X10 FAQ

Q: Can I replace a standard wall switch that controls an electrical outlet with an X10 wall switch?

A: Most X10 compatible wall switches are capable of dimming incandescent lights. If you plugged something other than an incandescent lamp into the wall outlet controlled by an X10 dimmer switch, you would run the risk of damaging the device as well as creating a potential fire hazard at the switch (they are only rated for 500 watts). It is therefore NOT advisable to do this -- you could burn down your house!

Q: Why won't my TM751 Transceiver respond to X10 powerline signals? Is it defective?

A: It's not defective. The TM751 (the transceiver included with the X-10 Firecracker kit) does not receive X10 powerline signals. It can only receive X10 wireless RF signals, which it translates into X10 powerline signals then transmits these signals onto the powerline. The TM751 can be used as an appliance module, as long as you plan on controlling it from a wireless controller or the firecracker. In addition, it does not allow the user to set the module number (it is always #1), but you can change the house code.

Q: Are all of the different brands of X10 automation equipment compatible?
A: There are many companies out there selling X10 equipment, and as long as they use the X10 standard, they should all be compatible. Many users do not even realize they are using X10 -- Radio Shack, for example, markets X10 modules and controllers under the name Plug & Power. The Plug & Power units are just OEM modules that are identical to the X-10 Powerhouse brand, with minor cosmetic changes. Other popular brands are RCA, Stanley, IBM Home Director and Leviton; there are others.

Q: Is the X-10 Activehome software Year-2000 compliant?
A: Version 1.32 (and above) of the Activehome software is Y2K compliant, and is available from the X-10 web site at
http://www.x10.com/support/support_soft1.htm

Prior versions do not seem to be compliant.

The IBM Home Director Y2K patch can be found at:
http://www.pc.ibm.com/us/homedirector/tech_support.html

Q: Are all of the different brands of X10 automation equipment compatible?
A: There are many companies out there selling X10 equipment, and as long as they use the X10 standard, they should all be compatible. Many users do not even realize they are using X10 -- Radio Shack, for example, markets X10 modules and controllers under the name Plug & Play.

The Home Automation Zone