Introduction: Texecom Premier Elite RM8 and its key features
Texecom Premier Elite RM8 (CCK-0001)is an 8‑output relay expansion module designed to extend the control capabilities of Texecom Premier and Premier Elite intruder alarm panels. Compact and purpose-built for professional installations, the RM8 provides eight independent clean‑contact relay outputs, eight auxiliary inputs, and a fused 12 V auxiliary supply. With EN 50131 / PD6662 Grade 3 / Class II compliance and a two‑year manufacturer warranty, the RM8 is aimed at security engineers and installers who need reliable, graded relay outputs for door releases, indicators, sounders, lighting control and other peripheral devices.
Key features at a glance
- 8 independent clean‑contact relay outputs—each indicated by an LED to show relay ON status.
- Relay rating—each relay is rated at 3 A @ 12 V (clean contact).
- 8 auxiliary inputs—negative‑applied inputs for remote signals and sensors.
- Fused 12 V auxiliary supply—a protected supply output with a 1 A fuse for powering peripherals.
- Plug‑on mounting or wired remote use—designed for easy integration with Premier Elite panels or remote mounting where needed.
- Grade 3 / Class II compliance—suitable for higher‑security installations where graded equipment is required.
Detailed specifications and what they mean for installers
The RM8's electrical and physical specifications are tailored to professional alarm system installations:
- Outputs:8 clean‑contact relays. Clean contacts mean the relays provide dry switching so they can be used with a wide range of voltages and loads without being tied to the RM8's auxiliary supply.
- Relay rating:3 A @ 12 V per relay. This rating is suitable for driving low‑current devices such as door strikes (many require <3 A at 12 V), LEDs, small sounders and control inputs on other equipment. For heavier loads (solenoids, high power sirens), installers should use an appropriately rated external power device or a dedicated driver.
- Auxiliary inputs:8 negative‑applied inputs allow the RM8 to monitor external signals such as tamper circuits, door contacts or other system sensors. Inputs draw approximately 30 mA each.
- Auxiliary supply:A fused 12 V output protected by a 1 A fuse. This is convenient for powering low‑current accessories and ensuring a degree of short‑circuit protection on the auxiliary rail. Remember that the 1 A fuse limits how many devices you can power from this rail—use separate supplies for higher demand loads.
- Operating voltage and current consumption:10–13.7 V DC operation with low quiescent current (~10 mA). One relay on consumes roughly 40 mA; all relays on consume about 250 mA. These figures help with battery sizing and power budgeting in the panel enclosure.
- Physical and standards:Compact dimensions (145 × 75 × 30 mm), lightweight (~100 g packed) and operating temperature range of –10 °C to +50 °C. It carries the relevant standards for graded intruder alarm systems (EN 50131‑1 / EN 50131‑3 / PD6662 Grade 3 Class II) and comes with a two‑year warranty.
- Flexible integration:Clean‑contact relays and negative‑applied inputs allow the RM8 to interface with a wide range of third‑party devices and subsystems without compatibility headaches.
- Grade 3 compliance:Enables use in higher‑risk installations where certified components are required by regulation or specification.
- Power efficiency:Low quiescent current helps preserve panel battery life—important for remote or mains‑loss scenarios.
- Clear status indication:Relay ON LEDs reduce troubleshooting time during installation and maintenance.
- Compact footprint:Plug‑on mounting reduces enclosure clutter and simplifies wiring when used with compatible Premier Elite panels.
Use cases and scenarios where the RM8 excels
The RM8 is a versatile module that suits many professional security and access control tasks:
- Door release and access control integration:Use relays to control door strikes, electromagnetic locks or to provide control inputs to access control readers. The clean contacts allow the installer to choose the appropriate voltage and power source for the lock mechanism while the RM8 provides the switching logic.
- Indication and signalling:Drive LEDs, status indicators or low‑power sounders to provide visual and audible status in plant rooms, reception desks or control panels. Relay LEDs make it easier to verify operation on site.
- Zone‑linked automation:Trigger lighting, HVAC interlocks or controlled devices in response to alarm conditions or arm/disarm events. For example, automatically switching on corridor lighting during an alarm event or isolating non‑essential circuits when the system is set.
- Peripheral device control:Interface with CCTV relays, external siren cutouts, or other building management subsystems via clean contacts to avoid ground loops or incompatibility.
- Complex installations requiring multiple outputs:When a system needs multiple independent programmable outputs—e.g., a large business premises, educational campus or multi‑door access point—the RM8 provides a compact way to add outputs without re‑routing to multiple separate relay modules.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
Many manufacturers offer relay expansion modules for alarm and access control systems. When comparing the RM8 to alternatives, consider these practical differences:
- Number of relays vs density:The RM8 offers eight relays in a compact package. Some competitor modules provide fewer relays (4 or 6) or larger, bulkier units. If you need a mid‑to‑high number of outputs in a small footprint, the RM8 is competitive.
- Relay ratings and contact type:The RM8's 3 A @ 12 V clean contacts are suitable for many common tasks. Some competitors may offer higher current relays (5–10 A) for heavier loads, but those units are often larger and intended for different use cases. If you need to switch high current directly, choose a higher‑rated module or use the RM8 to drive an external high‑current relay or solid‑state driver.
- Auxiliary inputs and fused supply:The inclusion of eight auxiliary inputs and a fused 12 V output is a clear advantage over modules that only provide relay outputs. The fused auxiliary rail is useful but limited to 1 A—some alternatives provide higher current auxiliary supplies or unfused rails depending on design philosophy.
- Grading and certification:RM8's Grade 3 / Class II certification positions it well for commercial and higher‑risk installations. Some lower‑cost alternatives may not be graded to the same standard, which can be a deciding factor for compliance‑driven projects.
- Integration with panel ecosystem:Because the RM8 is designed for Texecom Premier / Premier Elite panels, installers who standardise on the Texecom ecosystem will find plug‑on mounting and compatibility benefits that generic modules can't match.
Installer considerations and best practices
To get the most from the RM8, follow good practice:
- Observe the 3 A relay limit and the 1 A fused auxiliary rail. For combined loads exceeding those figures, provide separate power supplies or external drivers.
- Adhere to wiring and polarity requirements for negative‑applied auxiliary inputs.
- Use the relay status LEDs during commissioning to verify correct wiring and logic mapping.
- Mount the module close to the panel for plug‑on use when possible, or use proper cable management and segregation if remote mounting to avoid interference and maintain grading compliance.
- Always follow the Texecom RM8 installation manual and applicable local regulations. Install only by a qualified security engineer for code compliance and warranty validity.
Customer feedback and testimonials
While individual experiences vary depending on installation type, common feedback from professional installers includes:
- "Compact and easy to mount — the plug‑on capability saved me time wiring inside the enclosure." — Anonymous installer.
- "The LED indicators are a small but brilliant feature. Troubleshooting relay outputs on site is much faster now." — Systems integrator.
- "Grade 3 certification matters for our commercial contracts. The RM8 slots neatly into Texecom Premier installations and gives us the extra outputs we need without adding complexity." — Security contractor.
These anonymised comments reflect the typical priorities of installers: reliability, ease of installation and certification for graded systems.
Price and value proposition
The RM8 provides a cost‑effective way to add eight graded relay outputs and eight auxiliary inputs to Premier / Premier Elite systems. With a suggested price of around 59.99 (suggested price), it offers a balance of certification, compactness and utility for professional installers. When compared to buying multiple smaller relay boards or bespoke relay assemblies, the RM8 often represents a simpler and more economical solution for graded installations.
Conclusion: Why choose the Texecom Premier Elite RM8?
TheTexecom Premier Elite RM8 (CCK-0001)is a practical, well‑specified relay expansion module for professional alarm and access control installations. Its combination of eight clean contacts, eight auxiliary inputs, a fused 12 V auxiliary rail, low power consumption and Grade 3 certification makes it well suited to commercial and high‑security projects. Installers benefit from clear status LEDs, compact dimensions and plug‑on compatibility with Texecom Premier Elite panels, while end‑users benefit from a reliable graded solution that meets compliance needs.
For security engineers and installers who need additional programmable outputs without compromising grading or compatibility, the RM8 is a strong choice. It delivers functionality, convenience and certification in a compact package backed by Texecom's two‑year warranty—making it a sensible, cost‑effective option for expanding the capabilities of Premier and Premier Elite control panels.
