X10 PRO XPNR — Wire-In Noise Reducer Filter Manual

Installation and reference guide for the X10 PRO XPNR Wire-In Noise Reducer Filter — used to eliminate electrical noise interfering with X10 signal transmission.

Description

The XPNR Wire-In Noise Reducer is designed to reduce electrical noise (on power wires) generated from the power supply of an electronic device. The XPNR is typically a last-effort filter to reduce noise above and below the X10 120KHz operating frequency. Properly filtering the offending device with an XPPF Plug-in Filter or the XPF Wire-in Filter should be your first solution. Use the XPNR when intermittent or hard-to-filter noise interferes with proper operation of the X10 PRO system.

Wire the XPNR close to the offending device, or as close as possible to the X10 module being interfered with. This allows the X10 signal to operate freely throughout the house power system without interference from electrical noise.

Note: The XPNR is a second-line filter used only after trying the XPPF or XPF filter(s) first. It can be wired across a 120V load or a 240V load, and can be used in combination with XPPF or XPF filters in hard-to-find noise environments. Filters must always be located as close to the offending device as possible.

Specific Requirements

120/240VAC

Optional / Supplementary Devices

• XPCR — ensures full X10 signal strength on both electrical 120V phases
• XPF — Wire-in Inline Filter, reduces noise at the X10 120KHz operating frequency

Electrical Protocol

Nearly all residential homes are wired split-phase — each 120V phase is NOT directly connected to the other. If an X10 receiver doesn't respond to a remote controller after installation, check that the breaker serving the receiver is on the same phase as the controller. If not, the breaker can be moved to the opposite phase, or install a Phase Coupler to improve remote communications throughout the home. See www.x10pro.com > Technical Support > PLC Troubleshooting.

Installation

1. Determine which electronic device is generating electrical noise, causing an X10 receiver (attached to a light, etc.) to become inoperative.
2. Turn power OFF, then wire-in the XPNR Noise Reducer across the power wire and neutral, close to the offending device.
3. Retry operating the previously inoperative X10 receiver module — it should now be functional.

Determining the Offending Device

• Always unplug/un-power suspect electronic devices — turning them off is not sufficient, since a device's power supply may still be active in idle mode.
• Unplug/un-power one device at a time, retrying X10 control each time.

Common offending devices: well/pool pumps, electric motors, vacuum systems, fluorescent lights (tube or bulb), low voltage lighting.

Tech Tip

See the PLC Troubleshooting document at www.x10pro.com under Technical Support for in-depth problem-solving techniques using X10 PRO test equipment, phase couplers, and filters. Investing in X10 PRO test equipment (XPTT/XPTR) is an excellent way to confirm X10 signal strength is at appropriate levels.

Support

Technical Support: (800) 832-4003