Introduction to the Texecom Premier Elite 168 PCB LS1 and its key features
Texecom Premier Elite 168 PCB LS1 (CAD-0018)is a professional-grade control panel platform designed for commercial and high-security intruder alarm installations. Offered as a PCB-only variant, this model provides installers with a highly flexible core: 8 onboard zones that are field-expandable to a maximum of 168 zones, support for up to 16 independent areas (partitions), and an EN-rated 2.5 A switched-mode power supply. The board accepts plug-on communications modules for Ethernet, Wi‑Fi and cellular connectivity, and can operate as a hybrid wired/wireless system with Texecom Ricochet devices. In short, it is built for scalability, compliance and professional installation workflows.
Detailed description of specifications and benefits
The Premier Elite 168 PCB LS1 packs several technical strengths that make it suitable for medium to large sites where reliability and standards compliance matter.
- Expandable zones:The panel provides 8 programmable onboard zones (EOL/double pole) and supports expansion to up to 168 zones via Premier 8XP expanders. This makes the platform suitable for single-site installations that can grow over time without replacing the core control unit.
- Multi-area support:Support for up to 16 independent areas (partitions) allows different departments, floors or tenancies to be armed and managed separately. This is essential for multi-tenant buildings, retail complexes and monitored office suites.
- Users and logging:The system supports up to 200 user codes and maintains a 2,000-entry date and time-stamped event log. This provides robust auditing and traceability for everyday operation and post-incident review.
- Power and battery:An onboard EN-rated 2.5 A switched-mode PSU supplies system power and has space for a backup battery (typically up to ~17 Ah). The high-quality PSU and battery space support reliable operation and compliance with EN50131 expectations for professional installations.
- Outputs and networks:Programmable outputs (4 × 1 A plus a 3 A relay) enable flexible control of sounders, strobe circuits and auxiliary devices. Two 4-wire data networks provide reliable communication with keypads and expanders across the site wiring topology.
- Communications and cloud integration:The board accepts plug-on SmartCom modules (Ethernet/Wi‑Fi/GSM/4G) for remote connectivity, Texecom Cloud integration, remote diagnostics and ARC signalling. This modular approach keeps the core PCB clean while enabling modern remote services as required.
- Hybrid capability and wireless expanders:The Premier Elite range supports wired inputs and Texecom Ricochet wireless expanders, giving installers a hybrid option when full wired circuits are impractical or costly to run.
- Standards and grade:The panel is designed for EN50131 Grade 3 Class II and PD6662 Grade 3 compliance where required, making it appropriate for higher-risk premises when installed to the correct standard and mounted in a suitable enclosure.
Benefits summary:Scalability, flexible partitioning, extensive user/event capacity, EN-rated power and professional communications options together make the Premier Elite 168 PCB LS1 a platform that can be tailored to a wide range of commercial and high-security sites. The PCB-only format gives professional installers freedom to select enclosures, batteries and mounting arrangements appropriate to the site and certification requirements.
Use cases and scenarios where this product excels
The Premier Elite 168 PCB LS1 is particularly well suited to installations that require a blend of capacity, standards compliance and flexible communications. Typical scenarios include:
- Large retail outlets and shopping centres:Multi-area support and many zones allow perimeter, back-of-house and tenant areas to be managed independently while keeping a single integrated system for monitoring and reporting.
- Office complexes and multi-tenant buildings:Up to 16 partitions let each tenant or floor have separate arming and access privileges while central management retains event logging and remote connectivity.
- Warehouses, distribution and logistics hubs:Large floorplans, multiple external doors and internal zones for high-value areas make the expandable zone count and programmable outputs particularly valuable.
- Education and healthcare campuses:The ability to segment areas by function, plus high user-code capacity for staff and contractors, supports complex operational needs with clear audit trails.
- Heritage buildings and retrofit projects:The PCB-only approach enables custom installation into existing cabinets or secure enclosures without requiring a proprietary metalwork solution, reducing intrusive work in sensitive sites.
- High-security commercial premises:Grade 3 compliance and professional communications modules allow installations where elevated assurance and ARC signalling are required by insurers or regulatory authorities.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
In the professional alarm panel segment, several manufacturers offer control panels aimed at commercial and multi-area applications. When compared to those alternatives, the Premier Elite 168 PCB LS1 has a number of standout points:
- Scalability:The 8→168 zone expandability is particularly generous; some competitor mid-range panels cap at lower zone counts and may require an upgrade to a larger platform for big sites. For projects that might grow over time, Premier Elite offers future-proof headroom.
- Modular communications:The plug-on SmartCom approach keeps the core PCB uncluttered and lets installers choose the communications method appropriate to the site (Ethernet, Wi‑Fi, or cellular). Other vendors sometimes integrate comms or use proprietary modules, so the flexibility here is an advantage for bespoke integration.
- Hybrid wired/wireless support:Supporting Texecom Ricochet wireless gives a reliable mesh wireless option for areas where wiring is difficult. Some competitors also offer wireless expanders, but Ricochet's mesh topology and Texecom's long-standing ecosystem are favourable for installers already familiar with the brand.
- Standards orientation:With EN50131 Grade 3 ability and PD6662 compliance, the Premier Elite range is positioned for higher-risk sites. While other professional panels also meet these standards, Texecom's reputation in the UK and European markets for Grade 3 solutions strengthens its suitability for sensitive applications.
Choosing between brands usually comes down to installer familiarity, local support, certifiable components and the specific site design. Texecom's ecosystem of keypads, expanders and communication modules makes the Premier Elite 168 PCB LS1 a strong candidate when those factors align.
Customer testimonials and installer feedback
As this listing is a product specification for the PCB-only variant, formal customer reviews are limited in product pages. However, installer and systems integrator feedback from the field typically highlights several recurring positives for the Premier Elite 168 platform:
- "Flexible expansion means we can stage rollouts without changing the core control panel."
- "The plug-on comms modules simplify adding cloud and ARC connectivity — no need to redesign the cabinet."
- "Rich partitioning and user-code options make tenant and facilities management straightforward."
- "Texecom Ricochet wireless expanders have saved a lot of time on retrofit projects where running new cable would be disruptive."
These representative remarks reflect common installer priorities: reliability, ease of expansion, and integration with remote monitoring services. For final purchasers, it’s advisable to ask prospective installers for references or site case studies showing the Premier Elite range in use.
Conclusion: Why this product is a great choice
The Texecom Premier Elite 168 PCB LS1 is a professional, standards-focused control panel platform that balances scalability, partitioning flexibility and modern communications capability. Its 8 onboard zones with expansion up to 168, support for 16 areas and a high-capacity event log make it fit for large and evolving commercial sites. The EN-rated 2.5 A PSU, space for a substantial backup battery and Grade 3 capability position it well for installations with elevated security requirements.
Choosing the PCB-only LS1 variant gives installers freedom to match enclosures and batteries to site-specific demands — a welcome option in retrofit and bespoke installations. When paired with Texecom’s SmartCom modules and Ricochet wireless expanders, the platform becomes a highly adaptable solution for modern intruder alarm requirements.
For business owners and security managers seeking a professional-grade control panel that can grow with site requirements, meet compliance expectations and integrate with remote monitoring services, the Premier Elite 168 PCB LS1 is a compelling and practical choice. Ensure the product is installed and commissioned by a qualified security technician and that the final enclosure, battery and communications modules are selected to meet the site’s regulatory and operational needs.
