Wall switch, turns on but not off........

[jwstohr]

Hello,

I have been reading about this problem for a while after installing a wall switch where I can remotly turn it on but not off. I have noticed that there are many theories why it does this. Is there a solution to this problem, I was thinking about getting one of them signal boosters to see if that would help. But I didnt want to spend around 100$ for it before I asked you guys to see if it would help. And if it dont, what would I need?
Thanks,
Jarred Stohr.

[AutomatedOutlet]

Hello Jarred,

This problem is typically cause by noise. What normally causes it is when you turn the light on, it's some sort of light that causes noise and therefore blocks the signal from getting in to turn it off. What kind of lights are you using on this switch?

[JimMcGowanInlet]

This light isn't part of a 3 or 4 way switch circut is it? (meaning the same light can be controled from more than one switch) If it is you probably have the wrong x10 deivce.

.

[jwstohr]

No, this is not a 3-4way switch, i believe the bulbs are 30 watt. I dont know for sure what kind they are but there the kind used in vanities(the big round ones).
Thanks,
Jarred Stohr

[AutomatedOutlet]

Sounds like the bulbs are incandescent. Sometimes in these bathroom lighting fixtures the fixtures themselves can cause noise. If that is the case, then an in-line filter would help.

Another thing it could be is the wall switch itself. What kind is it?

[jwstohr]

Im just using the standard ones from x10.com (ws467). Where can I get an inline filter from?
Thanks,
Jarred Stohr

[AutomatedOutlet]

Here's the filter - http://automatedoutlet.com/html/couplers_and_repeaters_9.html

It could also be that the cheaper switches are also more susceptable to problems like this.

If you get the filter and it doesn't fix the problem, I'll take it back.

[jwstohr]

Alright, I will have to try that out, does that wire in right with that switch? Oh, one more question, I need a switch that will work with my ceiling fan. Its a remote controlled one and it works like this: When the wall switch is on the fan light are on full and cannot be turned off via remote. When the wall switch is off I can control it via remote. I didnt know if I needed a special switch for this. It does have a neutral wire.
Thanks,
Jarred Stohr

[AutomatedOutlet]

Is the remote also controlling the fan itself? I've heard of these types of fan/lights with remotes but don't have any experience with them. To control a normal ceiling fan, by far the best switch is the Lightolier 3-speed fan controller.

[jwstohr]

Yes, the remote controls the fan speed too. I dont need x10 control of the fan speed, just to control the lights like the normal switch does.
Thanks,
Jarred Stohr

[jwstohr]

Actually, all I need is a normal on/off function that has a neutral wire hookup on it(the standard switches only seem to have 2 wire hookups) I have the remote to control the fan speed so control from the wall is pointless.

[AutomatedOutlet]

Sounds like you should probably use a non-dimming switch then to be safe. These range in price from about $29 to $70 depending on the features you are looking for. My preference is always for 2-way switches but they are the ones in the $60-$70 range. Are you using 2-way devices now?

[jwstohr]

If you mean 2-way being that you can turn the same light on and off from 2 places, then yes. But I have not begun to tackle that project yet ;). Right now im just messing with the single switches.

[jwstohr]

Oh, and if you have any of them non dimming switches gimme he link and I will add it to the filter im getting and put the order out either tinight or tommorow.
Thanks for all your help,
Jarred Stohr

[AutomatedOutlet]

When I'm saying 2-way, I'm talking about switches that can communicate their status back to HAL or to other keypads. In other words, if someone locally turns the switch on, a 2-way switch will send a status update to other devices that want to know. Make sense? I do that with all of my switches but not everyone does.

[jwstohr]

Oh, nope, dont have any of them...

[AutomatedOutlet]

OK then. If we're going to stick with 1-way switches, here are probably your 2 best choices.

X10 PRO switch - $29 - http://automatedoutlet.com/html/x10pro_lighting_7.html

or

SwitchLinc switch - $37 - http://automatedoutlet.com/html/lighting_5.html

For the $8 difference, the Switchlinc is a much nicer switch. The look and feel is a \"true toggle\" switch and it has cool LEDs running up the side of it.

[jwstohr]

Great, I orderd the filter and switch now.
You have been alot of help.
Thanks Again,
Jarred

[AutomatedOutlet]

Anytime Jarred,

Thanks,

Martin

[JimMcGowanInlet]

[quote:b2081da5a8=\"jwstohr\"]Actually, all I need is a normal on/off function that has a neutral wire hookup on it(the standard switches only seem to have 2 wire hookups) I have the remote to control the fan speed so control from the wall is pointless.[/quote:b2081da5a8]

Something isn't right here. There is no reason for you to have a neutral wire to the switch unless its a special switch. First do you live in the USA? If you don't then I'm not familure enough with foreign power systems. If you do then is the wire you speak of Red or White? If its Red thats not Neutral its a second Hot. If its white then the switch you have has some type of logic inside it and you probably can't replace it with an X10 device. This might explain why you can turn it on but not off.

What is the make and Model number of the lighting fixture? Lets start with that and see if we can locate a wiring diagram for it.

.