxxxxxx, "seniorsimon" <simon.ryley@...>
wrote:

> Does anyone have any experience automating two way switched hall or
> stairway lights?

I have done this with X10, I rewired using LD11 units:

http://www.letsautomate.com/10002.cfm?

Although for a retro fit there is now a easier way, you can use a LW12:

http://www.letsautomate.com/11608.cfm?

> bottom of the stairs.  All standard domestic lighting, using mains
> halogen downlighters.

I think the LW12 can switch halogen lights, you'll need to confirm
with Lets Automate.

> The initial plan was PIR ceiling sensors with X10 micro modules
> behind the existing switches, with a CM11 in the system to provide
> the control.  However reading the recent thread about what people
> would change if they could do things again, I was slightly concerned
> about the tales of X10 unreliability.

X10 unreliability is overblown IMHO, while bus systems like idratek
and CBUS are more reliable, X10 is still pretty good.

My X10 controlled hall lighting has so far never failed to turn on at
the correct time, although to be fair, the wireless kit isn't quite as
good.

I have had a couple of problems with kit sending noise on the
powerline which has killed X10 in certain areas, but I have solved it
in both cases with an X10 filter.

> I can't rewire to a proper bus system as its a new build and my wife
> would kill me, so I'm after suggestions or experience for other ways
> to go. We bought the place when fully built, so had zero input into
> the build process, or it would have been floodwired from scratch!

Exactly!

This is the point of X10, it is easier to retrofit.

Cheers

Steve




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