I am contemplating installing SwitchLinc switches in my home but don't understand the yellow wire concept.

If a circuit is already set up to be three-way using standard non X-10 switches, what wire do I use for the yellow wire connection?

Are there any circuit diagrams available on-line that illustrate how to install the switches in the different configurations that are present in houses. (load at end of circuit, load in middle, etc)

Also, do SwitchLinc switches work with ceiling fans, halogen can lights, or flourescent lights?

Last question...does anyone know how to spell flourescent?

Thanks

WaxDonuts

Florescent is the proper spelling, I always misspell it and the spell checker catches it for me. Switchlinc switches use the yellow wire as a trigger from slave switches. The slave switch doesn’t send a hot or neutral but instead sends a trigger. You can use an existing wire to send the trigger over.

I don’t know of any on-line guides to electrical wiring, I’d suggest Home Depot or Lowes for a book.

The florescent lighting will require a relay switch, which is on B/O from Smartlinc until who knows when. They are the “Silent Relay” switch, which operates without the loud thud of traditional X-10 relay switches.

The 1181 Switchlinc could control the “can” lights if the current was within the limits and there were no dimming circuits in the lights.

Fans also can be controlled by the switchlinc although it is not recommended to dim or slow the fan. You can download a manual for the Switchlinc from Smartlinc @ www.smartlinc.com.

Chris Couture

Check out Phil Kingery's fantastic series on 3 & 4-way lighting circuits, and how to convert using X-10 type switches. Three separate articles - here is the url for the first: [Link: hometoys.com]

Great info - well presented.

Matt

Thanks for the info!!!