Re: Newbie Advice needed

["Robert L. Bass" <robertlbass@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

> The "tucked in the back" wire is white, unattached to the switch, and
> is in addition to a bare ground wire that is connected to the switch.
> Is it still likely that it is ground, rather than the hoped-for
> neutral?

That sounds like it's a neutral wire but you can't be certain without
testing it.

> Asuming it is a neutral wire, and  I therefore have the option of
> using standard switches, is it better to use a standard switch or a
> "RX" model meant for installations where there is no neutral wire
> present?

I'm not sure.  The "Linc" series has been the subject of numerous complaints
here.  Unfortunately, so has almost every other brand of X10-type devices.

> I feel like I must misunderstand the issue, because I only
> inadvertently noticed that SmartHome makes an "RX" switch.  Is it a
> common mistake for people to buy regular switches (e.g. the mass
> market at x10.com) and unexpectedly find they don't work because their
> house has no neutral wire available?  Or am I making a mountain out of
> a molehill, and they just work anyway?

I don't know how common it is, but I've read posts from several folks who
made the same mistake.

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

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