Introduction to the Texecom Ricochet Expansion Pack (GEC-0002)
Texecom Ricochet Expansion Pack, Premier Elite 8XP‑W + iXP‑W, GEC-0002is a practical kit designed to bring Ricochet mesh wireless capability to conventional wired alarm panels. For installers and end users who want the flexibility of wireless sensors without replacing an existing control panel, this expansion pack converts up to eight Ricochet wireless devices into relay‑driven wired outputs that can be wired into virtually any traditional alarm system.
The package contains a Premier Elite 8XP‑W wireless expander and a Premier iXP‑W 8‑zone relay interface. Together they enable the reliable, range‑extending Ricochet mesh network to talk to hardwired panels via relays, providing a hybrid solution that combines the stability of wired inputs with the convenience and reduced installation cost of wireless devices.
- Converts up to 8 Ricochet wireless devices to wired outputs for connection to conventional alarm control panels.
- Employs Texecom Ricochet mesh networking so devices can repeat messages, extending range and improving resilience.
- Relay‑driven zone outputs and optional indicators for global tamper, poll error and low battery (requires separate panel circuits).
- Designed to support EN Grade 2 / PD6662 system compliance when installed according to the Texecom manual.
- Professional installation required; not compatible with certain other Texecom products (see full compatibility notes).
Detailed specifications and benefits
The GEC-0002 expansion pack is compact, power efficient and engineered for integration. Below are the most relevant specifications and the practical benefits they provide.
- Part code:GEC-0002 — Pack contains the Premier Elite 8XP‑W expander and the Premier iXP‑W 8‑zone relay interface.
- Category:Ricochet wireless expansion pack / alarm panel expander.
- Compatibility note:Not compatible with Texecom SmartKey, DualTech detectors or Ricochet‑enabled Odyssey wireless sounders. Professional installation is required.
- Operating voltage:10–13.7 V DC. This ensures the module can be powered from standard alarm system supplies used in most installations.
- Current consumption (typical):<120 mA — low power draw helps preserve backup battery life on the host panel.
- Network wiring:Uses standard 4‑wire alarm cable (7/0.2) up to 250 m; supports star, daisy‑chain or combination topologies for flexible installation.
- Dimensions (expander enclosure):170 × 140 × 35 mm (H × W × D) — small enough for mounting inside many control enclosure types or adjacent housings.
- Packed weight:Approx. 500 g.
- System compliance:Designed to support EN Grade 2 / PD6662 when installed per the manual; regulatory declarations include CE / WEEE / RoHS (see manual for full conformity statements).
- Minimal disruption retrofits:Add wireless detection points without running new wired circuits — ideal for tenants, period properties or businesses where cabling is difficult.
- Extended wireless range and redundancy:Ricochet mesh enables devices to repeat signals, improving coverage in complex buildings and providing multiple communication paths.
- Cost effective:Typically cheaper and faster to install than fully rewiring a site or swapping to a completely wireless control panel.
- Standards support:When installed according to guidance, the pack supports Grade 2 standard systems, making it suitable for many residential and small commercial applications.
Use cases and scenarios where the product excels
The Ricochet Expansion Pack is targeted at installations where hybrid architectures deliver the best balance of cost, compliance and convenience. Typical scenarios where this solution stands out include:
Properties with an existing wired control panel that require additional detection points (for example, adding door/window contacts, motion detectors or glassbreak sensors) often benefit from wireless devices. The GEC-0002 lets installers add up to eight wireless devices without modifying the core control panel, saving time and avoiding invasive cabling.
In listed buildings or rented homes where drilling and routing cable is restricted or costly, wireless devices create minimal impact. The relay interface provides a way to integrate those wireless signals into the existing alarm system while meeting regulatory expectations.
Ricochet’s mesh capability is particularly useful in multiroom or multi‑level buildings where radio signals may be obstructed by walls or services. Devices can repeat messages through the mesh, extending effective coverage without additional repeaters.
For sites that need temporary protection (events, construction phases) or staged upgrades, the expansion pack provides a fast, reversible way to add monitored points. When no longer required, wireless devices can be removed without leaving a trail of cabling.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
There are several approaches to adding wireless capability to alarm systems: full wireless control panels, third‑party wireless converters, and manufacturer‑specific expanders like the Texecom GEC-0002. Here’s how the Ricochet Expansion Pack compares.
- Full wireless panels replace the existing control unit and often provide native wireless device support for many zones. This is a clean solution but can be costly and time‑consuming on retrofit jobs. The GEC-0002 avoids a full panel swap by interfacing with the existing system.
- For sites where compliance and wiring to the original panel must be retained (e.g., Grade requirements or monitoring contracts), the Texecom pack is a less disruptive route.
- Some generic converters support single‑hop RF protocols without mesh. Ricochet’s mesh offers superior range extension and reliability in multi‑device environments because messages can be relayed through other devices.
- Manufacturer‑specific expanders typically have the advantage of guaranteed compatibility with the protocol’s features and firmware updates; Texecom’s solution integrates tightly with Ricochet device behaviours.
- Wired expanders require additional cabling and can be more reliable in certain environments, but cabling costs and disruption are higher. The GEC-0002 provides a practical middle ground: deliver wired inputs to the panel while keeping sensor installation wireless.
Customer feedback and installer insights
There are relatively few publicly posted consumer reviews specific to kit part codes; however, installer feedback and industry commentary commonly highlight a few recurring points:
- Positive — Integration and flexibility:Installers appreciate how the 8XP‑W and iXP‑W pair simplifies bringing wireless points into an existing wired panel without complex protocol bridging.
- Positive — Mesh reliability:Ricochet’s ability to allow devices to act as repeaters is frequently cited as a major benefit in buildings with challenging RF environments.
- Constructive — Requires professional configuration:The product is intended for professional installation; installers note that correct placement, survey and configuration are important to meet EN Grade 2 expectations.
- Constructive — Compatibility caveats:The kit is not a universal wireless solution; users must check device compatibility (e.g., SmartKey, DualTech and Odyssey sounders are incompatible).
If you need verified, site‑specific customer reviews, check with local distributors or professional installer networks where project case studies and installer testimonials are often available.
Conclusion: why the Texecom Ricochet Expansion Pack is a strong choice
The Texecom Ricochet Expansion Pack GEC-0002 is a compelling choice for installers and end users who want to augment a conventional wired alarm panel with reliable wireless detection points. Its combination of a Premier Elite 8XP‑W expander and Premier iXP‑W relay interface delivers a pragmatic hybrid approach: preserve the existing panel and wiring while leveraging Ricochet mesh to extend coverage, simplify sensor installation and reduce disruption.
Key strengths include mesh‑enabled resilience and range extension, straightforward relay outputs for compatibility with most panels, low power consumption and a compact form factor. The solution is particularly well suited to retrofit jobs, heritage properties, temporary protection needs, and sites where maintaining an existing control panel is preferable for compliance or contractual reasons.
As with any security installation, professional design and installation are essential to achieve the claimed performance and compliance. If you are an installer or facilities manager looking for a hybrid wireless expansion option that integrates cleanly with conventional panels, the Texecom GEC-0002 merits serious consideration.
