X10 is a powerline carrier protocol that allows compatible devices throughout the home to communicate with each other via the existing 110V wiring in the house. Using X10 it is possible to control lights and virtually any other electrical device from anywhere in the house with no additional wiring.

In detail

X10 is a communications "language" that allows compatible products to talk to each other via the existing 110V electrical wiring in the home. No costly rewiring is necessary.

X10 Transmitter devices send a coded low voltage signal that is superimposed over the 110VAC current. Any X10 Receiver device plugged into the household 110V power supply will see this signal. However, the Receivers will only respond when it sees a signal that has its address. Up to 256 different addresses are available. If you want more than one device to respond to the same signal, simply set them to the same addresses.

X10 devices can be categorized into 3 distinct groups:

• Transmitters
  

• Receivers
  

• Transmitter/Receivers (2 Way X10 devices)

These transmitters send a specially coded low-voltage signal that is super-imposed over the 120 volts. A transmitter is usually capable of sending up to 256 different addresses on the AC line. Multiple transmitters can send signals to the same module.


Like regular receivers and transmitters, they can communicate on all 256 addresses. When used with some computer controllers, a 2-way module can report its status.


Devices with this symbol catch the special signals sent by the transmitters. Once a matching signal comes in, the device responds and turns ON or OFF. Receivers generally have "code dials" that are set by the user to set the address. Multiple devices with the same code can exist in the same house.

To obtain remote or automated control of a light or appliance:

1. Plug the lamp/appliance into the socket in the base of the lamp or appliance module.

2. Plug the module into any 110V wall receptacle.

3. Use a small screwdriver to set the house and unit code dials to create a unique address for the module. Up to 256 unique "addresses" are available.

4. Plug "transmitters" such as the mini controller into any other 110V wall receptacle.

5. Set the House Code and the transmitter to match the module.

You're done! You now have remote control over the lamp/appliance.

If your light/appliance is currently being controlled by a wall switch, simply replace that switch with the appropriate X10 compatible wall switch. Put together any combination of modules, switches, controllers, and timers that you want, anywhere in your home. Add additional units anytime you want. All X10 compatible products work together.

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