Re: which x10 transceiver module to use?

[nobody@xxxxxxxxxxxx (Dave Houston)]

arnie <parvezat6@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

>thanks for the reply
>Yes you are right, all the insteon/x10 devices are being placed in the
>two phases [110V/50Hz each] coming from the step down transformer.
>According to your view.If i place my PLC on one phase and an x10
>device on another phase. When i send a command to PLC let say ON/OFF
>command for an x10 device [on another phase], then the command will be
>going via the step down transformer's secondary windings. Ok if we
>assume this is the reason. Then in the USA where the people are using
>generally 2-phases [110V/50Hz] will also have this problem? I mean to
>ask then in such case will also the command signal travel down to the
>outside/street transformer?
>I may be wrong in my assumption.
>Thanks
>Arnie

Most USA residential distribution uses two 120V/60Hz phases that are derived
in the same way as you are deriving two phases, with a center-tapped
secondary, so the zero crossings coincide in time but are 180° apart in
phase. However, the step-down transformer has a 7200V or (usually) higher
primary and is usually some distance from the residence. Coupling should be
better with your test setup but will probably depend on the transformer. You
can bridge the two secondary phases using a 0.1µF/600V capacitor (it should
be enclosed for safety).

Most people in the USA find they need either a passive coupler (e.g. a
capacitor) or active coupler/repeater to couple the two phases.

With three phase power, the zero crossings are 120° apart in phase with none
coincident in time, and you need to couple each phase with each other phase.
Your PLC interface only sends for a single phase so you will need a
different PLC interface for a 3-phase system.

You can buy X-10 components for 240V/50Hz or you can modify 120V/60Hz
devices (there are instructions on the web). I'll let Anand (who has
experience with all of this in your country) handle the details.