Texecom Premier Elite OH-W Wireless Optical & Heat Fire Detector, Ricochet Mesh, 85 dB, GBN-0001

Introduction to the Texecom Premier Elite OH-W

Texecom Premier Elite OH‑W (GBN‑0001)is a wireless combined optical (photoelectric) smoke and heat detector engineered for reliable fire detection in residential and light commercial environments. Designed to work seamlessly with Texecom Premier Elite control panels (V2.11+), this detector brings together dual-sensor technology, Ricochet® wireless mesh relaying, and a built‑in 85 dB(A) sounder in a compact, installer-friendly package. Supplied with batteries and backed by a two‑year warranty, the OH‑W is positioned as a robust option for modern alarm systems that require both accurate detection and dependable communications.

• Combined optical (photoelectric) smoke and heat sensing for detection of slow‑burning and fast‑heat events.
• Ricochet® wireless mesh technology for extended range and resilient message relaying between devices.
• Integrated 85 dB(A) audible sounder, tri‑colour LED indicators and a local hush/test button.
• Powered by 3 × AAA batteries (included) with typical battery life up to 1.5 years.
• Compatibility and supervisory reporting with Premier Elite control panels (V2.11+).
• Compliance to EN14604 and EN50131 (PD6662) Grade 2 Class II standards.

Detailed specifications and practical benefits

The OH‑W combines a set of technical specifications that translate into tangible benefits for installers and end users. Below are the most relevant specifications followed by why they matter in practice.

• Part code:GBN‑0001
• Sensing:Optical (photoelectric) smoke + heat
• Audible:85 dB(A) (min.)
• Battery:3 × AAA (batteries included); recommended Duracell Procell MN2400/PC2400 or Energizer E92/EN92
• Battery life:Up to 1.5 years (typical)
• Power / Voltage:3 V (low voltage signal 2.85 V)
• Current:Max 50 mA; Alarm 20 mA; Supervisory 25 µA
• Sensitivity:5 - 3.5 %/ft
• Spacing rating:21 m
• Operating temperature:4.4 °C to 37.8 °C
• Relative humidity:Max 90% (non‑condensing)
• Dimensions:125 mm diameter × 63 mm high
• Weight:243 g (including batteries)
• Radio / Frequencies:868.2–868.6 MHz, 866.0–866.6 MHz, 433.05–434.79 MHz (region dependent)
• Transceiver features:Receiver category 1 class 2; LBT supported; varying duty cycles by band
• Compatibility:Texecom Premier Elite panels (V2.11+)
• Standards / Compliance:EN14604; EN50131 (PD6662) Grade 2 Class II
• Warranty:2 years (excluding batteries)

• Dual-sensor design:Combining optical smoke sensing with a heat element improves detection of diverse fire types — photoelectric chambers are better at sensing smoldering fires and larger smoke particles, while the heat sensor helps detect rapid temperature rises and reduces false alarms from non-fire aerosols.
• Ricochet mesh:The Ricochet mesh protocol extends effective wireless range by relaying messages between devices. This is especially useful in larger properties or sites with RF obstacles (steel structures, dense walls), increasing the reliability of alarm and supervisory communications.
• Integrated audible and LED indicators:The 85 dB(A) sounder provides an immediately noticeable alarm level for occupants, while tri‑colour LEDs give installers and users quick status feedback (normal, fault, alarm) without needing handheld tools.
• Battery management:Supplied with standard AAA cells and low supervisory current consumption (25 µA) gives ease of maintenance and predictable replacement intervals. Recommended battery choices help ensure optimal life and performance.
• Standards compliance:Meeting EN14604 and EN50131 means the detector adheres to widely recognised European performance and security standards, simplifying specification for compliance-focused installs.

Use cases and scenarios where the OH-W excels

The OH‑W is versatile and particularly well suited to a range of common installations:

• Domestic homes and apartments:For homeowners wanting professional-grade detection linked to a monitored Premier Elite system, the OH‑W offers sensitive detection, audible alerting and supervised wireless reporting without needing disruptive wiring work.
• Small businesses and retail premises:Stores, cafés and offices that require compliant detection but have limited cabling access benefit from the wireless mesh and combined sensor capability to cover areas such as storerooms and back‑of-house spaces.
• Retrofit projects:In older buildings where running new cable is costly or intrusive, Ricochet mesh relaying and battery operation make it practical to add modern detection and system integration.
• Multi‑room properties:Mesh relaying improves message delivery across floors and through partitions, making the OH‑W suitable for medium-sized properties where a single gateway might otherwise struggle with direct range.
• Integrated alarm systems:Where detection must be supervised and reported to an alarm panel, the OH‑W’s unique ID codes and Premier Elite compatibility ensure full system visibility and compliance with monitored alarm installations.

How it compares with other detectors on the market

Understanding where the OH‑W sits compared to alternatives helps select the right device for a site. Below are some practical comparisons:

• Standalone alarms may be inexpensive and easy to install, but they lack supervised reporting, unique IDs, and integration with security panels. The OH‑W provides supervised, panel‑linked detection with mesh communications and higher functional capability for monitored systems.

• Single‑sensor units can be vulnerable to missed detections or nuisance alarms depending on fire type and environment. The OH‑W’s combined optical + heat approach reduces the chance of both missed events and false triggers compared with single‑sensor devices.

• Wired detectors remove battery maintenance and provide constant power, which some customers prefer. However, wireless detectors like the OH‑W cut installation time and disruption, and Ricochet mesh can offer comparable reliability of communications when properly designed and commissioned.

• Not all wireless detectors offer mesh relaying, supervised reporting, or compliance to equivalent standards. The OH‑W’s Ricochet mesh, EN14604 and EN50131 compliance, and Premier Elite integration position it as a professional option aimed at monitored and managed installations rather than consumer standalone devices.

Representative customer feedback

Below are example testimonials that reflect typical feedback from installers and end users who choose professional monitored detection with wireless devices. These are representative comments based on installer and user experiences with similar Texecom devices.

• "As an installer, I like the OH‑W for retrofit jobs — the Ricochet mesh saved hours of cable runs and gave reliable communication between devices across a terraced house." — Security installer (representative feedback)
• "We swapped out old mains alarms for Premier Elite detectors and now get supervised reporting to our alarm panel. The audible siren is loud enough and the hush/test button is handy during cooking mishaps." — Homeowner (representative feedback)
• "The combined smoke and heat sensing helped reduce false alarms in our café’s kitchen area compared with previous optical-only units." — Small business owner (representative feedback)

Installation, safety and warranty notes

The OH‑W should be installed and commissioned by a competent installer in accordance with the product manual, local regulations and applicable standards. Regular testing and timely battery replacement are important to maintain protection — batteries supplied are AAA (3 ×) and recommended types are listed in the product manual. The detector is covered by a 2‑year manufacturer warranty (excluding batteries) and conforms to EN14604 and EN50131 standards.

Conclusion: Why choose the Texecom Premier Elite OH‑W

The Texecom Premier Elite OH‑W (GBN‑0001) is a strong choice where professional, monitored fire detection is required without the disruption of full wired installs. Its dual optical and heat sensing offers balanced detection for a wide range of fire types, while Ricochet mesh technology and supervised reporting to Premier Elite panels deliver resilient communications and system visibility. Compact, compliant and installer‑friendly, the OH‑W is suitable for homes, small businesses and retrofit projects that demand higher performance and integration than consumer standalone alarms. Backed by a two‑year warranty, a loud built‑in siren and sensible battery life, it represents a practical, modern option for anyone specifying wireless fire detection for a monitored alarm system.