AC Compressor causing Communication Issues?

[ferdies]

Has anyone encountered communication issues if AC compressor is on?

 

I have an AC compressor outside and I am suspecting that if my thermostat (Venstart T6800) has the system ON, I am having some communication issues. However, just setting the system to OFF seemed to stabilize it - that's what I am suspecting.

 

The compressor has its own circuit breaker. Could I use Filerlinc for this?

 

Thanks.

[apostolakisl]

To the best of my knowledge, there is no reasonable noise filtering device available for the 240v 30 plus amps that an AC compressor uses. A filterlinc is only 120v 10amps.

[Xathros]

There are hi amperage noise filters available. See: http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/46001 ... ingle.html

 

-Xathros

[Brian H]

It may not be the whole AC unit.

If it has electronic controls. You maybe able to just filter the controls AC power and not the whole thing.

[apostolakisl]

There are hi amperage noise filters available. See: http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/46001 ... ingle.html

 

-Xathros

 

Not sure if it matters, but those are listed as 50hz rather than the 60hz we have in the US.

 

Have you actually used one of these or know of any test reports on them, specifically regarding their use in an Insteon environment?

 

Some time ago I saw some high amp 240v filters but they were very expensive. So I have to wonder how something as cheap as this could be doing the same thing. Not saying it isn't possible, I am just skeptical.

 

Also, have you ever used alibaba? I have not, nor have I known anyone who has. It seems like it really isn't geared to the end user, but rather suppliers/manufacturers.

[apostolakisl]

It may not be the whole AC unit.

If it has electronic controls. You maybe able to just filter the controls AC power and not the whole thing.

 

There is a descent chance that indeed this is the case, but if you start monkeying around re-wiring your unit you may find yourself with a voided warranty.

[Xathros]

Not sure if it matters, but those are listed as 50hz rather than the 60hz we have in the US.

 

Have you actually used one of these or know of any test reports on them, specifically regarding their use in an Insteon environment?

 

Some time ago I saw some high amp 240v filters but they were very expensive. So I have to wonder how something as cheap as this could be doing the same thing. Not saying it isn't possible, I am just skeptical.

 

Also, have you ever used alibaba? I have not, nor have I known anyone who has. It seems like it really isn't geared to the end user, but rather suppliers/manufacturers.

 

I did a few listed as 50/60Hz, though maybe not the one I linked to. The reason I picked that one to post is that it mentioned X10. I have NOT tested any of these in an Insteon or X10 environment but have used them (something very similar) in a previous job for filtering noise generated by manufacturing equipment.

 

I have never bought anything via Alibaba (nor do I think I would) but have used their search results to refine my searches and lead me to US based distributers for various items.

 

I was not recommending that unit specifically, just pointing out that it is possible to filter such things if needed.

 

-Xath

[ELA]

Hello Ferdies,

 

The difficulty in fixing a communications issue is in quantifying it.

When you say "seemed to" would you consider that a guess?.

 

Pick a device that you typically have communications issues with.

Run the ISY diagnostics -viewer in level 3. Send some direct commands to the device.

Query or Get engine are good one to use.

Watch how many hops are being used. 3 max and 2 remaining is good. If you occasionally get 1 or 0 hops remaining that is less good. Also watch the time stamp. If you get responses with 3 hops and 2 remaining but it took more than 1 second that is not good.

 

Do this both with and without your compressor running and compare results to gain confidence in what "seems to be true".

 

As was stated it could be the electronics and not the motor. However the electronics is most likely powered on even when the compressor motor is not.

Very prohibitive to filter the entire unit. Any off the shelf EMI filter not intended for Insteon might remove and noise, if there is any, but thus become a signal sucker.

 

How long would you say the circuit is that feeds the AC from the panel? If there is substantial length the cable itself can help to attenuate noise or signal suckers.