What is X-10?

X-10 are developer and manufacturer of equipment that transmits control signals over the existing 13 amp wiring circuit installed in your home. The signals are typically used to switch lights and appliances on and off around the home automatically. X-10, who have been manufacturing power line-based products since 1978, supply the most prevalent control protocol in the home and claims over 100 million installed units. X-10 remains the only protocol to prove successful in the home, with scores of manufacturers building the protocol into their lighting controllers, security systems, touchscreens, remote controls, thermostats and virtually every other type of microprocessor-based device.

A typical X-10 system requires two key parts:-

1. a method of getting a signal into your wiring system.

2. a component connected to your wiring system that can be switched/dimmed (light switch, appliance, thermostat etc.).

It is also recommended that an X-10 filter is fitted to all X-10 installations to prevent spurious X-10 signals either entering or leaving your property’s wiring system. The filter is fitted at the fuse/breaker box. It should be installed by a qualified eletrician.

How do you get the signal into your electrical wiring system?

There are a number of methods.

1. If you are going to use your PC to control devices, then you can get signals into the mains wiring using the X-10 PC interface and download signalling information from your home automation software. (CM12 computer interface)

2. There are a number of hand operated control units that are available to send radio signals to a small transceiver module plugged into any 13amp socket. Some hand units can also send infra red signals and can be used as an 'all in one' remote control in place of TV/Video controls etc. (Input devices)

3. A number of home automation systems can send signal directly into the mains to control devices.

4. Infra red occupancy sensor for lighting without wall switches or camera activation etc. Works by sending radio signals to transceiver module. (MS13 occupancy sensor)

5. Wireless wall switches send radio signals to a transceiver module to switch lights or appliances. (Radio wall switch)

What components can be activated by X-10?

1. X-10 light switches fitted directly in place of your existing light switch can be switched on, off or dimmed ether locally or remotely. (Light switch)

2. X-10 lamp modules. Plug into any 3 pin 13amp socket. A lamp plugged into this module can be switched on. off or dimmed. (Lamp module)

3. X-10 appliance modules Plug into any 3 pin 13amp socket. An appliance (kettle, electric blanket etc.) plugged into this module can be switched on or off. (Appliance module)

4. DIN rail switches and dimmers. Fit into electrical distribution boxes for switching higher loads. (DIN Modules)

5. Automation controllers. Some controllers can receive X-10 signals and perform a function as a result i.e. switch on a video camera. (Comfort)

PRODUCTS: X-10

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