Tips on Choosing Hardware

When you're choosing hardware, you need to make sure that all the devices you buy support the same standard. Some other factors to consider when choosing hardware are as follows:

- Electrical rating: Make sure the device is rated for the job that you want it to do. For example, a 500W lighting controller will not be able to handle a large appliance. The excess electrical load will cause the receiver's switch to fuse and destroy the unit.

- RF or power line: There are XI0 devices available, including remote controls, that communicate using RF. In order for them to control X10 devices you need an XI0 RF receiver plugged into an outlet so that it can relay commands onto the line.

- One-way or two-way:Using newer two-way devices (transceivers), you can take advantage of advanced features and options in many home automation applications.

If you're installing an X10 system, make sure that all devices you purchase are Xl0-compliant. X10 devices have the X10 logo on the package or device. Beware of products that don't bear the X10 logo; X10 probably hasn't licensed them and they may not be fully compliant.