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How Do I...Save $$ on AC Wiring

This application note describes how the X10 and Leviton PowerLine Carrier (PLC) products offered by HomeTech can save you time and money. Whether you're adding three-way control to an existing light, installing landscape lighting, or building a new house, PLC can simplify AC wiring. The savings can more than pay for the cost of the PLC devices--plus provide a flexible light level control system ready for timers, remote control, and home automation.


PLC in Conventional Wiring

A PLC based system can control lights in conventionally wired homes. Refer to Figure 1. By replacing the light switches (the three S's) with PLC activated switches, the lights can be controlled at the switches, by wired or wireless remote control, and from a home automation system such as Ménage's UCIX. Switch "modules" are available to control many types of loads; incandescent, fluorescent, motors, and even ceiling fans. Three- and four-way switches are also available.

Using PLC to Simplify Wiring

In new construction or renovation, you have three options for each switched circuit:
  • You can wire conventionally and use conventional switches.
  • You can wire conventionally and use PLC switches.
  • You can wire for PLC transmitters and fixture mounted receivers.
We'll explore this third option in greater detail.

Fixture Mounted Receivers

Figure 2 shows how the same functionality can be achieved using fixture mounted PLC receivers. The "T" represents a PLC transmitter. 6450-4D is the model number of the faceplatefor a four button transmitterthat can turn on, off, brighten, and dim three PLC addresses. Each address could affect multiple devices. The transmitter is set to house code "C", starting unit code "1".

The "R"s represent PLC receivers wired directly into the light fixtures. These modules do the actual control of the lights. Model 6376is a dimming fixture module.

Notice the simplified wiring, and the single "gang" transmitter (instead of the three gang switch panel we had before.) For three-way control, we need only add another transmitter wherever desired. All the transmitter needs is AC power.

Mix 'n Match

The greatest savings are realized when all three schemes are used, each where appropriate. Take each switched light on a case-by-case basis:

Use conventional wiring and a standard switch:

  • If it's easy to wire the switch.
  • If you'll never need a switch elsewhere.
  • If you won't want the light controlled by a home automation system.
Use conventional wiring and a PLC wall switch:
  • If it's easy to wire the switch.
  • If you may want to control this light from elsewhere or from a home automation system.
Use PLC wall transmitters and PLC receivers at the lights:
  • If it simplifies wiring.
  • If you don't want large banks of switches taking up wall space.
  • If you want automation and "scene control."

The Hybrid Method

Figure 3 is an example of a combination of methods two and three. PLC wall switches are installed where they're convenient to wire. A PLC wall transmitter is installed where it's convenient to use.

There are three reasons why the hybrid method may make sense in your application:

  • PLC wall switches tend to be less expensive and can control greater and more diverse loads than fixture mount modules.
  • An extra switch, located by the light, can occasionally be useful.
  • In the rare event of a PLC transmitter failure, local control switches would allow the lights to be manually activated.

Summary

When several switches are in one location or when three- or four-way control is desired, PLC can simplify wiring and eliminate multi-gang wall switch panels. In many wiring jobs, you can easily save enough on materials and labor to pay for the PLC transmitters and receivers.

Last updated October 26, 1996


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