Re: What can I replace this latching relay system with?

On Sun, 30 Jul 2006 00:00:35 -0400, Marc_F_Hult
<MFHult@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
<u49oc25cfqaq4vfq4n4k6etfpbbes7nib0@xxxxxxx>:


OK. Then here's a $60 solution that allows for conventional home
automation.

It is, as best I know, a novel approach -- leastwise I've never seen it
described before -- that would also satisfy many/most Authorities Having
Jurisdiction (AHJ; aka inspectors) of the US National Electrical Cod
(NEC) Jist this geologist's opinion to be shure ... ;-)

1) Install an INSTEON ICON dimmer ($19.99) at the wall switch location.
Connect the black and white (hot and neutral) of the dimmer to the
primary of a UL listed, low-voltage transformer such as those used for
doorbell installation. They are available for ~$10 at your local Big Box.
The red wire on the dimmer is unused (put a wire nut on it). Connect the
secondary connections of the transformer to two of the low-voltage wires
that go to the ceiling box. Bypass (interconnect ) both primaries to both
secondaries using 0.1 or 0.2ufd 300VAC mylar or other high-frequency,
non-polar capacitor (more on this later). This provides for the INSTEON
signal to get across the transformer which attenuates high frequency.

2) At the ceiling,conventionally connect the ceiling lamp (i.e., the
load) to the AC line using an INSTEON inline dimmer or (essentially the
same thing, except 1/2 the price) an INSTEON ICON dimmer (with the switch
plate removed if you prefer). Also connect a transformer *identical* to
the one at the wall switch to the neutral and hot (Black and white wire)
and also bypass the transformer with two capacitors as with the one at
the wall switch.

3) Set this up using the tap-to-program manner of having one INSTEON
dimmer (the one at the wall switch location) serve as the controller for
a dimmer that controls the load (in the ceiling.

If:

1) your low voltage wire conforms to code to begin with,
2) the transformer produces 50 volts peak or less,
3) your local inspector doesn't balk at the bypass capacitors (these are,
after all, used the various UL-listed X-10 filters and couplers
including X-10 Pro's) and
4) you conventionally mount the transformer (line voltage inside the
j-box; low voltage outside)

you may be OK NEC-wise. (You would need to determine this with your
inspector. My opinion is irrelevant.)

I'll test out this tomorrow. I have all the components in hand.


I set up a test jig with two INSTEON light switches (didn't have dimmers
available handily available but this is a test of INSTEON communication,
not output mode) interconnected using ) two UL-listed Class 2, 24volt,
20VA "doorbell"
transformers and four 0.22 ufd 250VAC capacitors removed as part of the
modification of 15amp, X10 PRO filters.

The connection worked without error using both ~200 feet CAT5 and ~200feet
22 awg round (untwisted) telephone wire.

I'll post some pictures and a schematic later to
www.ECOntrol.org/INSTEON0verCAT5.htm )

HTH ... Marc
Marc_F_Hult
www.ECOntrol.org
.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: What can I replace this latching relay system with?
    ... Install an INSTEON ICON dimmer at the wall switch location. ... wire on the dimmer is unused. ... connections of the transformer to two of the low-voltage wires that go to ...
    (comp.home.automation)
  • Re: Hotwire foam saw wiring
    ... An _ordinary_ step-down transformer becomes quite inefficient at ... chopped waveform from the switching transistor in the dimmer, ... directly to the hot wire. ... I would imagine that such a dimmer would have no problem controlling a ...
    (rec.crafts.metalworking)
  • Re: Hot wire foam cutter
    ... > have the elements to make a hot-wire foam cutter, ... > of wood and metal to make the actual hot wire frame assembly. ... > My thought was to run 115V into the dimmer, ... > through the transformer, ...
    (sci.electronics.basics)
  • Hot wire foam cutter
    ... of wood and metal to make the actual hot wire frame assembly. ... My thought was to run 115V into the dimmer, ... through the transformer, and the transformer output to the ... live under the laws of justice and mercy." ...
    (sci.electronics.basics)
  • Re: Insteon reliability
    ... I have about 25 INSTEON devices of all types and experienced only one ... minor glitch with the hardware. ... still because of problems with the SDM and PLC. ... commercial dimmer panels, not INSTEON or X-10. ...
    (comp.home.automation)
Loading