Re: X10 Home Automation and Physical Security

[Robert L Bass <sales@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> I am new to the automation arena and have a computer security background
> so I am thinking with my "paranoid" hat on now.

Good thinking.  A little paranoia goes a long way.

> Our house has a couple of external outlets for convience while doing yard
> work and other activities. Looking to install some X10 devices and maybe a
> security system in the future.
>
> Could someone with physical access potentially impact the X10 devices on
> the inside of the house?

Yes.

> I am generally thinking lights and appliances but
> also the security system if the control panel is able
> to talk X10.

***Never*** allow your security to be controlled via X10.
There's no protection against inadvertent or deliberate acts
which can disable your protection.

> realize that they would need some kind of controller and/or laptop while
> standing in front of our house.

There are filters which can block X10 signals coming in from
external outlets.  However, the technology is too easily breached
to be used as an input to your security system.  As a
convenience, you can certainly use X10 outputs from the security
or home automation system to control non-critical services.
Anything that is as critical as security, fire alarm, etc.,
should not depend on X10 nor (for that matter) should X10 be the
only means of operating anything critical.

If you need help designing something, feel free to post more
questions here or ask me directly.  I run an online store selling
security and home automation stuff.  Email is the best way to
reach me as I'm presently (Jan-Apr, 2006) in Brazil.

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

Bass Burglar Alarms
The Online DIY Store
http://www.BassBurglarAlarms.com