Texecom home security products

[SilverShadow]

Hey gang,

 

This is probably a very niche subject, so maybe not many have any experience of this......

 

We're looking to install a new security system (full system) & it seems like Texecom have a very decent range of suitable products. The only snag is, they have a large range of products, and it's a bit confusing which one is most suitable without doing overkill

 

Does anyone have any knowledge/experience of these products, please?

 

I'm looking at maybe the premier elite 24, with one of their wired sounders, wireless keypad and up to 8 wireless sensors (one of which will be in an outbuilding up to 20m away from the panel). I presume the Elite 24 handle this without the need of the Ricochet Expander? 🤷‍♂️ 

 

 

TIA

Shadow

 

 

 

[JohnMo]

I assume this will be a professional installation, otherwise worth nothing as far as insurance is concerned?

 

So would suspect the installer would be the best person to talk with and they would be well aware of the correct mix of components for a good glitch free install of your house.

[SilverShadow]

Yip, yip - we would get a professional to do the hard work for us.

 

However, i always like to have a good basic knowledge of what to ask for, so we don't end up over/under spec-ing the system

 

 

 

[jack]

2 hours ago, JohnMo said:

So would suspect the installer would be the best person to talk with

 

If I'd done no research and just listened to 90% of my installers, we'd have ended up with worse outcomes in just about every area of our build.

 

I think it makes good sense to get an understanding of anything technical before taking advice from someone whose job involves maximising profit from you. 

[JohnMo]

24 minutes ago, jack said:

 

If I'd done no research and just listened to 90% of my installers, we'd have ended up with worse outcomes in just about every area of our build.

 

I think it makes good sense to get an understanding of anything technical before taking advice from someone whose job involves maximising profit from you. 

True

[joth]

I have a Texecom Premier system, professionally installed, and honestly I can't recommend it. It's hugely antiquated. 

I posted a short-list of my grumbles with it on the Loxone mailing list 5 years ago -I'll copy below for posterity...

 

The key question is do you need a "Graded" alarm system? this is never financially worth it for "insurance premium savings", the monitor/support contract costs more than the savings. It's really only worth it if you have high value items that the insurer refuses to cover without a graded alarm. Or, you just want the highest level of system for peace of mind.

A graded alarm allows for automatic police notification. I found that a waste of time, as the ARC would call me and my 2 other keyholders before doing police callout, and if anyone answers they would basically just say "your alarm is going off" and hang up, no information on what cause or support in figuring out if it's a false alarm. Which was oh so helpful when I was camping on a mountain in another country... So I've now terminated that contract and do my own self-monitored alarm (via Loxone, and a network of mutually supporting neighbours) which is cheaper and far stronger protection.

 

If you DO need a graded alarm, I keep hearing AJAX.systems is the much more modern system, and uses cameras for much stronger confirmed alarms. (Texecom has a camera offering now but honestly I wouldn't touch it given my experiences)

Still looking for some first-hand feedback from someone that's lived with AJAX for a few years and see if it lives up to the marketing.

 

Quote

From  https://groups.google.com/g/loxone-english/c/-p4RzvsYIqU/m/Rzbm2afCAgAJ

 

Where to start Some examples:

- the premier elite user manual describes text entry via the numeric keypad as "like on a mobile phone". They're talking keypad multipress character entry, made obsolete by T9 predictive text in the late 90s. So that's a 30 year old analogy that means nothing at all to a new installer these days. They've either not updated their user manual in 2 decades, or whoever wrote it wasn't familiar with the idea of an iPhone (itself 13 years 18 years old now!)

- its external communications is limited to 3 RS232 ports, running at (typically) 19200 baud. Their "Connect" internet bridge demands two of them, leaving one (ideally) for GSM remote monitoring service and thus none for the loxone "Creston protocol" interconnect.

- the PCB says (c) 2011 so I assume the design hasn't been modified in at least  that long, but even a decade ago three slow RS232 ports and no usb or ethernet would have felt a bit stingy. 

- their Texecom connect product is a joke. e.g. All I did was try to edit one user name, and it screwed up the names of every user (probably a parity error on that rs232 port ) and wouldn't recover so 10mins after installing it I was already resetting it and re-installing. The mobile app reviews speak for themselves. 

- they advertise a set of "smart home" products but really simple things like having the remote keyfob also trigger the garage door opener (as advertised in their brochure) proved extremely difficult. Installer had no idea, called Texecom tech support and they also had no idea! "no one ever use this".  Eventually they found their private tech manual on how to do it. Over an hour on the phone to setup.  Turns out It takes 2 long presses, two waits for LED feedback, and one more press each time you want to open/close th door, so really not convenient as I drive / cycle / run up the driveway anyway after all that. Clearly, no one ever uses this.

- the default owner user name of MASTER is both gender biased and racially charged 

 

 

- UI text is all uppercase, reminds me of texting in the  90s.

 

- the keypads (even the premier top end ones) have a vintage look about them.

- the wireless door/window sensors are dog ugly, or (if using the miniature ones) very unreliable (according to my installer)

... I could go on.

 

None of these are deal breakers, but put together it certainly all feels antiquated  to me.

Even the installation company said they find it very old school to deal with and generally discourage it, they much prefer working with Orisec these days

 

 

> having the engineers code does not prevent monitoring, just need the correct installer

 

Challenge in this is finding the "correct installer" that exists within a reasonable distance of my house.  I spoke to all the  local Texecom installers and all said exactly the same thing: they won't share engineer code, and I would not find an installer that would.

I also asked 3 local Loxone installers who they'd use or recommend for the alarm install, but they didn't/wouldn't share any leads. 

 

The installer I went with hesitatingly shared the UDL password at least, with a bunch of conditions attached. The install + loxone integration took enough time as it was (3 visits, and still has various loose ends) -- It would have been unworkable to use a company not from the local area.

 

 

Obviously, the above is all just one person's experience, but having just gone through this it seems worth sharing this contrasting view. YMMV.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited Sunday at 15:35 by joth

[Spinny]

i'd have thought start with a list of the objectives that you are actually trying to achieve. 

What is the goal of this security system ?

 

We appear to live in a world where the police are more interested in responding to thought crime accusations than actual break ins. The prisons are full and so there is limited interest in punishing offenders.

 

Security systems are typically about monitoring and response, but don't necessarily substitute for high levels of physical security measures.

There are a plethora of DIY solutions around.

If really going the professional route then an overall assessment from a security professional might be better than just selecting an alarm vendor.

[Nickfromwales]

On 31/05/2026 at 15:36, SilverShadow said:

Yip, yip - we would get a professional to do the hard work for us.

 

However, i always like to have a good basic knowledge of what to ask for, so we don't end up over/under spec-ing the system

 

 

 

Just remember, the system will log every single event, including when it is armed or disarmed.

 

If you forget to arm it and you get burgled, your home contents insurance is often invalidated, the same way your car theft insurance is invalidated if your car is stolen because you left the keys in the ignition.

 

So an alarm can be as much of a liability as not having one. Best to give the illusion of having one and say feck all to your insurance company about it, and make sure it’s not in their small print that IF you get one mid-term that it automatically attaches to your policy, along with the caveats and exclusions.

 

Texecom is the upper end of the lower market, fitted a few for previous self build clients and they've not reported any issues, and seemed decent quality / features vs Accenta etc.

 

I fitted an Accenta in my shed / office / hideout, more for show than anything. 

[JohnMo]

Our last house had a fully insurance approved and maintained alarm. Out of interest, at one renewal time for insurance, I asked to quote with and without alarm and got the same cost.

46 minutes ago, Nickfromwales said:

If you forget to arm it and you get burgled, your home contents insurance is often invalidated, the same way your car theft insurance is invalidated if your car is stolen because you left the keys in the ignition

All these things were true if I declared the alarm. Kept the alarm, didn't declare it any more.

[trialuser]

21 hours ago, joth said:

I have a Texecom Premier system, professionally installed, and honestly I can't recommend it. It's hugely antiquated. 

I posted a short-list of my grumbles with it on the Loxone mailing list 5 years ago -I'll copy below for posterity...

 

The key question is do you need a "Graded" alarm system? this is never financially worth it for "insurance premium savings", the monitor/support contract costs more than the savings. It's really only worth it if you have high value items that the insurer refuses to cover without a graded alarm. Or, you just want the highest level of system for peace of mind.

A graded alarm allows for automatic police notification. I found that a waste of time, as the ARC would call me and my 2 other keyholders before doing police callout, and if anyone answers they would basically just say "your alarm is going off" and hang up, no information on what cause or support in figuring out if it's a false alarm. Which was oh so helpful when I was camping on a mountain in another country... So I've now terminated that contract and do my own self-monitored alarm (via Loxone, and a network of mutually supporting neighbours) which is cheaper and far stronger protection.

 

If you DO need a graded alarm, I keep hearing AJAX.systems is the much more modern system, and uses cameras for much stronger confirmed alarms. (Texecom has a camera offering now but honestly I wouldn't touch it given my experiences)

Still looking for some first-hand feedback from someone that's lived with AJAX for a few years and see if it lives up to the marketing.

 

 

Perfectly put.

In the past Texecom have had loads of trouble with power supplies and batch troubles with various detectors. The app is old fashioned, so are the keypads.

You can join their own forum and see what people are moaning about.

I have had two texecom system for the past 15 years which I add to and 'upgrade' now and then and it hasn't moved on much at all.

I don't love it but it does work as an intruder alarm though but has never been triggered in anger.

You can often find their stuff new old stock on ebay.

[SilverShadow]

Thanks guys - most helpful 

 

For the record, it doesn't have to be Texecom  by any means. I only selected it due to what i'd read online, but happy to consider anything reliable and cost effective.

 

What we're after is:

• Alarm & Sounder - wired to mains for power
• Separate keypad - wired or battery for power, wireless connectivity to panel
• 4 or 5 Wireless motion sensors and maybe similar for door/window sensors
• One motion sensor will be 20m away from the alarm, in an outbuilding
• Pet friendly
• 2 or more areas
• If it has a free app, then great - but not a biggie if not
• No subscription fees
• Reliable / well built

 

We just want a decent system for a normal home, rather than Fort Knox  

 

 

 

 

Edited Monday at 20:18 by SilverShadow

[ragg987]

I fitted a Texecom Elite system in our self build into house, annexe and garage. House and annexe are treated as independent areas, each with is own keypad with a RFID sensor. Steep learning curve to program it using their PC application, but doable. It monitors via PIRs, plus smoke and fire detectors. Also drives my door-bell. I agree that this is old fashioned tech, but it's now in year 10 and I've only had to change one backup battery in that time - the panel alerted me to the pending failure of the old battery. I abandoned their android app a long time ago, but I believe they have upgraded that tech a bit. I use home assistant integration for remote monitoring and management.

 

I wanted to avoid reliance on wireless and battery powered devices, so everything is wired to the central unit. All devices, internal and external sounders etc take power from this centre which has is own fused spur. Solid steel cabinet and well built.

 

Their corner PIR sensors are pet friendly, however I have one 360 sensor that is not.

 

I'd use then again based on this experience, though I'd probably see what other companies are doing and what progress the tech has made first.

[SilverShadow]

Cheers Ragg - most useful  

 

Out of interest, does anyone have any manufacturers or models i should consider or avoid? 

 

For me, this will be invaluable when speaking to an installer - if they pick a quality firm/device then i'll know they are potentially savvy. It'll also help me decide what options/setup i can request

[jack]

13 hours ago, SilverShadow said:

Out of interest, does anyone have any manufacturers or models i should consider or avoid? 

 

Obviously it has its limitations, but this is exactly the sort of question that AI very good at answering.

I just put the following prompt into Claude:
 

Quote

I am considering having a home alarm installed in the UK.

 

I am interested in a good value alarm system that is reliable and well-supported.

 

I need the sensors and keypad to be wireless. There will be up to 12 motion sensors and window sensors.

 

I do not need a graded alarm for insurance purposes. I do not need monitoring.

 

Recommend the top three brands I should be considering. Give reasons for each brand selection. Provide at least one general downside for each brand you recommend.

 

Recommend at least one current model or range for each brand. Give reasons for each model selection.  Provide at least one general downside for each model or range you recommend.

 

This was the reply:

 

Quote

Here are my top three brand recommendations for your situation — no monitoring needed, fully wireless, up to 12 sensors, good value, and well-supported in the UK.

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🥇 1. Ajax Systems — Best All-Round Choice

Why Ajax?

Ajax is a Ukrainian-founded brand that has become the go-to recommendation among security professionals across Europe. Ajax alarms are among the best wireless security systems available in the UK today, and they punch well above their price point. WME

 

The Ajax app is polished and powerful, giving you a live map of your property with sensor status at a glance. Add-ons include outdoor motion detectors, glass break detectors, a panic button, smoke detectors, and CO sensors — all communicating on Ajax's own encrypted frequency. Smart Home UK

 

Ajax sensors claim battery life of up to 7 years under optimal conditions. The hub/control panel is mains-powered with a battery backup. The system uses Ajax's proprietary Jeweller radio protocol, which is encrypted, jam-resistant, and checks in with every sensor at least every 12 seconds to confirm they're working. Smart Home UK

 

Ajax uses encrypted wireless communication and dual-path connectivity (Wi-Fi + GSM/4G) for unbeatable reliability. No subscription is required for self-monitoring via the app. WME

 

Brand downside: Ajax is more expensive than Pyronix or DIY consumer brands. It is also primarily aimed at the professional installer market, so you'll be buying from trade/specialist suppliers rather than a high street shop. While DIY installation is very achievable, support is geared towards installers.

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Recommended Model: Ajax Hub 2 (2G) Kit

The Ajax Kit 3 Hub 2 (2G) comprises a Hub 2 (2G) alarm panel, 2× MotionProtect PIRs, 1× DoorProtect window/door sensor, 1× KeyPad, 1× StreetSiren outdoor sounder, and 1× HomeSiren indoor sounder. Connectec

 

This is an ideal starting kit to expand from. The Ajax Hub 2 control panel allows you to connect up to 100 wireless devices and up to 25 surveillance cameras to the system. With 12 sensors you'll be comfortably within capacity. The wireless keypad requirement is natively met — the Ajax KeyPad is a fully wireless, touch-sensitive unit. The Hub 2 communicates via Ethernet with a 2G SIM as a fallback, meaning the system keeps working even if your broadband goes down. Ajax Systems

 

Model downside: The Hub 2 (2G) uses an older 2G SIM fallback channel rather than 4G. For the full 4G dual-SIM resilience you'd need to step up to the Hub 2 Plus, which adds cost. Individual Ajax sensors are also more expensive per unit than Pyronix equivalents, so building up to 12 sensors will require a meaningful budget.

---

🥈 2. Pyronix (Enforcer V11) — Best Value for a Larger System

Why Pyronix?

Pyronix is a UK-based security brand (now owned by Hikvision) with a strong reputation among professional alarm installers. The Enforcer range is one of the most widely installed wireless alarm systems in the UK, meaning there are large installer and DIY communities, plenty of documentation, and good parts availability. Smart Home UK

 

The Pyronix Enforcer wireless alarm system combines cutting-edge technology and ease of use with a wide range of accessories. The alarm system can be expanded with a wide range of sensors and detectors for physical and environmental detection, all of which feature advanced encrypted wireless technology and a long 2-year battery life. The ProControl+ app allows remote arm/disarm and push notifications with no subscription required. Connectec

 

Two-way wireless technology means each wireless device on the Enforcer system is both a transmitter and a receiver. All wireless alarm system devices know when the system is armed and disarmed. Amazon UK

 

Brand downside: Pyronix is owned by Hikvision, a Chinese company that has faced scrutiny over security vulnerabilities and government procurement bans in some countries. While this is unlikely to affect typical home use, it is worth being aware of. Hikvision's history of security vulnerabilities and government bans raises valid questions for those who are security-conscious. -

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Recommended Model: Pyronix Enforcer V11 Kit 3 (ENF/KIT3-UK)

The Pyronix Enforcer Kit 3 (Version 11) is suitable for a 3–4 bedroom house, and if you have a larger property you have the option to purchase additional sensors. The kit represents a saving of over 30% off the individual selling price of the parts included. Eternity Security

 

This panel accepts 32 wireless devices out of the box, which can be a combination of detectors, keyfobs, keypads and bell boxes. This can be increased with the addition of expanders. 32 slots gives you comfortable headroom for your 12 sensors plus a keypad and bell box. Connectec

Users report that the system is amazingly easy to fit and pair with wireless devices. Connectec

 

Model downside: The panel battery (for the main panel) is rechargeable and permanently connected to mains. All other batteries are not rechargeable and will need to be replaced every 1–2 years — more frequent than Ajax's claimed 7-year sensor batteries. The ProControl+ app also has a notably poor rating in app stores, though many users report it works adequately in practice. Connectec

---

🥉 3. Texecom (Premier Elite with Ricochet) — Best for Mesh Wireless Resilience

Why Texecom?

Texecom is a well-established British brand with a long pedigree in professional security installations. Their Premier Elite range with Ricochet technology offers something genuinely different from the competition.

 

Ricochet mesh technology ensures every device stays connected by bouncing signals off one another. If one path is blocked, it finds another. This is particularly valuable in homes with thick stone walls or complex layouts — very relevant for many older UK properties. Smartechsecurity

 

The Premier Elite series has a unified and comprehensive system architecture that can fulfil the needs of customers ranging from small installations to complex needs. The Texecom Connect app provides smartphone control, and there is no subscription needed for basic self-monitoring. FHA Security

Texecom have put a lot of thought into the design of the Premier Elite panel range, providing some of the most stylish keypads, smart keys and accessories on the market. Smart Security

 

Brand downside: Texecom is primarily a trade/installer brand. The cost of the Premier Elite can be on the higher side compared to other alarms and panels, as the system is comprehensive enough to provide full home automation rather than just a security system. This means more upfront cost and a steeper learning curve for a confident DIY installer. FHA Security

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Recommended Model: Texecom Ricochet Premier Elite 64W Kit (KIT-1002)

The Texecom Ricochet Premier Elite 64W Wireless Alarm Kit has up to 32 Ricochet-enabled wireless zones, expandable to 64 zones. The 64-W control panel is compatible with the Texecom Connect system and Premier Elite ComWiFi connectivity, providing scalability and design flexibility. The kit includes a wireless LCD keypad (the LCDLP-W), satisfying your wireless keypad requirement. Secure Forth

 

For 12 sensors this system has significant expansion headroom, and the Ricochet mesh means adding sensors in difficult locations (garages, outbuildings) is more reliable than competing point-to-point systems.

 

Model downside: The programming of any Texecom Ricochet system is quite complex and is not an easy task for a DIY installer — it is easier with the optional software and programming lead. Some suppliers offer a pre-programming service, but this adds cost and complexity compared to Ajax or Pyronix. The kit also requires a separately purchased alarm battery and bell box cover, so the headline kit price understates the true cost. Wholesalesecurity

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Quick Comparison Summary

	Ajax Hub 2	Pyronix Enforcer V11	Texecom Premier Elite 64W
Wireless protocol	Jeweller (encrypted, 2-way)	Blue Wave (encrypted, 2-way)	Ricochet mesh
Max sensors	100	32 (expandable)	64 (expandable)
App	Excellent	Good (mixed reviews)	Good
Battery life (sensors)	Up to 7 years	~2 years	~2 years
DIY friendliness	✅ Good	✅ Good	⚠️ More complex
Relative cost	Higher	Mid-range	Higher
No subscription needed	✅	✅	✅

 

For your specific needs — 12 sensors, no monitoring, good value — Pyronix Enforcer V11 is the best value entry point with good UK support, while Ajax Hub 2 is worth the extra spend if you want the most polished, reliable long-term system. Texecom is the one to choose if you have thick walls or an awkward layout where mesh networking becomes a real advantage.

 

Try modifying the prompt if you want something different. I just bunged in what I thought were some reasonable assumptions.