What is an X10 Device?

Many homes in this modern age display an impressive array of technologically advanced features. For example, some homes are designed to incorporate devices that are able to communicate and interact with one another through a centralized controller. These are X10 devices.

What is an X10 Device?

An X10 device is any of a number of electronic products or gadgets used in today's more modern homes that are designed to communicate with other X10 compatible devices. This is made possible by wiring and networking the home and devices specifically.

Controlling the X10 Devices

A central controller is needed in order to allow the X10 devices to communicate and function with one another. A controller can be a piece of individual hardware or it can be a specially designed computer program. Regardless, the controller is in charge of sending signals that instruct devices to turn on or off, dim down or any variety of other programmed actions.

Identification

X10 devices are usually coded with a specific address in order to make them distinguishable or identifiable amongst other devices. One house can generally have up to 256 X10 devices in its network.

Pros and Cons

X10 devices are more convenient than other smart home technological devices, because these devices require no rewiring and are relatively easy to install. It is, for the most part, a simple plug in and use design. Unfortunately, because the products use the same wiring system as other home electronics, such as the washer and dryer or microwave, the X10 signal can sometimes be interrupted when competing with certain appliances that utilize a higher level of power. One solution is to use a plug-in line filter.