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HOW DO I GET A GFCI PROTECTED X10 MODULE |
I want to automate some outdoor lights with X10 but I worried about the potential of electrical shock. How do I get a GFCI protected X10 module?
Yep, that's an important consideration. We need you back as a customer and not the victim of electrocution. The word of mouth would just kill us. In all seriousness, this is an important issue when electrical devices are used in potentially wet areas, so let's talk about what can be done.
We typically get this question around the holidays when people hang outdoor lights. Most of us are familiar with the special outlets found around wet areas like sinks, bathing, and laundry areas in our homes. It has been an electrical code requirement to have special outlets installed in these areas for a couple of decades now. Where it is not a code requirement, it's still a good idea to take precautions.
What is GFCI?
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt, commonly abbreviated GFCI or simply GFI devices were invented to bring an additional level of safety to using electrical devices in potentially wet areas of the home. These devices contain precise electronics that measure the number of amp (called "current") going out to the electrical device (light, shaver, or whatever is plugged into that circuit). The GFCI device also measures the current returning from the plugged in device and if the two measurements are not the same, it turns off the circuit by tripping a circuit-breaker type device. When the outgoing and incoming currents are different, the assumption is that electricity is going to ground. While ground is fine for electricity to travel to in a faulty circuit, it is not good if the electricity is traveling through your body it get there!
GFCI Receptacles
 The most common GFCI device is built into a regular receptacle electrical out that replaces an ordinary electrical receptacle. This is what you would find in most homes near the kitchen and bathroom sinks. To install this unit, turn off the electricity at the circuit breaker and remove the existing outlet. The three wires coming out of the wall will attach to the three "IN" terminals on the GFCI outlet. Fit the new GFCI outlet back into the wall. To finish off the install, you will most likely need a new Decora-style Trim Plate since most GFCI receptacles come in the Decora style. Once the electricity is turned back on, press the "Test" button on the GFCI receptacle. The unit will send some current to the ground wire and unit should "trip" off. The "reset" button on the unit will pop out and electricity will be shut off to the outlet. Press the "Reset" button to re-enable the device.
 Not only do they device protect whatever is plugged into them, they also have the ability to protect down-stream electrical outlets, let me explain what I mean by "down-stream." The outlets on a circuit breaker are wired in a "daisy-chain" fashion where the wire runs in from the circuit breaker box, to an outlet, then on to the next outlet and so on. When you install a GFCI outlet, you have the option of using the "OUT" terminals to protect the other receptacles down-stream of the installed GFCI device. Once this is done, all the outlets down-stream of the GFCI outlet will have the same level of protection as loads plugged into the GFCI receptacle directly. If one of those outlets experience a short or malfunction, the GFCI circuit will trip and open the GFCI circuit breaker.
That's all great, but how do I add X10?
You can install an X10 Receptacle in an outdoor location and have GFCI protection. If the GFCI device is upstream from the X10 receptacle, you will automatically have GFCI protection! If you don't want to install an X10 receptacle, then an ApplianceLinc Module can be plugged into an ordinary outlet. Another alternative is to install a GFCI circuit breaker in place of an existing circuit breaker, but this is a little trickier and may require a skilled electrician to find all the right wires. Some circuits use "shared neutral" wires that will make it more difficult if not impossible to use this type of device.
A plug-in GFCI receptacle
Nothing beats the connivance of running extension cords from an existing outlet in the garage to your holiday lighting! Be careful not to overload the circuit though! You may remember the scene from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation where Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) decorates his home with 125,000 light bulbs ALL PLUGGED INTO ONE OUTLET. For those of you who don't want to end up like the Griswold family cat in the movie, (a victim from the lack of GFCI protection), we have a Plug-in GFCI Outlets. These GFCI outlets plug right into your existing outlet and provide all the benefits of GFCI protection. To add X10 control, plug the X10 module into the wall outlet and the GFCI Plug-in Outlet into the socket on the Appliance module.
Some GFCI devices don't like X10 signals
Yes, I know, it's hard to believe that something would not like X10 signals. We sometimes get calls and letters from customers who mention control problems on GFCI protected circuits. Typically, X10 devices that are down-stream of some GFCI devices will not react to X10 signals. We have concluded that some GFCI fixtures are attenuating the X10 signals. Some brands have more of a negative effect on the signals than do others.
Is there a work-around solution? Two solutions exist: Find a GFCI outlet that does not attenuate signals. Buy your GFCI devices from a supplier that has a liberal return policy. If the brand you install does not pass X10 signals, exchange it for a different brand. Moving to a different model within the same manufacture's family may not fix the problem. Another alternative is to install an amplified coupler repeater that can "blast" the X10 signals over the lines with a high signal strength. Even after the GFCI outlet, there will be plenty of signal strength at the outlet. Most X10 modules need 100mV for reliable operation.
Protecting the X10 Plug in module
Now that you have an outdoor electrical receptacle with GFCI protection, you will want to take steps to protect the plug in module. One low-tech idea, great for temporary lighting scenes, is to use a plastic sandwich bag to protect the module from the effects of moisture. Some people have told us of positive experiences where the prongs of the module are punched through the plastic of the bag. A nylon wire tie wraps plastic bag tightly to the line cord going to the lights. Remember this is for temporary use. If you have year round lighting needs install something more permanent like an X10 receptacle module or hard wire the lights to a Fixture Relay Module or to an SwitchLinc Relay Wall Switch.
One last item, make sure that you set the module up in your X10 timer or home automation interface. I use the simple approach of assigning the modules controlling the holiday lighting to the same address as the Porch Light. This way I don't have to "tweak" my perfect lighting scenes.
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