Has anyone used the Intermatic CA3500 wall receptacle? I’ve been looking at buying a couple of these, and I’m drawn to this particular model because the controlled outlet is the bottom one, while all of the other models seem to have the controlled outlet at the top. However, this model comes with a “Load Sensing” feature which apparently turns on the controlled outlet if it “senses” the need for current. I’m not quite sure how that works, but it makes me a bit nervous.
My primary use for this outlet is to plug all my A/V equipment into it (via a powerstrip) in my weekend home, and to be able to shut everything down when I’m not there (I do this now with an appliance module, but hate the look of that giant brick on the wall).
So my question for anyone who has one of these…if I turn off the outlet, will it automatically turn back on later because one of the devices I have connected (via the powerstrip) will somehow trigger the “Load Sensing” in the receptacle? Again, just not understanding how this thing actually “senses” loads.
I haven’t used Zwave device with this yet, but it was very common in X-10 devices. Sometimes (especially with table lamps) it’s very handy to be able to just turn the lamp on without looking for a controller. You’d turn the lamp off then on to activate the feature. I never had any problems with this in X-10 devices, but then it was about the only thing that worked right over time.
Have the HA01C, CA3500 and the ZRR150 in my setup - load sensing has not been a issue - actual helps with WAF factor as there is no need for remote on bending over to push a button to turn on a device. ;D
I have a CA3500 that controls my TV and sound system. So far none of the home theater components will trigger the “auto on” This may be caused by the amount of power the home theater components draws or the fact that most electronic systems rely on some power to the device in order for the electronically controlled on/off to work (standby power). If I plug in a lamp with a standard bulb this will activate the auto on, change that bulb to a compact florescent and it will no longer trigger the auto on.
I have found that the auto on sensing is a hit & miss when electronic devices are connected, I think it was more intended for higher wattage lights or non electronic devices requiring standby power.
So I was about to place an order for a couple of receptacles, and just to be safe, I sent an email to ASIHome to confirm that the Intermatic HA01C actually offered a bottom-controlled outlet. The reply indicated that was not the case - that this model has a top-controlled outlet. So now I’m really confused, as this was the model I really wanted to buy. The CA3500 definitely offers a bottom-controlled outlet - you can clearly see it marked in the picture of the product. But I don’t need the load-sensing feature, and ASIHome (my retailer of choice) doesn’t sell that model.
Caffreyboy - can you confirm for me that your HA01C z-wave receptable has a bottom-controlled outlet (i.e. the top outlet is the ‘always on’ one)? Perhaps there were different versions/lots produced? Or is it possible your outlet is installed upside down (i.e. the ground prong is on the top), in which case the controlled outlet would be at the bottom? I looked up the installation instructions for this receptacle, and those instructions also clearly indicate that the upper outlet is the z-wave controlled one.