How did they do it? (No neutral needed dimmer)

[Robert Green]

http://www.smarthome.com/manuals/2386W2_web.pdf

give details about a:

2384W2 SWITCHLINC RX PLC 2 Wire Dimmer (White)

which they claim:

* Installs just like a regular light switch — no neutral wires are
needed!
* Ideal for older homes that don't have a neutral wire in the electrical
box
* Totally adjustable dim level and fade on/off speed
* Responds to preset dim X10 commands
* Use with 3-way or greater circuits with the addition of multi-way
companion switches

I thought for an X-10 receiving device to be "listening" it had to have
current trickled through it and that required a neutral connection. They
say the status LED will not light if there is no neutral connection. If I
read the diagrams correctly they don't need a neutral, but they do need a
ground. How likely is it if electricians didn't run neutral to the box that
they DID run a ground wire?

--
Bobby G.

[BruceR]

Like the original X10 wall switches, the circuit is completed through
the load. With those switches there is always a trickle current running
through the filament, hence the disconnect slider for UL approval.
That's why they specify a bulb with a minimum of 40 watts.

From:Robert Green
ROBERT_GREEN1963@YAH00.COM

> http://www.smarthome.com/manuals/2386W2_web.pdf
>
> give details about a:
>
> 2384W2 SWITCHLINC RX PLC 2 Wire Dimmer (White)
>
> which they claim:
>
> * Installs just like a regular light switch — no neutral wires are
> needed!
> * Ideal for older homes that don't have a neutral wire in the
> electrical box
> * Totally adjustable dim level and fade on/off speed
> * Responds to preset dim X10 commands
> * Use with 3-way or greater circuits with the addition of multi-way
> companion switches
>
> I thought for an X-10 receiving device to be "listening" it had to
> have current trickled through it and that required a neutral
> connection. They say the status LED will not light if there is no
> neutral connection. If I read the diagrams correctly they don't
> need a neutral, but they do need a ground. How likely is it if
> electricians didn't run neutral to the box that they DID run a ground
> wire?
>
> --
> Bobby G.