Leaky X10 appliance module

Xringer · 12-13-11, 03:50 PM

Beware of the X10 Appliance Module (3-Prong Grounded) (AM466).

It uses a relay, but for some strange reason, has a small amount of AC voltage feed-through.
I noticed this last month when I was using an AM466 to control my little CAI board.
The LED on it's 8VDC wall-wart stayed half on, after the module was commanded off.
No DC power to the CAI board, but the LED being on, makes it confusing, re: the off-on state of the DC power.

Then, yesterday we got the tree set up with some LED lights..
When we turned it off, the LEDs seemed to turn off, but were still on a bit.
At night, it's very noticeable.

I looked online and there are problems using CFLs and other light loads with this module.
If you are controlling anything over 10w, it should work okay. (Per web chatter).

I really don't mind the tree lights using a little bit of power.
But 'Greener' folks might not like it at all..

I understand that this leakage occurs in some other X10 modules.
So, if you plan to buy a module, you might want to goggle it for leakage problems..

Daox · 12-13-11, 04:45 PM

Any idea how much current is leaking? It seems fairly substancial if its lighting up a whole string of Christmas lights.

Xringer · 12-13-11, 06:05 PM

It's not much current at all. The LEDs are pretty dim.. In daylight, you can't tell.

I did some more reading and found out why these modules leak..
X10 Powerhouse AM466 15 Amp 3-Pin Appliance Module

They are older models with "local control".
Which means you can remotely or manually turn on a fan, lamp & etc.
The module runs a small amount of current into the load 24-7..
When it sees a low resistance, it pulls in the relay..

I guess nobody liked these things because they could unexpectedly turn on..

So, if you buy these (AM466), find out of they have local control or not..
Heck, some folks might want local control..

12-13-11, 03:50 PM	#1
Xringer Lex Parsimoniae Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Woburn, MA Posts: 4,918 Thanks: 114 Thanked 250 Times in 230 Posts	Leaky X10 appliance module Beware of the X10 Appliance Module (3-Prong Grounded) (AM466). It uses a relay, but for some strange reason, has a small amount of AC voltage feed-through. I noticed this last month when I was using an AM466 to control my little CAI board. The LED on it's 8VDC wall-wart stayed half on, after the module was commanded off. No DC power to the CAI board, but the LED being on, makes it confusing, re: the off-on state of the DC power. Then, yesterday we got the tree set up with some LED lights.. When we turned it off, the LEDs seemed to turn off, but were still on a bit. At night, it's very noticeable. I looked online and there are problems using CFLs and other light loads with this module. If you are controlling anything over 10w, it should work okay. (Per web chatter). I really don't mind the tree lights using a little bit of power. But 'Greener' folks might not like it at all.. I understand that this leakage occurs in some other X10 modules. So, if you plan to buy a module, you might want to goggle it for leakage problems.. __________________ My hobby is installing & trying to repair mini-splits EPA 608 Type 1 Technician Certification ~ 5 lbs or less..

12-13-11, 04:45 PM	#2
Daox Administrator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Germantown, WI Posts: 5,525 Thanks: 1,162 Thanked 374 Times in 305 Posts	Any idea how much current is leaking? It seems fairly substancial if its lighting up a whole string of Christmas lights. __________________ Current project - To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. & To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

12-13-11, 06:05 PM	#3
Xringer Lex Parsimoniae Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Woburn, MA Posts: 4,918 Thanks: 114 Thanked 250 Times in 230 Posts	It's not much current at all. The LEDs are pretty dim.. In daylight, you can't tell. I did some more reading and found out why these modules leak.. X10 Powerhouse AM466 15 Amp 3-Pin Appliance Module They are older models with "local control". Which means you can remotely or manually turn on a fan, lamp & etc. The module runs a small amount of current into the load 24-7.. When it sees a low resistance, it pulls in the relay.. I guess nobody liked these things because they could unexpectedly turn on.. So, if you buy these (AM466), find out of they have local control or not.. Heck, some folks might want local control.. __________________ My hobby is installing & trying to repair mini-splits EPA 608 Type 1 Technician Certification ~ 5 lbs or less..