Re: x10 activehome pro

[Marc_F_Hult <MFHult@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Mon, 29 Jan 2007 14:30:30 -0500, "Robert L Bass"
<no-sales-spam@bassburglaralarms> wrote in message
<OcKdnY3Tadpz1yPYnZ2dnUVZ_vyunZ2d@xxxxxxxxxxx>:

>> installing a junction box with duplex
>> outlets connected to each phase
>> immediately adjacent to the entrance
>> panel.
>
>Hmm.  If you do that you ought to use
>bridged breakers to make certain that
>both phases are dead while working
>in the box.
>
>It seems like a good idea, Marc, but
>I'd also check with the local inspector
>to make sure they will approve it unless
>you're only using this as a temporary
>testing point.  The only issue about
>which I'm concerned is the matter of
>two phases in a box supplying 110V
>outlets.  There is the possibility that a
>future owner or worker may switch off
>only one breaker, think the box is dead
>and get a shock.


Yes. Good points. That's what I did. I also used red and black wires for
the hot conductors which is another indicator that the two outlets might be
on two different circuits, and, in this case, on different phases.

As I understand it, and according to Leviton's instructions for their phase
coupler(s) -- I've had two different Leviton couplers -- the US National
Electrical Code (NEC) requires double pole ("bridged")  breakers for the
X-10 phase coupler.

For example, the Leviton product bulletin for the HCA02-10E "System
Amplifier/ Repeater/Coupler Module With Test Signal Generator"  states
clearly:

	"Connects to a 15A double-pole breaker
	or two 15A S.P. breakers equipped with
	handle tie to attach two 120V legs in
	main panel box".

I powered the 'test points' of the duplex outlets from the circuit for the
ACT X-10 phase coupler. So tripping the breaker for one phase opens up both
sets of outlets.  Our local electrical inspector has seen this setup at
least twice and approved w/ sticker additions to panel. (There was other,
much more extensive work done during remodeling.)

As always, folks would be wise to know what the inspector for their
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for the NEC  might have to say about
the matter. That's the opinion that ultimately matters most wrt code
compliance.

... Marc
Marc_F_Hult
www.EControl.org