Does Power Line Carrier work during power outages?

[chris]

Hi,

Does PLC still work when there is no AC power on the line - i.e. during
a power outage?

When I say "PLC", I mean PLC in general - I'm not referring to just one
particular prototocl (such as X-10).

I realize that the answer may depend on the PLC chipset/standard used.
If you know the answer for a specific chipset, please let me know.

Here's why I'm asking - suppose I have a PLC device such as phone jack
extender and suppose it has battery backup. I would want that device to
work during a power outage...


Thanks.


Chris.

 

[Jamie]

chris wrote:

Hi,

Does PLC still work when there is no AC power on the line - i.e. during
a power outage?

When I say "PLC", I mean PLC in general - I'm not referring to just one
particular prototocl (such as X-10).

I realize that the answer may depend on the PLC chipset/standard used.
If you know the answer for a specific chipset, please let me know.

Here's why I'm asking - suppose I have a PLC device such as phone jack
extender and suppose it has battery backup. I would want that device to
work during a power outage...


Thanks.


Chris.

i guess you should get a UPS to OP that PLC and all other nice little

Either and CAN devices and maybe a blue tooth device thrown in here and
there.

 

[Markus Baertschi]

chris wrote:

Hi,

Does PLC still work when there is no AC power on the line - i.e. during
a power outage?

Technically most PLS stuff would work without power on the line. It just
uses the wiring as transport medium. Some, like X10, synchronize with
the AC power and would not work without.

However, for most application the point is moot as the actuel PLC modem
is powered from the line and will not work without power.

Markus

 

[Joerg]

Hello Chris,

Does PLC still work when there is no AC power on the line - i.e. during
a power outage?

If designed right, it can. However, keep in mind that PLC gear has to
drive the power line pretty hard. This means that any backup batteries
might exhaust quickly.

One reason for the hard (low-Z) drive is that the powerline contains a
lot of capacitive loads. Many power strips have caps, most electronics
do, I have even seen a vacuum that did.

Regards, Joerg

http://www.analogconsultants.com