Re: Switch Module for Complact Fluorescent Bulbs

["Jeff Volp" <JeffVolp@xxxxxxx>]

"Marc_F_Hult" <MFHult@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:qjhtv2tg8706ak2jnmjetrnf6ljvgrgv5f@xxxxxxxxxx
> On Mon, 19 Mar 2007 11:39:46 -0400, Stan Rinkunas
> <stop.rink01sfr.spam@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
> <j4btv29ush69lhr5uivh79i4fcbngc00qp@xxxxxxx>:
>
>>Does anyone know of modules for fully in-outlet-box mounting that has
>>a true switch or relay with open contacts - not a solid state switch.
>>
>>I want to use the new commonly available CF bulbs and have my control
>>modules mounted in the outlet boxes.  I am open to consider any HA
>>system that has these modules.  I prefer not to have to buy "special"
>>CF bulbs.
>>
> X-10 dimmer switches are a different matter in part because many (eg
> WS467)
> X-10 dimmers don't have a direction connection to neutral and derive the
> power they need to operate through the lamp filament. These
> characteristically do not work with only typical fluorescent lamps in the
> circuit. Adding a small incandescent in parallel can solve the problem.
> There are, of course, also fluorescent-friendly X-10 switches. They
> should/will be identified as such by the manufacturer and retailer.

Leviton makes a X10 compatible relay switch that works flawlessly with CFLs.
We use the older "red line" 16293.  That has been replaced by the
electronically programmable "green line" HCS10-1SW, which should work just
as well.  That switch has a neutral connection so the signal return does
pass through the switched load.

I recommend installing the small Leviton 6287 noise block in series with the
power feeding any CFLs.  That will prevent noise generated by certain kinds
of CFLs from reaching the X10 switch.

Jeff