<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13486167#post13486167 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by AQD_ottawa
X10 Hmmmm not a fan sorry, too much interference and other related issues I have noted, last thing you want is power bar flipping out due to interference.
For optimal reliability which is GHL direct wire for such devises is paramount I feel.
Here is some info on X10 and the reason to support my personal beliefs
An RCD/GFCI can attenuate X10 signals passing through the device. This means that X10 signals passing through an RCD may not be strong enough to provide reliable communication.
Other problems: TVs or wireless devices may cause spurious off or on signals. Noise filtering (as installed on computers as well as many modern appliances) may help keep external noise out of X10 signals, but noise filters not designed for X10 may also filter out X10 signals traveling on the branch circuit to which the appliance is connected.
Also, certain types of power supplies used in modern electronic equipment (such as computers, television sets, and satellite receivers) "eat" passing X10 signals by providing a low impedance path to high frequency signals. Typically, the capacitors used on the inputs to these power supplies short the X10 signal from line to neutral, suppressing any hope of X10 control on the circuit near that device. Filters are available that will block the X10 signals from ever reaching such devices.
Some X10 controllers may not work well or at all with low power devices (below 50 watts) or devices like fluorescent bulbs that do not present resistive loads. Use of an appliance module rather than a lamp module may resolve this problem.
X10 signals can only be transmitted one command at a time, first by addressing the device to control, and then sending an operation for that device to perform. If two X10 signals are transmitted at the same time they may collide or interleave, leading to commands that either cannot be decoded or that trigger incorrect operations.
The X10 protocol is also slow. It takes roughly three quarters of a second to transmit a device address and a command. While generally not noticeable when using a tabletop controller, it becomes a noticeable problem when using 2-way switches or when utilizing some sort of computerized controller. The apparent delay can be lessened somewhat through the use of scenes and by using slower device dim rates.
X10 dimmer devices offer little or no built-in support for varying lighting moods, so called "scene setting". Changing a lighting scene typically requires adjusting each lighting circuit one after the other, and can be visually unappealing and also very slow. Support for arbitrary dimming speed is also generally lacking, again limiting the aesthetics and suitability of X10 for proper lighting control.
The standard X10 power line and RF protocols lack support for encryption, and can only address 256 devices. Unless filtered, power line signals from close neighbours using X10 may interfere with each other if the same device addresses are used by each party. Interfering RF wireless signals may similarly be received, with it being easy for anyone nearby with an X10 RF remote to wittingly or unwittingly cause mayhem if an RF to power line device is being used on a premises.
