Texecom Micro Contact-W Wireless Door Contact, Ricochet, Brown GHA-0003

Overview

A contact tells an alarm system when something has opened. It has two parts: a sensor on the frame and a magnet on the moving part. Parting them signals the panel.

This one is part of Texecom's Premier Elite Series and is wireless, so no cable runs back to the panel. Browse other Texecom sensors, or compare wired and wireless door contacts across other makes.

How it works

Ricochet is Texecom's wireless system. In a mesh, each device can pass on messages for others, so a signal has more than one route to the panel.

The size, scalability and range of the system are extended because signalling is no longer limited to point-to-point links. Communications are also encrypted. See how a wireless alarm system compares in this guide to wireless home security.

Where to use it

• Windows and doors: typical spots are front and back doors, patio doors, Velux windows and window frames.
• Inside the home: it can also go on a bedside drawer, a drinks cupboard and even a fridge door, for anything that should stay shut.
• Matching frames: the colour options are there to match the most popular uPVC, wooden and aluminium frames. This one is the brown.

Class II in the standard generally means indoor use in a protected space, so plan on indoor positions.

What the figures mean in practice

• Approach and removal: approach is how close the magnet must come to read as closed. Removal is how far it must move to read as open.
• Gap by axis: the Y axis figures are the smallest, so allow for that when lining up the two parts.
• 10uA quiescent: this is the small current drawn while waiting, which is why one coin cell can last so long.
• Low voltage signal: the contact flags a low battery at 2.80V, against a 3V operating voltage.

Installing it

Setup uses a single button, and the LED indications step through installation and commissioning, so trips back to the control panel are no longer required.

Fit the sensor on the fixed frame and the magnet on the moving part, and use screws on anything that sees heavy use.

Planning your system

A wired Premier Elite panel usually needs a Ricochet Expansion Pack to receive this contact. Check the panel's firmware and the Ricochet Monitor version before ordering.

List every door and window before ordering, because each one takes a zone on the panel.

Standards explained

EN 50131 is the European standard for intruder alarm systems, and the Grade 2 rating is generally aimed at low to medium risk premises. PD 6662 is the UK scheme that applies it.