Appliance Wall Switch with Silent Relay (XPS4)

Replace existing x10 switch. Discontinue existing dimming provision. Operates as expected.

This is a very good X10 switch. The following advice is intended for the X10 novice or near-beginner. Don’t start with a switch as your first project. Start with a simple lamp or appliance module to get used to setting and using the house code to control it. As for this switch, don’t install it (or any 110 volt switch for that matter) unless you are thoroughly familiar with electrical installation. This switch needs a neutral (usually white) wire in the switch box. Some switch boxes don’t have a neutral wire. Some of the x10 switches do not require this. With respect to what can be controlled with this switch, I verified with the X10 folks (x10.com) that it can control LED lights if they are at least 60 watt equivalent (I’m specifically referring to this switch, the XPS4). Neither the instructions in the box, nor the instructions on the website x10.com state this. I specifically bought this to provide myself with flexibility as I upgrade my lamps from incandescent/halogen to LED.

This is a great wifi switch rated for 20 AMP. Easy to set up, install and operate. Don't forget the control module or they will not operate with wifi. Also the control module needs to be in close proximity to the switches. I wasn't able to add more on the other side of the house as the control module couldn't find them and I would have needed another app based control module. Otherwise they are fantastic! Enjoy

The XPS4 touts several improvements over its predecessor XPS3 - and appears to live up to most of those claims. I have had to replace several of the older XPS3's (due to early failures), so I hope that the XPS4 has resolved those issues as well. Unfortunately, the XPS4 didn't eliminate one problem in my installation: Occasional un-commanded turn-ons, and failure to turn-off by remote control. (This issue MAY be due to interference from external electrical "noise", rather than any fault of the XPS4 - but it is still frustrating).One problem that does carry-over from the XPS3 (and other similar X10 modules) is two issues relating to the screw-clamp wiring terminals: First, it is extremely difficult to SECURE #12 solid copper wire to these terminals such that it doesn't pull loose when pushing the wired module back into its electrical box. This is partly because the wires exit on the REAR of the module - and so they must be bent at right angles immediately after they exit their terminals, so that they will fit in the tight space behind the module once it is seated in the box... This, in turn causes a lot of torque on the wires while they and the module are being pushed into the box - so almost invariably at least one wire will work loose, and require a "do-over". Second, for some reason, it is extremely difficult to tighten the screw clamps enough to securely grab the solid #12 wires in the first place. It seems to help a little to put a second wire "stub" into the other wire opening on a given clamp, which keeps the clamp bar more level as it is tightened - but even this can have dicey results. I suspect the screw-clamp terminals are designed more for stranded wire. I would try using short pieces of stranded wire in the terminals except that the module is so large that there isn't enough space in the box to install any wire-nuts to tie the stranded stubs to the solid wires - and that really isn't a good thing to do anyway. Bottom line is that the biggest fault of these (and similar X10 modules) is their finicky screw-clamp wiring terminal design.11/22 Addendum: Recent instances of this module have a darker tan color for their "almond" actuator and surround as compared to earlier modules. This new color doesn't match the color of the parts supplied with earlier modules, so putting a new module in an existing multi-gang switch box causes a noticeable color mis-match between the existing modules, the multi-gang cover plate, and the new switch parts. Of course, if the new module replaces an existing module, then the actuator and its surround from the old module can be used on the new module, avoiding the color mis-match.

I've used X10 equipment for decades now but when I switched over to LED lighting it was a whole new ballgame; I had to replace all of my old X10 switches with new ones which would accommodate the LED technology. The biggest challenge was having to install "neutral" wires on each switch, as that is a requirement for them to operate properly. In an older house that's a real pain, let me tell you! My first go-round was with the X10 WS13A wall switch (which is working fine so far) but I needed a backup in case one went out on me and on the recommendation of Texas Home Automation I got the new upgraded X10 XPS4 "Pro" model with a 2-year warranty.. Who knows when I'll need to install it though because the current ones are working fine; as I mentioned, this is just a "spare". My biggest complaint is that it was not packaged properly for shipping and the (retail) box it came in was so badly crushed as to be almost unusable. The switch itself seems to have survived the ordeal, although I won't know until I actually have to install it. It needs to be shipped in some kind of box instead of a padded envelope; that's my only complaint (at least so far).

I have 5 of these. They have a high failure rate Three out of the five have died.Another one just died. Terrible?

I've been using X10 products when home automation was just a dream. With the changes to CFL and LED lighting I found there were issues with the units I have since in order to operate they need 40W Min on the line. The lights are rated at the most 10W therefore you need a min of 4 lights. I used to have at least one light incandescence which worked but defeated the main purpose not to mention it was hard to match the light brightness. I had an earlier version of this switch (XPS3) which works well but is noisy when turned on (heavy duty relay). This one is super quite and works great with my 3 LED lights controlled by my computer's X10 home program. As to service, the unit arrived ahead of schedule packed safely and ready to go (price was competitive with X10 manufacturer). Highly satisfied and surly recommend both switch and supplier.