Installation Procedures
Before installing, please verify
that you have the proper model
for your home. Check the AC
outlet for the dryer. It looks
much different than a regular
120-volt outlet. If there are
multiple 220-volt outlets for the
SignaLinc Repeater, initially try
the one that is electrically closest
to the home’s electrical circuit
breaker panel. If you have
trouble locating these
receptacles, please consult a
local electrician for assistance. Once the receptacle is located, compare it to the
illustration on the right. The SignaLinc Repeater model number that corresponds to
each plug is located next to each illustration.
1. If the receptacle the SignaLinc Repeater will be plugged into is already in use,
turn off the dryer.
2. Turn off the circuit breaker to avoid the possibility of electrical shock in case
your fingers touch the electrical prongs of the dryer or SignaLinc.
3. Unplug the dryer’s AC cord from the wall receptacle.
4. Plug the SignaLinc Repeater into the empty wall receptacle.
5. Plug the dryer’s AC cord back into the receptacle on the front of the SignaLinc™
Repeater.
6. Turn the circuit breaker back on.
The SignaLinc™ Repeater is now powered and ready to repeat signals.
Indicator LEDs on SignaLinc Repeater
The four indicator LEDs on the SignaLinc Repeater represent the status of the
powerline signals being processed. They are divided into two pairs of red and green
LEDs, one set for each phase of electricity. The LEDs will only illuminate when PLC
signals are detected. When no signals are present on the lines, the LEDs will be off.
When a PLC signal is detected, one of the red LEDs will flash (depending on the
phase in which it was detected). In some cases, where the signal is very strong, both
red LEDs may illuminate to indicate SignaLinc Repeater is detecting the signal on
both phases. After a portion of the signal is detected, the SignaLinc Repeater will
turn on the transmitting circuit and repeat the signal. If the signal is extremely weak,
the red LED may illuminate (to indicate it is detecting something), but the SignaLinc
Repeater may not repeat the signal because not enough data was detected.
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Helpful Hints for New Construction
By design, X10 (also known as PLC) equipment does not need much in the way of special
wiring. The following are six items we recommend for all homes with PLC installations:
1. Ask the builder or electrician to run the neutral wire to each wall switch location. This
wiring may be a code requirement or a regular practice in your area, but unless explicitly
specified, it may get omitted. Most SwitchLincs and all KeypadLinc controllers require the
neutral connection.
2. Specify the installation of deep J-boxes in all locations where PLC switches, receptacles,
or transmitters will be used. While all PLC products fit in the spacing offered by all North
American electrical boxes, the deep models have extra working space and make the
installation go a little easier. Deep boxes only costs a few cents more than normal depth
models. Look for single gang boxes that are 22cu or higher (cubic inches) and double gang
boxes that are 36cu or higher.
3. If the automation switch is dimming-enabled and is going to be controlling 400 watts or
more, do not place insulation around the wall box and consider using metal junction boxes.
Dimmers that control high loads will dissipate heat, which may be felt through the switch
faceplate. Metal boxes will more efficiently draw out the heat and spread it over all the
surfaces of the box. By keeping wall insulation a few inches from the box, free air will help
move the heat away.
4. Install a whole-house surge suppressor. Adding a good whole-house surge protector at
the breaker will help protect against costly damage to the PLC components and other
delicate electrical equipment.
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SignaLinc Repeaters Plug Styles
Model #4826A
Model #4826B
Helpful Tools
If you’re investing in home automation, there are a few tools that will make your projects run
smoother:
Maxi-Controller
This plug-in transmitter has the ability to send individual PLC commands. The buttons are
separated into Addresses and Command functions. To use this controller, you have to press
the address (for example, “5”), then the command (ON, OFF, BRIGHT, etc.). Many of the
features found in Smarthome products need to be programmed with individual button
presses. Using a controller that sends the address and command with one button press will
not work.For more info visit:
www.smarthome.com/4020.html
Signal Meter
This is an invaluable tool when it comes to installing and
diagnosing problems. By knowing the signal’s strength at a
specific location, you can make sure that the signal will always
trigger that module. Generally, it is ideal to have at least
100mV at each location. Conservative installers will want even
more; perhaps 250mV just in case the homeowner installs a
new big-screen TV after final installation. The extra margin will
still give the receivers enough signal strength to be reliably
triggered. These units can also be used to measure the effects
of signal absorption mentioned earlier. Plug in the signal meter and measure the signal’s
strenght, then unplug any devices that are plugged into that and nearby outlets. If 10% or
greater change is observed, install a filter (like FilterLinc
TM
) on that device.
#4814
Signal Analyzer
