Introduction to the Texecom Veritas Medusa (AAC-0001) and its key features
The Texecom Veritas Medusa (AAC-0001) is a wired, indoor passive-infrared (PIR) volumetric motion detector designed for reliable intruder protection in domestic and small commercial settings. Offering up to 12 m volumetric coverage with a nominal 98° field of view, the Medusa balances sensitive detection with practical anti-false-alarm features. Key features include selectable pulse-count, improved temperature compensation, sealed optics to reduce contamination, RF immunity tested to 50 V/m, and an interchangeable lens library for customised coverage patterns. Rated to EN 50131 Grade 2, the Medusa is aimed at installers and systems integrators who need a compact, dependable wired PIR that integrates smoothly into Grade 2 alarm systems.
Detailed description of specifications and benefits
- Model:Veritas Medusa AAC-0001
- Detection type:Passive infrared (PIR), wired
- Detection range:Up to 12 m volumetric
- Field of view:98° nominal (top view)
- Pulse-count:Selectable: Fast / Normal / Slow
- Temperature compensation:Improved profile for consistent performance across ambient conditions
- RF immunity:Tested to 50 V/m (80 MHz–1 GHz)
- Supply voltage:9–15 V DC
- Current consumption:Typical 10 mA @ 12 V DC
- Outputs:Alarm and tamper contacts (wired)
- Mechanical:Approx 79 × 67 × 38 mm; approx 90 g; sealed optics; interchangeable lens library
- Standards & warranty:EN 50131-2-2 / PD6662:2010 Grade 2 Class II; EMC/Immunity compliance to referenced EN 50130-4 standards; operating temperature -20 °C to +55 °C; 5 year replacement warranty
- Reliable volumetric coverage:The 12 m range and wide 98° field of view provide extensive room coverage from a single device, reducing the number of detectors needed in larger rooms and open-plan areas.
- Interchangeable lens library:Installers can tailor coverage patterns to the environment—corner mounting, walkway protection, or long-range detection—using different lenses from the library. This adaptability improves detection accuracy and reduces blind spots.
- False-alarm reduction:Selectable pulse-count modes (Fast/Normal/Slow) let you adjust sensitivity to match the traffic and environmental characteristics of the site. Improved temperature compensation helps maintain consistent sensitivity even when ambient temperature approaches human body temperature, a common source of false alarms.
- Sealed optics:Sealed optics protect the sensing elements from dust and insects, which helps maintain performance over time and reduces maintenance frequency.
- EMC & RF resilience:The Medusa has been tested for RF immunity up to 50 V/m across a broad frequency range, making it suited to environments with high radio-frequency activity such as near radio transmitters, industrial sites, or commercial premises with abundant wireless equipment.
- Compliance and assurance:EN 50131 Grade 2 certification and a 5-year replacement warranty provide peace of mind for both installers and end users, demonstrating the device meets recognised UK/EU security standards for residential and small commercial installations.
Use cases and scenarios where the product excels
The Veritas Medusa is versatile and performs well in many typical security installations. Here are several scenarios where it is particularly effective:
- Residential single-family homes:Installed in living rooms, hallways, or open-plan ground floors, the Medusa’s wide-angle coverage and long range mean fewer detectors are needed, simplifying system design and installation.
- Small retail premises:For small shops, boutiques, and offices, a grade-2 rated PIR with RF immunity is ideal. The sealed optics and lens options make it robust against everyday contaminants and adaptable to shelving layouts or shopfloor walkways.
- Property perimeters and entrance corridors:When placed according to mounting diagrams in the manual, the Medusa provides dependable corridor and entrance protection, particularly when combined with proper environmental positioning to minimise pets and heating sources triggering false alarms.
- Installer-focused deployments:Systems integrators benefit from the device’s standard wiring outputs and compatibility with common alarm panels. The interchangeable lenses simplify inventory by allowing one detector family to meet multiple deployment needs.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
When evaluating PIR motion detectors, several categories typically compete: simple single-technology PIRs, dual-technology detectors (PIR + microwave), and wireless PIRs. The Veritas Medusa occupies a strong position among wired single-technology PIRs with features that close the gap toward higher-end devices.
Compared to entry-level wired PIRs, the Medusa stands out thanks to its interchangeable lens library, temperature compensation, and selectable pulse-count. Many basic PIRs offer fixed optics and limited false-alarm controls; the Medusa’s configurability helps it perform better in challenging environments where pets, HVAC drafts, or sunlight might cause nuisance trips.
Dual-technology detectors combine PIR with microwave sensing to reduce false alarms further. While dual-technology units can be superior in extremely challenging environments, they are typically more expensive and consume more power. The Medusa delivers a cost-effective balance: advanced PIR features (pulse-count, improved temperature compensation, sealed optics, RF immunity) that address many false-alarm sources without the added complexity and cost of dual-technology sensors. For many domestic and small commercial sites where extreme environmental interference is not present, the Medusa is a pragmatic choice.
Wireless PIRs excel where retrofitting or minimal wiring is required. However, wired detectors like the Medusa offer continuous power, simpler maintenance (no batteries), and inherent tamper/alarm wiring outputs that integrate cleanly with professional alarm panels. For new builds or systems where wiring is feasible, the Medusa offers robustness and long-term reliability advantages over battery-powered alternatives.
Customer testimonials and installer feedback
Below are representative pieces of feedback based on typical installer and user experiences with this class of detector. These are illustrative summaries rather than specific endorsements.
- Residential installer:"The Medusa’s interchangeable lenses make it easy to use the same detector in multiple room types—saves time and reduces the need to carry several models. The selectable pulse-count helps tune it for busy family homes where false alarms can become a headache."
- Small business owner:"We installed the detectors across our boutique and noticed a big drop in nuisance alarms compared to the old units. The sealed optics look like they’ll cut down on maintenance visits too."
- Systems integrator:"Wired outputs and compliance to Grade 2 are what we expect for this market segment. The RF immunity testing is reassuring for sites near heavy wireless activity."
Installation, compliance and practical considerations
Proper installation is critical to performance. The Medusa must be mounted according to the supplied installation manual and local regulations; typical mounting heights vary (examples include 1.5 m, 2.0 m, 2.5 m, 3.1 m depending on the lens and coverage required). Installers should isolate system power when wiring and use the recommended wiring practices to preserve EMC performance and tamper resistance.
Because it is certified to EN 50131‑2‑2 Grade 2, the Veritas Medusa is suitable for many residential and light-commercial installations. Compliance with referenced EN 50130 standards for EMC and environmental immunity means it fits well within professional-grade systems.
Conclusion: Why the Texecom Veritas Medusa is a strong choice
The Texecom Veritas Medusa (AAC-0001) is an effective, versatile wired PIR motion detector that hits a sweet spot for many installers and end users. With a 12 m volumetric range and wide 98° field of view, interchangeable lenses, selectable pulse-count, improved temperature compensation, sealed optics, and robust RF immunity, it addresses common real-world challenges such as nuisance alarms and environmental contamination. EN 50131 Grade 2 certification, a practical wiring interface, and a 5-year replacement warranty round out the package.
For residential and small commercial projects where a reliable, configurable wired PIR is required, the Medusa delivers professional-grade features at a price point that represents strong value—especially when considering long-term reliability, reduced maintenance, and installation flexibility. Whether you are an installer designing a compact multi-room system or a systems integrator standardising components across small commercial sites, the Veritas Medusa is a pragmatic, dependable option to consider.
