wjm@mruxb.UUCP (mitchell) (02/06/88)
I like the idea of the house automation discussion and am interested in doing some things in this area myself. I'm leaning toward X-10 for now, mostly because it is the one form of automation control that is readily available and it doesn't require any new wiring - a plus when one tries to retrofit an existing house. As for where the discussion should take place - sci.electronics is good from the technical side of things, but you also might consider misc.consumers.house. However, let's decide on one or the other soon, so that we don't clog up the USENET with dual postings. Since this seems to have started in sci.electronics that might be the place to keep it for now (although I may have to cross-post since our netnews software seems to have problems with 'sci' as a distribution). There is a new article in the 1987 edition of the National Electrical Code Article 780 - Closed Loop and Programmed Power Distribution that covers so-called "smart house" systems that provide one set of integrated conductors for control, power, and communications (telephone, cable TV, etc.) and energize power outlets only when an appliance, light, etc. is plugged into them. You can purchase the National Electrical Code from most larger technical bookstores, many electrical supply houses, or you can order it directly from the publisher - the National Fire Protection Association. Their phone number (toll free) is 800-344-3555. Regards, Bill Mitchell