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Solution of the Week
Easy X10 Switch Installation in 30 Minutes or Less
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When it comes to installing X10-based switches and keypads, many of our customers can do it blindfolded. But if you're just getting started in home automation or simply want a refresher course, read on to see how fast and easy it can be.
| 1. Choose the Right Switch |
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The first step to upgrading a standard light switch with an X10/PLC-controllable dimmer, switch or keypad is to choose the right product for your application. For example, if you're replacing the switch that controls the overhead fluorescent lights in the bathroom, you'll need an X10-controllable switch (as opposed to a dimmer). Until recently, selecting the proper product was relatively tricky, and you had to know what questions to ask. But the new Smarthome Design Product Selection Assistant makes the process a lot easier by asking you the right questions and making a specific recommendation based on the answers provided.
The most important step in the entire process is to read and understand the switch's instruction manual and safety instructions before you start the physical installation process. Even though X10/PLC-controllable dimmers, switches and keypads are easily installed by do-it-yourselfers, keep in mind that you're still dealing with live circuits. You'll also want to install the new switch or keypad when you won't easily be distracted. Nearly all X10/PLC-controlled dimmers, switches and keypads available from Smarthome have instruction manuals in PDF format that can be downloaded in case you want to read the instructions before purchasing.
Now that you have a suitable dimmer, switch or keypad and have read the manual, you're ready to begin the physical installation. Start by going to the main circuit-breaker panel or fuse box and turning off the power to the switch you're replacing. If your main circuit breaker panel isn't labeled and you don't know which circuit to shut off, you can test it by turning on the lights in the room and testing several circuits until the lights in the room shut off.
| 4. Disconnect the Old Switch |
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Once the power is off, you're ready to disconnect the old switch. First, remove the trim plate by unscrewing the two visible screws and putting all the pieces aside. Next, remove the switch itself by unscrewing two screws. Once the switch is out, detach it from the wires using wire cutters or a screwdriver to pry the release mechanism.
| 5. Cap Off the Traveler Wire |
The wall box should have two wires extending out of it. If there are three wires sticking out, it's probably a 3-way circuit (click here for instructions on installing switches on 3-way switches). Because most X10/PLC-controlled dimmers, switches or keypads are built to work with standard circuits or 3-way circuits, most include a traveler wire (the YELLOW wire in most cases). For standard installation, this wire is not needed and should be capped off with a wire nut (usually included).
| 6. Identify the Line Wire |
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Now that there are two wires extending out of the switch, the next step is to identify which one is the LINE wire (also referred to as the "hot" wire). The wall box should have two wires sticking out of it. Once you've made sure that no exposed wires are touching anything else and that no one is near the switch, go to the main circuit breaker panel and turn the power on. Using care, use a voltmeter or voltage sensor to test each wire for voltage individually. When the voltmeter or voltage sensor detects 120 volts, you've found the LINE wire. Identifying this wire is important when installing any switch requiring the neutral wire. Once you've identified it, turn the power back off. Note: If you don't feel comfortable testing for the LINE wire, consult a licensed electrician.
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After identifying the LINE wire and turning the power back off, connect the LINE wire extending from the wall to the LINE wire extending out of the back of the dimmer, switch or keypad (almost always the BLACK wire; refer to the switch's instructions). The connection is made by joining the wires with a wire nut (most switches have wire nuts included).
| 8. Connect the Ground Wire |
If you're using a SwitchLinc dimmer or switch or a KeypadLinc keypad, you'll notice it has a bare copper ground wire. This wire is a safety feature that connects to the other ground wire in the wall box. If your home's electrical boxes are metal and grounded, you can also connect the bare copper ground wire to the box.
| 9. Connect the Neutral Wire |
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This step applies only to switches that require a neutral wire. To locate the neutral wire, look for a group of wires in the rear of the box. Neutral wires are almost always white and are seldom connected to the old switch. Connect these wires to the NEUTRAL wire extending out of the back of the dimmer, switch or keypad (the WHITE wire in most cases). Note: Some houses aren't wired with neutral wires. In that case, you will need to: A.) Pull a neutral wire to the box (or hire an electrician to do it), or B.) Use a replacement dimmer or switch that doesn't require a neutral wire.
| 10. Connect the Load Wire |
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The last wire left is the LOAD wire. Connect that to the LOAD wire extending out of the back of the dimmer, switch or keypad (the RED wire in most cases).
Once you've made all the connections, it's time to turn on and test the power. We recommend doing this before you screw the dimmer, switch or keypad in place. That way, if you do have to go back and adjust the connections, you won't have to unscrew the switch all over again.
If everything is working fine, then screw the switch back into the junction box and screw it in. Because most X10-controlled dimmers, switches or keypads are slightly larger than standard switches, this may require a little bit of maneuvering. Unless you need access to the switch to set the address (such as on Leviton switches), you can also put the trim plate back in place. Installation is now complete, and you can begin programming the dimmer, switch or keypad to your specifications as described in the instruction manual.
View a complete list of our X10-controlled dimmers, switches and keypads.
Note: The instructions above detail standard light switches that are wired to electrical code. If your switches aren't wired to code, please consult a licensed electrician, or contact the Smarthome Technical Support department toll-free at 866-243-8020 or via the Help Desk.
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