I have a Decorator Style Dimmer Switch (WS12A)
[ [Link: x10.com] ]
that has stopped working. Yes, I know it's a cheapo X10 wall switch, but was wondering how to diag this thing before I yank it out and replace it.

I have it intalled in the wall where a switch controlled the upper outlet of two outlets in the FR.
I have ONLY plugged in lamps into these outlets while controlled by this switch. So, no I'm not dimming a blender here....

I have plugged the lamps into a lamp module (lower outlet) and they now work fine, so.... lamps work, lamp module works, TM751 still works, but Wall switch contolling upper outlet fails to work, is it a gonner or are there more diag step I can take before I declare it dead.

thanks,
rm

Dimmer switches of any type that control a receptical should not be used, according to the electrical code, and logic. It is so easy to plug something into the outlet that is not a light. If this happens either the dimmer switch is killed, or the device that you plug into the outlet can be damaged or destroyed.

If you must dim the light, use a dimmer module plugged into the wall outlet, or use a non-dimmer X-10 switch with a relay built in.

My experience has been that, when they malfunction, the wall switches stop responding to controllers, and they stop dimming. You did not specify, but I'm guessing that yours is dead, i.e., no lights.

To diagnose, remove the switch and install it in a permanently-connected incandescent light circuit, or test-bench it with a plug, lamp, and wire. Also, don't assume your lamp is working, unless that's what you tested the plug-in module with.

It sounds like you have what's known as split-wired receptacles, half hot, half on a switch. Best bet is to rewire so the socket is always hot, and use a multi-button transmitter where the switch is.

I agree with EXT that, even if YOU know to not plug in something besides a lamp, somebody else (mother-in-law, maid, kids, etc.) may NOT know better. Bye-bye switch.

Larry