Introduction to the Texecom Veritas 8 Compact and its key features
Texecom Veritas 8 Compact (CFB-0001)is a slimline, standalone 8-zone wired intruder alarm control panel designed for domestic and light-commercial installations where space is limited but professional features are required. The Veritas 8 Compact combines a compact endstation enclosure with an on-board backlit LED keypad and flexible programming options, making it an attractive option for homeowners, small business owners and installers seeking a reliable Grade 1 wired alarm panel.
- 8 fully programmable zones plus a global tamper input for secure monitoring.
- On-board backlit LED keypad with support for up to six remote LED keypads.
- Single-button Quick Set, two programmable Part‑Set suites and Key Switch facility for easy arming options.
- Service and diagnostic tools including event memory, service timers, latching Walk Test and Soak Test Suite.
- PD6662 Grade 1 certification (Environmental Class II) and CE marking; nominal 13.7 V DC operation with a 1 A PSU output.
As a compact wired intruder alarm panel, the Veritas 8 Compact is priced competitively (suggested retail price \u00a374.99) and offers installers a solid mix of features for straightforward, professional installations.
Detailed description of specifications and benefits
The Veritas 8 Compact is engineered to deliver a balance of simplicity, serviceability and installer-friendly features. Below is a closer look at its technical specifications and the practical benefits they provide.
- 8 fully programmable zones + global tamper:Eight zones are sufficient for many homes and small commercial premises. Each zone can be programmed to suit different sensor types (e.g., door contacts, PIR motion detectors) and response behaviours. The global tamper input helps protect the enclosure from unauthorised access.
- Part‑Set capabilities & Quick Set:Two programmable Part‑Set suites allow partial arming (for example, perimeter-only arming at night). The single-button Quick Set is useful for rapid arming when convenience is essential.
- Keypad options:An on‑board backlit LED keypad provides basic user feedback and control without additional hardware. The panel supports up to six remote LED keypads for flexible keypad placement around a property.
- Nominal voltage 13.7 V DC:The panel operates at industry-standard nominal voltage for compatibility with typical mains power supplies and backup batteries.
- Quiescent & alarm current:Quiescent current is <50 mA and alarm current is <150 mA, keeping idle power draw low while supporting alarm signalling and peripherals during an event.
- Max PSU output 1 A DC:A 1 A PSU is suitable for powering the panel and a modest number of wired peripherals; larger installations may require a separate auxiliary PSU or additional power planning.
- Ripple & mains tolerance:Ripple <5% and mains input tolerance of 240 VAC / 110 VAC ±10% helps ensure stable operation across varying supply conditions.
- Event memory:Recall of recent events assists installers and service technicians in fault-finding and helps end users understand alarm history.
- Service timers & test suites:Date-programmable service timers, latching Walk Test and Soak Test Suite reduce commissioning time and simplify periodic servicing.
- Standards & certification:PD6662 Grade 1 certification (Environmental Class II) and CE marking indicate the panel meets a recognised baseline for intruder alarm performance. Installations should follow the supplied manual and local regulations; check UKCA requirements if applicable.
Use cases and scenarios where the Veritas 8 Compact excels
The Veritas 8 Compact is well suited to a range of situations where a compact, reliable wired panel is preferred over larger or wireless systems. Typical use cases include:
- Small-to-medium homes:A two-storey house with doors and windows on the ground floor plus selective internal protection can often be covered by eight zones—perimeter sensors, a hallway PIR, garage door contact and a tamper circuit.
- Flats and apartments:Limited space in communal cupboards or meter cupboards makes the slimline enclosure and on-board keypad especially valuable.
- Small retail units or offices:Retail outlets, professional suites and small workshops often require Grade 1 protection without complex networking—Veritas 8 Compact provides enough zoning and professional features for many such premises.
- Secondary buildings and annexes:Garden offices, annexes or outbuildings that require reliable wired detection but only a modest number of zones.
- Installer-focused quick-deploy jobs:Installers who need to deploy a compact, serviceable panel quickly—thanks to the keypad, event logging and service timers—will find commissioning and maintenance streamlined.
In each scenario the panel’s low quiescent current, on-board keypad and event memory add convenience and lower ongoing costs, while the PD6662 Grade 1 rating gives reassurance of minimum performance expectations.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
When selecting an alarm panel it helps to weigh the Veritas 8 Compact against alternatives in three broad categories: larger expandable wired panels, wireless or hybrid systems, and other compact wired panels from competitor brands.
Larger panels typically offer more zones, on-board PSTN/GSM/IP communicators, and expanded auxiliary power for many wired peripherals. The Veritas 8 Compact trades expansion for size and simplicity—ideal when eight zones are sufficient and where space or budget excludes larger enclosures. If future expansion or integrated communication is required, a larger Veritas or other platform may be more appropriate.
Wireless systems provide flexibility and avoid the need for cable runs, which reduces installation time in retrofit scenarios. However, wired systems like the Veritas 8 Compact generally offer increased reliability (no sensor batteries to monitor), consistent response times and can be more cost-effective for new builds or rewires. Hybrid systems that combine wired zones with wireless peripherals offer a middle ground; if wireless capability is essential, consider panels that explicitly support hybrid operation.
Competing compact wired panels from other manufacturers may match or exceed raw zone counts and offer different user interfaces (LCD keypads, touchscreen, or wireless keypad options). The Veritas 8 Compact stands out for its installer-friendly service features (event recall, service timers, Walk/Soak test routines) and the credibility of the Texecom Veritas family. For many installers, the balance of compact size, Grade 1 certification and practical tools tip the scales in its favour.
Customer feedback and installer impressions
Publicly available user reviews for specific alarm panels can vary by retailer and region. Typical feedback patterns for panels like the Veritas 8 Compact, based on installer and end-user commentary, include:
- Installers:Praise for the compact footprint, clear wiring options, and service-friendly features such as event memory and walk-test routines that reduce on-site time. Many installers appreciate the panel’s low quiescent current and reliable performance when powered correctly.
- Homeowners:Positive comments about the ease of basic operation (Quick Set and Part-Set options) and the unobtrusive on-board keypad. Owners often note the reassurance of PD6662 Grade 1 certification and the simplicity of having a solid wired system.
- Common caveats:As with any wired system, customers sometimes highlight the need for professional installation; wiring and power planning are important to ensure its full potential is realised. For larger properties or those wanting advanced remote reporting/communicators, some users opt for a different model with integrated communication options.
Note: The above points reflect typical installer and user sentiment for compact Grade 1 wired panels; for verified, model-specific reviews check retailer pages and independent review sites.
Conclusion: why the Veritas 8 Compact is a strong choice
The Texecom Veritas 8 Compact (CFB-0001) is a pragmatic solution for those who need a professional, Grade 1 wired intruder alarm panel in a small, unobtrusive package. It delivers a useful set of features—eight programmable zones, on-board backlit LED keypad, part-set options, event memory and service timers—while keeping installation straightforward and power consumption economical. Priced competitively and backed by Texecom support and a well-known product family, it suits homeowners, installers and small business customers seeking dependable, space-saving wired protection.
Before purchase, confirm that the eight-zone capacity and 1 A PSU meet the needs of your particular installation and consult the Veritas 8 Compact datasheet and installation manual for wiring diagrams, compliance details and recommended practices. For many straightforward domestic and light-commercial projects, the Veritas 8 Compact offers a compelling mix of functionality, serviceability and value (suggested price \u00a374.99).
