Texecom is an alarm manufacturer whose Premier Elite control panels, Capture detectors, Odyssey sounders and Ricochet wireless devices are built to UK grading standards such as PD6662:2017. This guide is for installers and property owners choosing a Texecom alarm system: it explains how the parts fit together, what each range does, and where to go for the detail.
Each section gives a short answer and links to a dedicated guide, so you can read only what you need.
Every Texecom intruder alarm is built around a control panel. The panel monitors zones, and each zone is a detector or contact. Users operate the system from a keypad, a prox tag or a keyfob. When the alarm triggers, the panel drives an external sounder and, if a communicator is fitted, sends a notification to an app, an alarm receiving centre or a phone.
Devices connect to the panel in one of two ways: by cable, or over Texecom's Ricochet wireless mesh. Many systems use both. Choose the panel first, because its zone count, areas, grade and wireless capability decide what else you can add.
Part
What it does
Main Texecom ranges
Read the guide
Control panel
The brain of the system: zones, areas, user codes, event log
Pick the smallest Premier Elite panel that covers your zones, areas and users with room to grow. The wired Premier Elite 24, 48, 88, 168 and 640 share one platform and differ mainly in capacity: each starts with 8 on-board zones and expands to 24, 48, 88, 168 or 640 zones. The Premier Elite 64-W is the hybrid option, with 4 wired on-board zones and 32 wireless zones, expandable to 64 wireless.
Grade matters as much as size. The Premier Elite 24 is Grade 2 in its polymer housing and Grade 3 in its metal housing; the 48, 88, 168 and 640 are listed at Grade 3; the 64-W is Grade 2. Areas run from 2 on the 24 up to 64 on the 640, and user codes from 25 up to 1,000.
Texecom keypad names tell you what they do: LCD is the standard display, L adds a large display, P adds a proximity reader, and LCDLP has both. The Premier Elite LCDLP is the most capable standard keypad, with a 32 character large blue display, prox reader and a listing to EN50131-3 Grade 3 Class II, and it is CPNI accredited.
For design-led interiors, the FMK (flush mount) and SMK (surface mount) designer keypads share the LCDLP features in finishes such as gunmetal, chrome, brass and diamond white. Where no cable can reach the keypad position, the wireless LCDLP-W uses Ricochet and includes a prox reader. Veritas panels use their own Veritas LED and Excel LCD keypads, not the Premier range.
Texecom offers two kinds of "fob" and they are not interchangeable. The Premier Elite SmartKey (GCC-0001) is a wireless keyfob for remote arm, part arm and disarm, system status and output control. It is a Ricochet device, so it needs a 64-W panel or a wired Premier Elite panel with an 8XP-W or 32XP-W expander. Texecom states it is not compatible with the Ricochet Expansion Pack (GEC-0002).
The Premier Proximity Key Tag (CDB-0001) is a passive tag, sold in packs of five, that you present to a keypad with a prox reader, such as the LCDP, LCDLP, FMK, SMK or LCDLP-W, or the 64-W LIVE panel's built-in keypad.
Ricochet is Texecom's wireless technology for Premier Elite systems. Ricochet devices form a mesh network that gives a reliable wireless link between the components of a system, and Texecom notes they are highly resistant to interference. Ricochet products carry a "-W" suffix.
There are two ways to build a Ricochet system. The Premier Elite 64-W hybrid panel has wireless built in; the 64-W LIVE version adds an on-board LCD keypad with prox reader. Alternatively, fit an 8XP-W or 32XP-W wireless expander to a wired Premier Elite panel. The Ricochet Wireless Expansion Pack can add up to eight wireless devices to any security system, but is not compatible with SmartKey, DualTechs or wireless sounders.
Capture is Texecom's current range of motion detectors. Choose by mounting position, technology and grade. Wall-mount PIRs are the P15 (15m / 90°) and Q20 (20m / 90°). The D20 is a wall-mount dual technology detector combining a quad pyro with K-band microwave. The CQ and CD are 360° ceiling detectors. The A20 (wall) and CA (ceiling) add anti-masking and are the Grade 3 models; the rest are Grade 2.
The P15, Q20 and D20 offer an optional PetWise mode, and most models have Ricochet wireless -W versions. Texecom does not list wireless versions of the A20 or CA in our range. Remember that a Grade 3 detector only gives a Grade 3 system when the panel is Grade 3 too.
An Impaq shock sensor detects the vibration of an attempted forced entry on a door or window, so the alarm can activate while the intruder is still outside. The current range is the wired Grade 2 Impaq S (shock only) and Impaq SC (with an optional magnetic contact), the wired Grade 3 Impaq S G3, and the wireless Impaq SC-W. The Veritas Impaq E is a simpler wired Grade 2 option.
Most models use Texecom's VIBER accelerometer technology, which detects in three dimensions so the sensor can be mounted in any orientation, and offers five digital sensitivity settings for materials from window frames to concrete. The Impaq S and S G3 have built-in end-of-line resistors.
Texecom makes two families of safety detectors that report to its intruder panels. The wired Exodus range is 12V 4-wire: the Exodus OH (optical and heat, listed to EN54-7), the Exodus RR (rate of rise heat) and the fixed-temperature FT64 and FT90 (both listed to EN54-5). For Ricochet systems there is the OH-W wireless smoke/heat detector and the CO-W carbon monoxide detector, both with a built-in 85dB sounder.
The detector type should suit the room. Texecom states the Exodus OH is not suitable where there is smoke, dust or steam in the air, so a heat detector is usually used in those areas. The CO-W needs Premier Elite V3.02 firmware or later. Whether an installation meets fire or carbon monoxide requirements for your property depends on the applicable regulations and system design, so ask a qualified installer if you are unsure.
Odyssey is Texecom's range of external sounders, or bell boxes. The Odyssey 1 to 5 are different cover styles; each comes in a Premier Elite version (115dB, Grade 3) and an "E" version (109dB, Grade 2 on the models checked), plus matching dummies. The Odyssey 5 Compact is a smaller Grade 3 box.
Odyssey X is the newer modular range: choose a backplate for the grade and features (X, X-E, or the backlit X-B and X-BE), then an X1 or X3 cover for the look. The wireless Odyssey X-W uses Ricochet mesh, has a 105dB(A) piezo sounder and is Grade 2 Class IV. Match the sounder grade to your panel.
A communicator lets the panel talk to the outside world: to the Texecom Connect app, to an alarm receiving centre, or to an engineer for remote programming. For most Premier Elite systems on V4.00 firmware or later with broadband, the answer is SmartCom, which connects over Ethernet or 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. Texecom states it makes outbound connections, so no port forwarding is needed on the router.
Other options cover specific needs. ComIP gives an IP connection with an ATS Class 4 rating and home automation integration. ComGSM reports over the mobile network. Com2400 and Com300 use a PSTN telephone line. Speech diallers, or the Premier Elite speech module with a Com2400, phone you with a recorded message.
A kit is the simplest way to buy a panel with its core devices, and the right one depends mainly on whether you can run cables. Wireless kits built on the Premier Elite 64-W (KIT-1001, KIT-1002, KIT-1086) include three Capture P15-W detectors and five prox tags. Self-contained kits on the 64-W LIVE (KIT-1003, KIT-1004) use two SmartKey fobs instead of a separate keypad. KIT-1002 and KIT-1004 add an Odyssey X-W sounder backplate.
The hybrid KIT-1005 pairs a wired Premier Elite 48 and LCDP keypad with a 32XP-W expander and wireless Capture and Impaq devices. Wired kits are based on the Premier Elite 24 (KIT-1040) and the metal Premier Elite 48 (KIT-0008); their full contents are not listed, so contact us before ordering.
Work through this checklist to choose the system type.
Choose wired if:
Walls are open, or cable routes already exist (new build, renovation, extension).
The system must be Grade 3: the wired Premier Elite 48, 88, 168, 640 and metal 24 are listed at Grade 3, while the 64-W and Ricochet expanders are Grade 2.
You need more than 64 zones or more than 4 areas.
You would rather not replace detector batteries.
Choose wireless (Premier Elite 64-W) if:
The property is occupied or finished and cabling would be disruptive.
Grade 2 suits the property, as it does most homes and small businesses.
Up to 64 wireless zones, 4 areas and 50 users is enough.
You want users to arm by SmartKey fob (choose the 64-W LIVE for a panel with a built-in keypad).
Choose hybrid if:
Some areas are easy to cable and others are not, such as an outbuilding or a decorated room.
You are extending an existing wired Premier Elite system: add an 8XP-W or 32XP-W expander rather than replacing the panel.
You want wired detectors in most rooms but a wireless keypad, sounder or shock sensor where a cable cannot reach.
Before you buy, check:
Zone count, areas and user codes, with room to grow.
The grade the property needs, and that every part matches it.
Panel firmware for SmartCom (V4.00+) or the CO-W (V3.02+).
Whether you need an external sounder and a communicator in the first order.
Glossary
Grade 2 / Grade 3: security grades that Texecom panels and devices are listed to. Grade 2 suits most homes and small businesses; Grade 3 is typically used for higher-risk commercial premises. A system is only as high as its lowest-graded part.
PD6662: the UK document Texecom panels and devices are listed against, for example PD6662:2017 Grade 2 or Grade 3.
EN50131: the European series of alarm system standards. Individual parts are cited on product listings, for example EN50131-3 on panels and keypads, EN50131-5-3 on Ricochet devices, and EN50131-2-8, which Texecom describes as the European standard for vibration detectors.
Environmental Class: stated alongside grade, for example Class II on Texecom panels and detectors and Class IV on Odyssey external sounders.
Anti-masking: a feature of the Grade 3 Capture A20 and CA detectors, listed alongside their dual technology detection.
Dual tech: dual technology detection, which on Capture detectors combines a pyro (PIR) element with K-band microwave.
PetWise: an optional mode on the Capture P15, Q20 and D20, intended for homes with pets.
Ricochet: Texecom's mesh wireless technology for Premier Elite systems, used by all "-W" devices.
VIBER: Texecom's accelerometer-based shock detection in Impaq sensors, detecting in three dimensions with five digital sensitivity settings.
Prox (proximity) tag: a passive tag presented to a keypad or reader with a prox reader to arm or disarm.
EOL resistor: end-of-line resistor. The Impaq S and S G3 have them built in.
ATS Class: the transmission class stated for a communicator, for example ATS Class 4 for ComIP and Class 2 for Com2400 and Com300.
ARC: alarm receiving centre, the monitoring service a communicator can report to.
UDL: upload/download, which lets an installer program and diagnose the panel remotely, for example through Wintex software or Texecom Cloud.
Areas: separate parts of a building that can be armed independently, also known as partitions.
Zenith Texecom video tours
Texecom video guides
Video: Texecom Connect App (V2) (Texecom)
Video: Capture motion detectors (Texecom)
Contact Zenith Security Co
Not sure which panel, kit or communicator suits your property? Our team can help you put the right Texecom system together.
Trade counter: Unit 3, Park View Centre, 243 Dudley Road, Wolverhampton WV2 3JU
Fast delivery across England, Scotland and Wales on all Texecom products.
Frequently asked questions
Is Texecom suitable for a house?
Yes. Grade 2 panels such as the Premier Elite 24 (polymer) and the 64-W suit most homes, and the wireless kits are built for occupied properties.
Can I mix Texecom wired and wireless devices?
Yes. The 64-W takes both wired and wireless zones, and wired Premier Elite panels accept Ricochet devices through an 8XP-W or 32XP-W expander.
Do I need a communicator for app control?
Yes. Texecom Connect app control, Texecom Monitor and Texecom Cloud need a SmartCom or SmartCom 4G on the panel.
Can I upgrade an existing Texecom system rather than replace it?
Often. You can add keypads, detectors, a wireless expander or a communicator to a Premier Elite panel. Check the panel model and firmware first, and contact us if you are unsure.
Which keypads work with Veritas panels?
Veritas panels use their own keypads, such as the Veritas LED and Veritas Excel LCD, rather than the Premier range.
Should I install a Texecom system myself?
Panels need programming, and adding users, tags and fobs may need the engineer code. If you are unsure, talk to a qualified installer before buying.
