Questions about this device. It only works with the key?

Is it only for lamps? If that is the case it has limited uses.

I have one installed for a lamp. I ordered it with the first group of insteon devices.

I wanted it for the access point feature. Now that I have the rf coupler hooked up

It isn't really needed, but it's still hooked up to a lamp with a cfl bulb and just set to 100%

I didn't understand its limited uses then, and even now I'm not sure if it is really needed.

One other question. The local load sense. Is that the feedback to the iSy and mobilinc indicating the lamp is on? I noticed with the outlet active, if I turn the lamp switch off and on, the feedback to mobilinc indicates the light turning on/off.

Thanks

Brad

The OutletLinc Dimmer is rated for incandescent loads only. Even at 100% On Level Insteon Dimmers chop part of the AC Sine Wave which can damage devices not meant to be dimmed (as is the case with many CFLs).

 

Yes, the OutletLinc Dimmer only works with the magnetic key. It is against code for a Dimmer to control an outlet without some type of safety feature that prevents plugging something like a vacuum cleaner into an Outlet that is partially dimmed. Could damage the appliance, the OutletLinc, or both.

 

Load sensing is used to monitor the plugged device. When the plugged device is On the OutletLinc will turn On. When the plugged device is Off the OutletLinc will turn Off. The OutletLinc will report to the ISY when it turns On/Off with load sense. Not all devices with load sense will report that On/Off information to the ISY. The OutletLinc does report the state change.

Thanks for the info Lee. I'll replace it with an on/off outlet link. I was told by the salesman

to just leave it at 100%, so even they are unaware the AC is modified.

Brad

The chopping of the Sine wave by Insteon Dimmers is known by technical folks. Not surprising that Sales is unfamiliar with the internal workings. There are even pictures of the Sine wave chopping on the forum.

 

Note that the OutletLinc Relay has load sense but it DOES NOT report state changes. The OutletLinc Relay is a Responder Only device.

They do make a hard to find, dimmable CFL. That should work on a dimmer type OutletLinc. Though my tests of a few yielded very mixed results with a variety of dimmers.

I would also stay with the relay style. That is On and Off.

Another option might be to upgrade to dimable LED lamps rather than CFL.

 

-Xathros

Good idea. They are expensive, but i got a dimmable LED bulb. Saves me replacing the outlet, and having it sit around not being used. Cheaper this way also.