Introduction to the Texecom Premier External TD (AFQ-0002) and its key features
Texecom Premier External TD (AFQ-0002)is a purpose-built wired outdoor PIR motion detector designed for professional perimeter and external intruder alarm installations. With dual mirrored PIR sensors, selectable detection ranges up to 12 m, IP65 weatherproofing and EN 50131 Grade 2 certification, it is intended for installers and end users who need dependable external detection that minimises false alarms while providing robust environmental protection. The detector is compact and adaptable, with a rotating coverage pattern, tamper detection and selectable alarm outputs to integrate cleanly into most wired alarm systems.
Detailed description of specifications and benefits
The AFQ-0002 combines a number of technical choices that optimise it for outdoor perimeter protection. Key specifications and practical benefits include:
- Dual mirrored PIR sensors with non-overlapping optics:Two independently processed PIR elements with mirrored optics are used to create a dual, non-overlapping detection pattern. This architecture improves immunity to false alarms caused by small animals, vegetation movement and other transient environmental effects because both sensors must independently trigger to generate an alarm.
- Selectable detection ranges (12 m / 8 m / 5 m / 2 m):The detector can be configured for a long reach (12 m) or reduced range depending on the installation environment. This flexibility helps installers tailor detection sensitivity and zone depth to driveways, gardens, wide perimeter walls or tighter approach paths.
- 90° horizontal coverage, rotatable through 180°:Wide-angle detection with the ability to rotate the optics simplifies alignment and aiming, enabling precise coverage of the intended protected sector while avoiding unwanted zones such as public footpaths.
- Weatherproof construction:An IP65 sealed enclosure protects internal electronics from dust and water ingress, making it suitable for most outdoor climates. Built-in wall and case tamper detection improves security against sabotage.
- Electrical and integration options:Runs from a 9–16 V DC supply and draws approximately 28 mA in normal operation, making it easy to power from typical alarm system auxiliary supplies. The alarm output is a selectable NC/NO relay (relay rating commonly listed around 50 V DC, 100 mA by resellers), and an auxiliary input permits wiring multiple detectors together or providing remote inhibit/auxiliary features per system design.
- Certified for professional use:EN 50131 Grade 2 certification indicates suitability for professional intruder alarm applications where a higher degree of tamper resistance and reliability is required compared with consumer-grade detectors.
- Mechanical and environmental:Nominal mounting height is 1.0–1.4 m (1.2 m typical) for correct pattern coverage; dimensions are 250 mm × 86.5 mm × 87 mm and weight is about 550 g packed. Operating temperature range covers typical outdoor environments (commonly listed −30 °C to +55 °C, with some sources noting −35 °C to +55 °C).
- Reduced false alarms: Dual, non-overlapping PIR optics require corroboration between sensors before raising an alarm, lowering callbacks and nuisance triggers.
- Flexible deployment: Selectable ranges and rotatable coverage support a range of perimeter topologies, from long driveways and front gardens to commercial site fences.
- Reliable outdoors: IP65 sealing and tamper monitoring provide protection and longevity in exposed positions.
- Professional compatibility: Low current draw and standard relay outputs make the unit straightforward to integrate into purpose-built alarm control panels.
Use cases and scenarios where the AFQ-0002 excels
The Texecom Premier External TD is particularly well suited to situations where robust, reliable outdoor volumetric detection is required without the complexity of active beam systems or the bandwidth and battery-management considerations of wireless devices. Typical use cases include:
- Residential perimeter and driveway protection:Mounted near driveways, garden boundaries or entrances, the detector provides early warning of approach and can trigger lights, cameras or alarm panels before an intruder reaches the building envelope.
- Commercial site perimeter detection:For small-to-medium commercial premises, warehouses or storage compounds that need tamper-resistant external sensing, the Grade 2 rating and tamper outputs make the device suitable for professional installations.
- Garden and outbuilding monitoring:Protect isolated outbuildings, equipment stores and rear garden boundaries where wiring is available and reliable outdoor detection is required.
- Supplementing CCTV:Use the PIR as a triggering sensor for CCTV recording or analytic systems to reduce false recordings — the PIR can initiate pre-buffered recordings or event tagging, conserving storage space.
- Layered perimeter strategies:As part of a multi-layer security plan (outer detection + beams + door contacts), the AFQ-0002 provides an economical volumetric layer that is easy to tune and maintain.
Comparisons with similar products and sensor types
When choosing an outdoor detection solution, installers typically consider PIR volumetric detectors like the AFQ-0002, active IR/beam barriers, dual-technology (PIR + microwave) detectors and wireless PIRs. Broad comparisons:
- Wired outdoor PIR vs wireless PIR:Wired detectors like the AFQ-0002 are often preferred for permanent installations where reliability and no battery maintenance are priorities. Wireless PIRs offer flexibility and faster installation when running cables is impractical, but they introduce battery management and potential RF interference considerations.
- PIR volumetric vs active IR beam systems:Beam barriers provide very long-range linear detection and are excellent across open gaps, but require precise alignment and are sensitive to environmental contamination and vegetation. Volumetric PIRs are easier to aim for wide-area coverage and typically need less maintenance while delivering earlier detection of approaching intruders in an approach path.
- PIR-only vs dual-technology detectors:Dual-tech sensors that combine PIR with microwave tend to reduce false alarms by requiring both technologies to trigger. However, microwaves can be susceptible to reflections from nearby structures and may be less suitable in outdoor complex environments. The AFQ-0002’s twin PIR mirrored optics approach achieves stable performance outdoors without microwave interference issues, making it a solid choice in many perimeter scenarios.
- Professional-grade certification:EN 50131 Grade 2 positions the AFQ-0002 above consumer-grade garden PIRs but below the most hardened Grade 3/4 intrusion sensors — appropriate for most domestic and light commercial sites where professional installation and maintenance are employed.
Customer feedback and installer impressions
Official, verifiable public reviews for niche professional devices can be limited. However, installer feedback and anecdotal user impressions tend to highlight the following points:
- Installers appreciate the flexible range settings— being able to reduce the coverage depth quickly on-site helps avoid awkward blind spots or nuisance zones.
- Good false alarm performance outdoors— many installers cite the mirrored dual-PIR optics as effective at cutting down nuisance triggers from small animals and vegetation movement compared with single-element outdoor PIRs.
- Robust build and straightforward wiring— the unit’s IP65 enclosure and standard relay outputs make it easy to integrate into existing wired alarm panels without special interface modules.
- Value for money:At a suggested retail price of around £81.99 (cost price listed at 68.11), the detector is viewed as a competitively priced professional-grade outdoor PIR for sites that need reliable perimeter sensing without the complexity of active beam systems.
If you require formal customer reviews or copies of installation manuals and datasheets, installers often rely on the manufacturer datasheet for wiring diagrams, pinouts and relay ratings; these can be requested or downloaded from official Texecom resources for precise installation guidance.
Conclusion: why choose the Texecom Premier External TD (AFQ-0002)
The Texecom Premier External TD (AFQ-0002) is a practical, professional-grade wired outdoor PIR that balances detection performance, environmental resilience and installer-friendly features. Its dual mirrored PIR optics reduce false alarms, selectable ranges and rotatable coverage simplify site tuning, and the IP65 sealed housing plus tamper outputs meet the demands of outdoor perimeter installations. For installers and property owners seeking a dependable, easy-to-integrate external motion detector for residential driveways, garden perimeters or light commercial sites, the AFQ-0002 offers a strong combination of performance and value.
Whether used to trigger lights, alert alarm panels or activate CCTV recording, this detector provides an effective volumetric layer in a layered security design. When compared to wireless alternatives or active beam systems, it presents a low-maintenance wired option that is straightforward to install and configure while delivering consistent detection suitable for professional installations.
- Product / Model:Texecom Premier External TD, AFQ-0002
- Type:Wired outdoor PIR motion detector
- Range:Selectable 12 m / 8 m / 5 m / 2 m
- Coverage:90° horizontal, rotatable through 180°
- Power:9–16 V DC, ~28 mA typical
- Protection:IP65, wall & case tamper
- Certification:EN 50131 Grade 2
- Suggested retail price:£81.99 (cost price 68.11)
For installers: follow the manufacturer datasheet for mounting height, wiring and relay/tamper connections to ensure correct detection pattern, compliance and dependable operation. If you need the official datasheet or installation manual extracted or summarised (wiring diagrams, pinouts and relay ratings), this can be fetched and provided on request.
