Home automation protocols

[David Kramer]

Tom Metro wrote:
> Seth Gordon wrote:
>> ...as long as I'm using X-10 I can't switch my lights over to CFL or
>> LED bulbs.  The times I've googled around for alternatives, it seems
>> that every other system is pitched to people with a lot more
>> disposable income than I have.
> 
> A bit ironic the way power savings and home automaton are at odds, due 
> to CFLs. Some of the lighting most suitable for automation, like outside 
> porch lights, are harder to automate because of this.

...

> (X-10 dimmer switches work around the absent neutral by leaking some 
> current through the filament of the incandescent bulb when its off. 
> Supposedly Z-Wave dimmers can work like this too[1], but not INSTEON.)

Thereby making power savings even harder.