Is X10 the only way?

[adamskyj]

Hi can anyone help,

Want to be able to control 3 different lighting zones through ONE switch in lounge entrance and also be able to turn them on / off at each individual zone area.

I.e. similar to 2 way but only 1 switch in the lounge - any thoughts - can it be done without going ££££ X10 route?

Many thanks in advance

 

[ban-all-sheds]

What's wrong with one of these:

by the door?

 

[adamskyj]

Problem is their is so many lights in this open plan barn conversion that it would mean 2 * 3 = 6!!!! at the doorway

 

[andy]

Problem is their is so many lights in this open plan barn conversion that it would mean 2 * 3 = 6!!!! at the doorway

what about a grid switch?

 

[slippyr4]

Problem is their is so many lights in this open plan barn conversion that it would mean 2 * 3 = 6!!!! at the doorway

but you said 3 zones? that's 3 switches at the doorway, not 6?

 

[adamskyj]

Problem is their is so many lights in this open plan barn conversion that it would mean 2 * 3 = 6!!!! at the doorway

but you said 3 zones? that's 3 switches at the doorway, not 6?

Yep 3 zones, ambient and main roof lighting in each zone hence the *2

The ambient and main roof light circuits are not linked but identical circuits powering different fittings.

So each zone will have 2 way 2 gang and at lounge entrance 2 switches - 1 to turn ALL ambient zones off and 1 to turn ALL main light zones off.

In other words - I tried to keep it simple for the question - I guess it didn't work

Hope this clears it

 

[adamskyj]

Problem is their is so many lights in this open plan barn conversion that it would mean 2 * 3 = 6!!!! at the doorway

what about a grid switch?

Quite, although reason for reducing to 2 switches is simply for consumer ease of use.

 

[kendor]

if X10 price wise is worrying you then don't it would be far more costly in changing all the wiring whereas you needn't rewire at all with x10

 

[adamskyj]

if X10 price wise is worrying you then don't it would be far more costly in changing all the wiring whereas you needn't rewire at all with x10

Its not a rewire - its a new installation

To be fair since yesterday evening Ive had approval for x10 costs its the reliability issue of new technology that raises concern.

 

[pembrokestephen]

its the reliability issue of new technology that raises concern.

X10 isn't really new technology! But it isn't really all that reliable, either...

 

[kendor]

you do read on the forums of issues with some x10 equipment in saying that it tends to more associated with the earlier kit.
speaking from experience i've used it extensively in my house for quite some years now without any problems whatsoever and love the flexibility it gives. lights are no longer just lights but part of the security system with automated security lighting when i'm not home or abroad.
plus the ease of doing some fairly complicated setups which would have only been possible with unconventional wiring as opposed to plug and play using conventional wiring, advantage being you can take it with you when you move and don't have the hassle of rewiring back to convential for the next owners.
if you are really worried then perhaps z-wave may suit you but this is fairly new technology and not been tested in the field for as long as x10.

 

[TraineeSpark]

Oh go on chaps, call me an ignoramus, but I don't care. What is z-wave, or even x10 for that matter? May i know it by another name?

 

[Adam_151]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Z-wave

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X10_(industry_standard)