X-10 Mods - TW523 Power Line Interface

Here we explain how to modify a USA 115V TW523 Power Line Interface module to operate at 230V.

Introduction

These instructions are based on Hans Attersjö's Home page.  I have not attempted this modification and I accept no responsibility for the effects of anyone making these modifications.   You follow these instructions at your own risk.

This one is quite tricky to modify due to the limited space inside the module. This module has no silk screen printing of component numbers so I presume that you know the colour codes of resistors. If you don't, you wouldn't be reading this or would you :-).

Modification Steps

  1. Open the module by removing the screw between the legs of the incoming power.
  2. Change C14 (2E225) from 2.2uF 250V to 1uf 400V. Fix this one with silicon or epoxy glue.
  3. Change C10 (2E224) from 0.22uF 250V to 0.1uF 400V.
  4. Change R25 from 22 Ohm 0.5W to 47 Ohm 1W.
  5. Change R12 from 100k 0.5W to 220k 0.5W.
  6. Change the VDR from 130V MOV to a MOV of 250V RMS. 230V and 240V users should use a 275V MOV.

It was impossible for me to find a 1uF/400V, so I used two 0.47uF/400V in parallel, one soldered in the original position of C14 and the other one on the back of the board. Both were fixed with some silicon. This means that it was impossible to close the box, so I made a couple of plastic strips about 1/4" (6mm) wide to use as spacers between the two parts of the box. I finally fixed the whole assembly together with some good quality scotch and glued an adapter for my plug standard on the standard incoming connector. One should perhaps glue the plastic strips to one of the halves of the box but I was in a hurry and didn't.

Even if you could do a nice mechanical assembly, don't even think about passing some electrical approvals. It would almost certainly fail! BTW, we don't have those things where I live. First, the optocoupler does not have sufficient insulation rating. Secondly, the legs of the opto coupler's in and outside, are too close on the printed circuit board. Third, the material of the printed circuit board is not good enough, etc., etc.

However, I consider it fairly safe in a dry and child-free environment. My TW523 is BTW, mounted inside a locked cabinet. Even if you don't use a modified TW523, but especially if you do so, I would suggest that you verify that your computer has a good ground and that you use a differential circuit breaker (GFB or GFI depending on where you are) on your incoming power. A short circuit between input and output side of the TW523 could otherwise cause your computer to become a death trap!

While the module is already open, also change the 68V 1W Zener diode to a 3W type. You could perhaps also use two 33V, 3W zeners in series. This diode fails often, even on 110V.

Update. This unit can be now be bought in 220V version from Home Automation Systems for $59.95. However, it is still cheaper and more adventurous to modify a 110V version yourself!

If you attempt these modifications, please let me know your results, and read the warning on the X-10 and 115V & 230V page.

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