View Full Version : HVAC and X-10 interference
KISS
Jun 16, 2008, 01:01 PM
Has anyone ran across situations where the blower would randomly cause X-10 units to turn on?
wmproop
Jun 16, 2008, 05:57 PM
Nope,, what has one got to do with the other?
hvac1000
Jun 16, 2008, 06:54 PM
Spurious Harmonics that flow through the household electrical system can cause strange happenings. Electric motors can and do create spurious harmonics that could well have an effect on a X-10 type controller or reception device.
Usually these harmonics are harmless but under the right conditions can be a handfull trying to find and stop them.
I believe filters are available but I know not where to obtain them.
KISS
Jun 16, 2008, 08:20 PM
Congratulations Hvac1000, you just one the prize. The commutation of the variable speed blower was wrecking havoc in a certain high end Carrier system until I put one pricey filter on the furnace.
hvac1000
Jun 16, 2008, 11:26 PM
We ran into this at the university. All of our HVAC test equipment is computer driven test cell and all. When I first go the test cell and hooked everything up we had major problems. I finally narrowed it down to the power supply to our area. The electricians wired it years ago and used the conduit EMT as the ground source. For back then and even today it is acceptable BUT if any computers or other sensitive equipment is on that line you have to pull a dedicated neutral and dedicated ground to kill the harmonics. You also have to watch wire separation in the conduit. It took me 2 days to figure it out since the equipment was new I naturally figured it was a bug in the equipment.
Once I figured it out and all was well. There is a big difference between analog and digital equipment. I speak to Carrier engineers every few weeks and I will mentioned the problem you had so hopefully they can make corrections. If they need to contact you I will contact you so you will have a direct number to the engineering staff.
I am an old man but I try to keep up. LOL
KISS
Jun 17, 2008, 06:11 AM
Cool.
By expensive, I mean $75.00 USD for the filter. 20 Amp version. I should not have to do that.
LilburnUser
Nov 16, 2008, 06:00 PM
Yes, I have an X-10 for my bedroom light for more than 20 years.
After we installed a new Trane system my bedroom light randomly turns on. Esp noticeable at night.:mad:
The assumption is that it's coming from the Trane system.:confused:
Transformers do block the interference and the heater actually draws very little current. But I'm not sure if it's actually coming from our Heat Pump either.
KISS
Nov 16, 2008, 06:07 PM
It's coming from the inside fan because it's variable speed and the electronic commutation is being broadcast into the line.
Want to fix it?
hvac1000
Nov 16, 2008, 11:07 PM
Regal-Beloit the motors designer/manufacturer for GE and others is working on the problem now. The manufactures pin the problem on Regal-Beloit since it is there motor design IE DC Brushless Three Phase. The manufactures are actually a nonparticipent in this event since they did not make the motor electronics`. (blame someone else syndrome)
The A/C to D/C control electronics combined with the conversion of the D/C to three phase is where the problem is at. Naturally the problem has been traced down to the D/C frequency control section and that section controls the speed as I am sure you are aware of. Hopefull a cure will be forth coming soon. Naturally they are trying to accomplish this by a small add on part to the wiring so as to dispense with the big $$$ problem of replacing the controller end bell of the motor.
You know the drill. Make a cord patch to the plug in and only offer it if there is a complaint. LOL. Naturally all motors after a specific date will have the added electronics in the end bell. As you are also aware it takes a long time to turn the big ship around.
MarkwithaK
Nov 17, 2008, 06:44 PM
Variable speed motors are the devil.