X10 lamp modules and flickering LEDs

This page describes a solution for X10 lamp modules that cause LED lamps to flicker.

In an experiment with a digital storage scope it was found that the problem is that the LED bulb current sometimes (~ 5% of the time) drops below the TRIAC (in the lamp module) latching current and thus turns off. A 6W LED Bulb current averages around 50 mA and the BTA10-400C TRIAC in the lamp module has a typical IL spec of 35mA (and no maximum in the specs). If you replace the TRIAC with one with a IL MAX of 15 mA, or with an "Alternistor Triac" the problem should go away. Replacement components are ~ $2 each depending on quantity.

The solution is to do a straight forward component replacement in the X10 Lamp Module. The BTA10-400C TRIAC in at least some brands of the modules can carry up to 10A (1200 watts) yet the module states 300W max. The Littelfuse Q6012LH1LEDTP Alternistor Triac (600V, 12A, TO-220 insulated tab package, 6mA holding current - designed for LED lamps but still able to support incandescence) seems ideally suited as a replacement and has been demonstrated to work. It takes about 30 minutes to do a module (the first time) with moderate soldering skills - essentially a "repair" by component replacement.