Re: Water heater eating X-10 signal

["Mr. Land" <graftonfot@xxxxxxxxx>]

On Apr 26, 5:12 pm, "Robert Green" <ROBERT_GREEN1...@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> <grafton...@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
>
> news:1177610519.821852.327210@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
>
>
>
> > On Apr 25, 9:00 pm, "Robert Green" <ROBERT_GREEN1...@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> > > <grafton...@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
>
> > > <stuff snipped>
>
> > > > But what puzzles me is that, in terms of signal strength displayed on
> > > > the ESM-1, there's no difference when the water heater breaker is open
> > > > vs. closed, in spite of the fact that closing that breaker definitely
> > > > causes loss of control of some of my X-10 devices (particularly, my
> > > > front yard lighting.)
>
> > > I might have missed it, but where did you meter from?  I'd rerun the
> tests
> > > with the ESM1 located where the problems occur so that you can see what
> > > effect the above combinations have at the devices giving you trouble.
>
> > > --
> > > Bobby G.
>
> > Hi, and thanks for your reply.
>
> > I used alligator-clip-leads to connect the ESM1 meter to the phase/
> > neutral buses in my main panel.
>
> > My front yard lights are controlled by a WS467 wall switch.  Were you
> > suggesting connecting the ESM1 at the site of the wall switch?
>
> Do you know if there are any outlets on that run?  I would try to get the
> meter as close to the actual problem load (as opposed to the problem source)
> as possible.  My guess is that somehow, the water heater wiring is shunting
> the X-10 signal to ground somewhere.  It sounds like whenever that circuit
> is active, whether drawing large amounts of power or not, it reliably
> "steps" on your porch light signal.
>
> What brand/model of water heater is this?  Maybe the documentation can shed
> some light on what's happening.
>
> --
> Bobby G.

It's a GE 50 gallon, sold at Home Depot.

I like your idea - connecting the ESM1 at the WS467 - that's my next
step.

Thank you very much.