500 Watt X10Appl Module Handle 500 Watt Halogen Lamp OK?

Question

Sorry if this is common knowledge or in a FAQ somewhere, I couldn't find it for sure.

I've got some 500 Watt halogen work lights. I'd like to set them up in my back yard for an ice rink for the kids this winter. I'd like to be able to control them with X10 Appliance modules.

Would it be safe to use appliance module rated at 500 watts? Or should I be looking for something higher capacity? if it is available.

Appreciate any feedback. Thanks Dave

Marc F Hult · Accepted Answer

On Sat, 08 Oct 2005 18:10:51 GMT, ""  wrotein message  :Cold weather will generally work against you with mechanical, relay-basedswitches such an appliance module and for you with TRIAC (semiconductor)based modules.  The Safe Operating Area (SOA -- "safe" in this context refers to longevityof the semiconductor) of the TRIAC used is based on an assumed ambienttemperature 40+ degrees F higher than your operating temperature. I wouldnot be overly concerned about using a RIAC-based module at its rated wattagein below freezing weather.(I went to Ido Bartana 's site at to see what the maximum ratedcapacity and specific devices used in TRIAC-based modules and found that thedocumented, gratuitous, self-serving, flagrant plagiarism at has still not been removedafter 5 years. I left the site in disgust without answering my question.Some folks have no scruples.)MarcMarc_F_Hult

JW · Answer

A simple way would be to build a 110v relay device to switch the lights and control that with an X10 Powerflash Module.

500 Watt X10Appl Module Handle 500 Watt Halogen Lamp OK?

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