Introduction to the Texecom Premier Elite 88 and its key features
Texecom Premier Elite 88 (CAC-0001)is a commercial-grade wired intruder alarm control panel designed for professional installations that require robust expandability, managed signalling and integration with CCTV and access control systems. Built around a flexible architecture, the Premier Elite 88 starts with 8 onboard wired zones and can be expanded to support up to 88 zones, up to 8 areas and as many as 100 user codes. Key features include a 1,000-entry time-stamped event log, support for a range of plug-on communicators (IP/Ethernet, Wi‑Fi, GSM/4G, PSTN), 13 programmable outputs and remote upload/download and diagnostics via Texecom’s Wintex software.
Detailed description of specifications and benefits
The Premier Elite 88 is engineered for environments where reliability, scalability and integration are essential. Below is a concise breakdown of the product's principal specifications and why they matter.
- Part code / Model:CAC-0001 / Premier Elite 88.
- Zones:8 onboard wired zones expandable to 88 with wired expanders (and compatible wireless expanders for hybrid systems).
- Areas:Up to 8 independently controllable areas—useful for dividing larger premises into separate arming partitions.
- User codes:Up to 100 configurable user codes for staff, contractors and service accounts.
- Event log:1,000 time & date stamped entries to support auditing, diagnostics and incident review.
- Communications:Plug-on communicators support IP/Ethernet, Wi‑Fi, GSM/4G and PSTN. SMS and GSM features available when the relevant module is fitted.
- Outputs & I/O:13 programmable panel outputs, printer output supported and two- and four-wire smoke detector support for hybrid installations.
- Power & housing:EN-rated switched-mode power supply with space for a backup battery. A metal-cased Grade 3 option is available—confirm the exact variant and certification at the point of purchase.
- Remote management:Wintex upload/download and remote diagnostics enable efficient maintenance and configuration by qualified engineers.
- Standards:Listed for EN50131 (refer to series documentation for detailed certification information).
- Scalable coverage:Start small with 8 zones and expand to 88 as site needs grow—ideal for phased upgrades or growing businesses.
- Partitioning and access control:Up to 8 areas and 100 user codes give granular control over who can arm/disarm which parts of a building and when.
- Comprehensive event logging:The 1,000-entry time-stamped log supports forensic review, compliance checks and helps troubleshoot fault conditions.
- Flexible communications:Multiple communicator options ensure signalling can be tailored to site resilience and network availability requirements (IP primary, cellular backup, PSTN legacy support, etc.).
- Integration-ready:Programmable outputs and printer support make the panel suitable for integration with CCTV, access control and third-party building management systems.
- Professional support ecosystem:Designed for qualified installers and integrates with Texecom’s service tools for remote diagnostics—reducing on-site visits and downtime.
Use cases and scenarios where the Premier Elite 88 excels
The Premier Elite 88 suits a broad range of commercial and larger residential applications. It is particularly well matched to situations that demand partitioning, expansion, managed signalling and integration:
- Multi-tenanted offices:Use areas to partition floors or suites so each tenant has independent arming control while central management retains oversight and reporting.
- Retail sites and shopping centres:Expandable zone capacity allows comprehensive coverage—stores, back-of-house, storage rooms and loading docks—while programmable outputs can trigger CCTV recording or lighting sequences on alarm.
- Light industrial and warehouses:Robust event logging and multiple communicator choices enable reliable alarm reporting from remote sites where telecom redundancy is important.
- Schools, colleges and campuses:Partitioning by building or department, large user code capacity for staff and contractors, and integration with access control systems make the panel suitable for education estates.
- Multi-area residential properties:For larger homes or multi-dwelling units where separate arming of annexes, garages or outbuildings is desirable, the Premier Elite 88 provides the necessary flexibility and security features.
- Sites requiring integrated systems:Where CCTV, access control and alarm systems must work together—such as hotels, healthcare facilities and corporate campuses—the panel’s I/O and communications options simplify integration and central monitoring.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
When evaluating alarm control panels, buyers typically consider zones, area partitioning, communications, integration capability, certification and installer support. The Premier Elite 88 competes strongly in these areas:
- Compared with entry-level commercial panels:Many basic commercial panels offer fewer zones, less flexible communications and smaller user code capacity. The Premier Elite 88’s 88-zone expandability and broad communicator support provide a more future-proof platform for growing sites.
- Compared with all-in-one hybrid systems:Some hybrid systems emphasise wireless convenience; the Premier Elite 88’s wired-first architecture provides proven reliability and is compatible with wireless expanders for hybrid configurations—striking a balance between dependability and flexibility.
- Compared with competitor enterprise panels:Higher-end enterprise systems from other manufacturers can offer similar functionality, but differences typically come down to installer tools, integration ecosystems and regional certification. Texecom’s Wintex for remote management, a wide range of plug-on communicators and its strong installer community are practical advantages for many UK/EU professional installers.
Customer feedback and installer perspectives
Direct consumer reviews for professional-grade panels are often provided by installers and system integrators rather than end users. Typical feedback and observed strengths reported by installers include:
- Installers praise:The panel’s expandability, clear event logging and ease of integration with communicators and third-party CCTV/access control systems. The availability of remote diagnostics via Wintex is frequently cited as a major time-saver.
- End-user benefits:Building managers and business owners appreciate the partitioning capabilities, large user-code capacity and the reassurance of multiple signalling options for redundancy.
- Notes on ordering & certification:Installers stress the importance of confirming the housing and certification variant (e.g., Grade 3 metal case) at purchase to meet site-specific compliance requirements.
Conclusion: Why the Premier Elite 88 is a strong choice
The Texecom Premier Elite 88 (CAC-0001) is a flexible, professional-grade wired alarm control panel that balances scalability, integration and managed signalling. Its core strengths—expandability to 88 zones, support for multiple communicator types, 1,000-event logging, up to 8 areas and 100 user codes—make it well suited to commercial sites, multi-area properties and larger residential installations where reliability and future growth matter.
For installers and integrators, the panel’s compatibility with Texecom’s Wintex management tools, plug-on communicators and programmable outputs simplifies commissioning, remote servicing and systems integration. For end users, the result is a secure, configurable system that can grow with changing site requirements.
If you are specifying or purchasing an alarm control panel for a site that needs robust wired protection, straightforward expansion and the option for integrated signalling and CCTV/access control, the Premier Elite 88 is a compelling option. Always engage a qualified security engineer to confirm the right housing, certification variant and communicator mix for your application, and to carry out installation and commissioning to local standards.
