Why are these not compatible? What's the work-around?

Because the flourescent lights aren't designed to be dimmed.

The work around is to use one of the switches that is designed for non-dimming loads. What line of switches are you using? Most include non-dimming models for flourescent lights, fans, etc.

I'm using the X10 unit that is sold as a "wall switch" but the instruction sheet that comes with the unit is called a "dimmer switch". Upon installing it in my laundry room which has two overhead florescent lights, I notice that my Eagle Eye Motion Detector triggers the lights to come on, but they don't turn off automatically as they should. I have to turn them off manually. Which leads me to believe that these "dimmer switches" are somehow unable to turn off florescent lights. Also, it seemed to me that the switch was a little warm to the touch. (Just my imagination?) Any other comments?

Thanks for your input.

Don't use a dimmer switch with a flourescent light. Use a non-dimming switch instead.

There are flourescent dimmers available. I have one and they aren't that cheap. They don't have any X10 compatible dimmers that I am aware of, however.

Paul

I've confirmed once again that the Eagle Eye Motion Detector will turn the overhead florescent lights on (via a device sold as a "wall switch" but labeled as a "dimmer switch" on the accompanying instructions), but they then stay on. You can turn them off by manually pushing the button on the wall (dimmer) switch. Otherwise, they stay on. Why is this? Why is the wall switch/dimmer switch not able to turn off florescent lights?

Thanks for all the input!

"Why is the wall switch/dimmer switch not able to turn off florescent lights?"

The ballasts inductance produces a back EMF that keeps current flowing through the triac in the 'wall switch', therefore the triac cannot turn off.

Thanks for the explanation! I asked the same question of X10's Support Staff, but they have ignored my request. Great support!

If anyone is interested, I have a fluorescent dimmer that I do not need. It is a Lightolier Multiset MS600DAHDF-I (ivory). It is hard-wired for control (ALC instead of PLC) and must be used with a specific ballast and control hardware. Here are some more details:
[Link: lolcontrols.com]

CJ