Introduction: What the Impaq SC-W Is and Why It Matters
The Impaq SC-W Wireless Shock & Contact Sensor (GJA-0005) is a compact, installer-focused intrusion sensor that combines two complementary technologies in one device: a sensitive shock (vibration) detector driven by Texecoms VIBER1 3-axis accelerometer and an onboard magnetic contact for door and window monitoring. Designed for use in domestic and light commercial systems, the SC-W brings mesh-capable wireless signalling via Texecom Ricochet alongside practical installation features such as two wired inputs and a dedicated tamper circuit. For installers and end users seeking a flexible, low-maintenance sensor that reduces false alarms while preserving detection performance, the Impaq SC-W is a practical choice.
Key Features at a Glance
- VIBER1 3-axis accelerometerfor accurate shock and vibration detection.
- Combined shock + contactin a single surface-mount unit: vibration sensor plus magnetic reed contact.
- Ricochet meshwireless signalling for improved range and repeater capability within a Texecom ecosystem.
- Five digital sensitivity levelswith LED-assisted commissioning for fast, site-specific tuning.
- Additional I/O: two wired inputs (T1/T2) for extra contacts or sensors, plus a tamper input.
- Long battery life: typical wireless model life of approximately three years; customer-replaceable battery.
Detailed Specifications and Practical Benefits
The SC-W is built with installer convenience and standards compliance in mind. Key electrical, radio and physical characteristics translate directly into on-site benefits:
- Ricochet mesh support:The device is Ricochet mesh repeater capable, meaning it can extend network range and reliability by relaying messages through other compatible nodes in a Texecom system.
- Frequency options:Models are available for 868.20868.4 MHz (GJAA1000), 866.20866.4 MHz (GJAA2000, not CE approved) and 433.30433.7 MHz (GJAA3000). Check the variant appropriate for your region and regulatory requirements.
- Low-power transmitter:Maximum RF power is 10 mW with a transmitter duty cycle below 1%, contributing to long battery life and regulatory compliance.
- VIBER1 3-axis accelerometer:By measuring vibration across three axes and applying digital signal processing, the SC-W detects subsurface shock transmissions such as drilling, smashing or levering while reducing nuisance alarms from benign sources (e.g., passing traffic or small knocks).
- Five digital sensitivity levels:The ability to tune sensitivity via five levels, together with LED-assisted commissioning, allows installers to balance detection performance and false-alarm immunity depending on the mounting surface and site environment.
- Onboard magnetic contact:Built-in door/window contact saves space and simplifies installation where both contact and shock monitoring are desired.
- Two wired inputs (T1/T2):These allow connection of additional external devices (e.g., nanosensors, reed switches or other normally-closed contacts) for greater system flexibility.
- Tamper input:A dedicated tamper circuit protects against lid removal or device tampering.
- Mounting:The sensor is surface-mountable in any orientation, and the magnet can be positioned on either side of the housing to suit site constraints.
- Dimensions & weight:Sensor body 130 d7 26 d7 25 mm; magnet 57 d7 11.5 mm; weight approximately 80 g.
- Operating conditions: 10 C to +55 C; 0 95% relative humidity (non-condensing).
- Battery life & replacement:Typical battery life around three years (wireless model). Battery is customer-replaceable; follow the installation manual for safe replacement procedures.
- Standards & warranty:Meets EN50131-2-8 (Grade 2) and related standards; two-year replacement warranty (battery excluded). Annual installer tests are recommended to maintain compliance and performance.
Use Cases and Scenarios Where the SC-W Excels
The combination of a sensitive shock sensor and an onboard magnetic contact makes the SC-W especially well suited to locations and applications where both tamper-style attacks and forced entry are a concern. Typical deployments include:
- Residential front and back doors:Mount the SC-W on doors exposed to forced-entry attempts, where vibration detection will spot attempts to lever or smash lifts while the magnet reports opening events.
- Windows and conservatories:Glass or framed windows can be protected using the shock sensor to detect impact attempts, with the contact adding standard open/close supervision.
- Retail display cases and showcases:The small form factor and multi-mode detection are useful for display cases where glass-break or tamper attempts need quick detection but visible bulky devices are undesirable.
- Light commercial premises:Offices, small warehouses and workshops benefit from the wired inputs (T1/T2) to expand monitoring to safes, roller doors or other local contacts, all tied into a single wireless device.
- Heritage and listed buildings:Surface-mount flexibility and the ability to tune sensitivity make the SC-W less invasive where traditional recessed installations are problematic or forbidden.
How It Compares to Alternative Approaches
When specifying sensors, integrators typically choose between standalone shock sensors, separate magnetic contacts, combined devices like the SC-W, and different wireless protocols. Here are practical considerations when comparing the Impaq SC-W to alternative solutions:
Using a combined shock-and-contact device reduces wiring complexity, lowers parts counts and saves mounting space compared with installing separate shock sensors and reed contacts. Where multiple detection modes are needed on a single door or window, the SC-W eliminates the need for additional enclosures and simplifies inventory for installers.
Ricochet mesh capability enables the sensor to act as part of a resilient network, relaying messages and improving effective range. Simple one-way RF transmitters can be cheaper, but they typically rely on direct line-of-sight to the receiver and offer no repeater functionality. For larger properties or installations with signal obstacles, mesh-capable devices are advantageous.
Glass-break sensors that rely on acoustic analysis detect sound signatures of shattering glass, which can be very effective for major glass-break events. Vibration-based sensors like the SC-W detect subsurface shock propagation and are often more sensitive to mechanical attacks (e.g., chiselling, levering) and small, localized shocks. In many designs, a mixed approach combining both technologies provides the best coverage; the SC-W covers many attack types that purely acoustic devices might miss.
Customer Testimonials (Anonymized and Representative)
The following are example, anonymized comments that reflect typical installer and end-user feedback for a device of this type. These are illustrative rather than verbatim quotations from named individuals.
- Installer feedback:"The LED-assisted sensitivity setup saved time on site—we tuned the shock level to suit the thin window frame without causing false alarms from passing lorries."
- Retail customer:"Combining the contact and shock sensor into one unit cleaned up our display case installations and reduced visible wiring."
- Property manager:"Ricochet mesh has helped us maintain stable coverage in a brick building where single-hop transmitters struggled."
Practical Considerations for Installers and Buyers
To get the best from the Impaq SC-W, consider the following during specification and installation:
- Choose the correct radio frequency variant for your region and check CE/regulatory status where required.
- Use the LED-assisted sensitivity levels to tune the device for the specific mounting substrate (uPVC, timber, metal, glass) and local environmental noise sources.
- Plan for yearly installer service tests and battery replacement cycles; although battery life is typically around three years, high-activity installations may see reduced life.
- Use the wired inputs to consolidate additional door or accessory monitoring into the same sensor footprint when appropriate.
Conclusion: Why the Impaq SC-W Is a Strong Choice
The Impaq SC-W Wireless Shock & Contact Sensor (GJA-0005) offers a balanced mix of detection capability, installation flexibility and network resilience that makes it well suited to modern intruder alarm designs. Its VIBER1 3-axis accelerometer provides accurate shock detection with improved false-alarm resistance, while the onboard magnetic contact and extra wired inputs reduce installation complexity. Ricochet mesh compatibility adds range and reliability advantages over simple one-way devices, and the device meets Grade 2 EN standards for many domestic and light commercial applications.
For installers looking to reduce parts counts and commissioning time without compromising detection coverage, or for end users who want a compact, multi-mode sensor with long service life and straightforward maintenance, the SC-W is a compelling option. With sensible siting, correct frequency selection and periodic servicing, it will provide effective, standards-compliant protection for doors, windows, showcases and other vulnerable points.
