How effective is the hardwired Phase-Coupler

[ferdies]

I have installed SignaLinc-INSTEON-Phase-Coupler-Hardwired thinking that I will make my system more stable.

 

http://www.smarthome.com/2406H/SignaLin ... red/p.aspx

 

However, i have more communication issues. When I turned off the breaker, systems becomes acceptably fine.

 

My electrician installed 220-volt 20-amp (double-pole) circuit breaker, instead of 15-amp as per quick guide.

 

My questions:

1. Is Signalinc really improves the system?

2. Is there a difference using 20-amp vs 15-amp, does affect the performance?

 

Thanks.

[LeeG]

The breaker size makes no difference.

 

The wired coupler is a passive device. It electrically couples the Insteon frequency range from one phase to another with no amplification, analysis of Insteon message content or validity. If the coupler makes it worse I assume there is something not so good on one of the phases that is being electrically coupled to the other phase.

 

My objection is that it does not amplify when moving the message from one phase to another. Often signals arrive somewhat degraded, putting the message on the other phase in the same somewhat degraded state. The coupler is not creating the underlying problem but could well allow the problem to find its way to the other phase.

[Brian H]

I have seen similar things on the X10 forums.

Problem noise or a signal absorbing device on one phase is now coupled to the other phase. Degrading the systems operations further.

[ELA]

Hello ferdies,

 

Can we assume you had at least two dual band ( on separate phases/legs) devices previous to this hardware install?

 

When I first started looking into improving my network one of the first things I did was to add the hardware coupler.

I had two Access points ( one on each phase/leg). I could not identify any real improvement or degradation when I added it.

I left mine in place so I have redundant coupling, both hardware and via RF (access pts).

 

As the others have said you may have "coupled" an issue from one phase to the other.

When any one given device drives a signal into the powerline it "sees" a load. When you install the hardare coupler it now "sees" and additional load. The home electrical network at 131Khz is a complex impedance and the slightest change can make a large difference in the reliability.

 

As others have suggested first look for signal suckers. Do you have filterlincs installed? I cannot imagine an install in a modern home, with many devices, and no filterlincs required. Identifying suckers can be difficult without instrumentation. You can always use the shotgun approach and install on all the "usual suspects".

 

Assuming you have a ISY - I recommend you start by collecting data on your network reliability by using the level 3 signal diagnostics and looking for the worst case offenders and then isolating those circuits to find signal suckers.