Re: XPS3 Strangeness

["Jeff Volp" <JeffVolp@xxxxxxx>]

"Robert L Bass" <RobertLBass@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:oRnSj.14368$E77.6977@xxxxxxxxxxx
> "Jeff Volp" wrote:
>>
>> UL approved components are used in the high-voltage section.  Both the
>> XTB and XTB-IIR are fused.  Trace separation in the high voltage section
>> exceeds UL requirements.  I did investigate UL testing and also an
>> alternate testing laboratory, but the cost was prohibitive.  The price of
>> these units would have to double to ever recover the cost, and that would
>> put them beyond the reach of most X10 users.  Most of us don't have deep
>> pockets like some of the other automation users who contribute to this
>> group.
>
> Jeff,
>
> Just curious.  How much does UL want for the initial certification?  Once
> that's done would you have to pay annually to maintain the listing?  Also,
> would they require re-certification after firmware changes?  I know that
> with security and fire alarms every minor change in hardware or firmware
> has to be certified.  Even the manuals go through UL.  I don't know if
> it's quite that bad with non-life safety components though.

UL estimated 6K to 14K, depending on the level of testing.  In addition,
they require a semi-annual inspection of the "production facility" to
maintain the rating.  I don't know how much that costs.  The other
independent testing laboratory estimated $4800 to $5500 just for testing,
plus annual inspections.  My entire net from this project in 2006 was $2433.
Clearly, prices would have to increase to cover testing.

A couple of XTB-II/R owners did their own "safety testing" by either losing
the neutral reference or connecting the 120V input directly across 240V.
That pops the MOVs, and causes one or both fuses to open.  The carbonized
MOVs can look ugly, but the unit is easily repaired.  The cases on all units
are UL rated flame-retardant ABS plastic designed to contain any major
failure.  Other than smell, there was no evidence of the damage until the
cases were opened.

The 3-phase unit has components rated for 240V operation, so a lost neutral
will only result in the unit not working.  Obviously, there is no
overvoltage issue when the unit is connected properly.

Jeff