How to Install a Home Automation Lighting System in Your Home

Home automation lighting isn't just about making everything more convenient - it's also about saving energy and money. If you install the right home automation system in your home then you will be able to save yourself a lot of money every year on your lighting and heating costs.

There are many different types of home automation system, these are all able to control a variety of different systems. Automated lighting systems for example, use lighting modules and can be incorporated with a wide range of different modules for greater functionality.

Step 1 - Decide on Your Requirements

You must first decide on the various X10 modules that you require and how you will use them. There are a number of different modules, each of which will work in a slightly different way. If you want to automate the main lights in your room then you can either purchase X10 switches to replace the current light switch, or you can buy a small module which fits behind your current switch.

If you are trying to control lamps and supplementary lighting in your room then you can use a plug in lamp control module. These plug into the sockets and will control the lamps in the same way. There are also X10 outlets which can replace your current outlet.

Step 2 - Switching off the Power

If you're doing any wiring in your home then it is essential that you first shut the power off. Ensure that the circuit you're working on is completely dead and safe to work on. Either remove the breaker or alternatively switch the complete power off in the room.

Step 3 - Removing Switches

Remove the faceplates of any light switches on your wall that you want to change to be automatic. Unscrew the terminals and remove the individual wires.

Step 4 - Replacing Switch or Wiring Modules

Either wire the small modules into the switch or replace the switch with a new X10 automation switch. Either way you will need to wire them according to conventional wiring standards.

The switch or module will also need to be set with a household ID and item ID. This will ensure that you know exactly what you're controlling.

Step 5 - Lamp Modules

Lamp modules are small plug in devices which can be plugged into any outlet. These are controlled in the same way and will also need to be set with the household and item ID.

Step 6 - Control

So far you have installed modules which are capable of controlling lights in your home, you will also need to fit some form of control panel. For this you can either use timers, remote controls, computers or a combination of both. Decide on what you want to use as control and fit it according to the instructions.

Step 7 - Testing

Turn the power back on and test that everything works properly. If the power continually trips then this could be because something is wired up incorrectly or shorting out.