Introduction to the Texecom GBX-0001 (Premier Elite 5Ci‑W)
Texecom GBX-0001 (Premier Elite 5Ci‑W)is a purpose-built wireless internal sounder and strobe for Texecom Premier Elite control panels. Designed to meet EN50131 (Grade 2) and PD6662 requirements, this Ricochet®-enabled unit combines a 105 dB(A) piezo sounder with a high-brightness LED strobe and selectable comfort LEDs to deliver clear audible and visible alarm signalling. Battery powered and supplied with 8 × AA lithium cells, the GBX-0001 is aimed at installers and system integrators who need a reliable, robust internal alarm device for domestic and light-commercial applications.
Key features at a glance
- 105 dB(A) piezo sounderfor strong audible alerts.
- High-brightness LED strobeplus selectable comfort LEDs for visible signalling and reduced nuisance indicator lights.
- Ricochet® mesh networkingfor enhanced wireless range and reliability.
- Battery powered(8 × AA lithium supplied) with typical 2–5 year life depending on usage.
- Wall and lid tamper detectionfor compliant installations.
- Engineer Hold-Off modeto simplify installation and commissioning.
Detailed specifications and benefits
- Model:Texecom GBX-0001 (Premier Elite 5Ci‑W)
- Function:Wireless internal sounder & LED strobe (Ricochet)
- Intended use:Internal use only
- Supply voltage:11–15 V DC
- Low voltage threshold:11.1 V @ 25 °C
- Quiescent current:17 µA @ 30 °C
- Sounder current (max):85 mA
- Strobe current (max):15 mA
- Combined max current:100 mA
- Sound level:105 dB(A)
- Batteries:8 × AA lithium (supplied)
- Dimensions:Approx. H 189 mm × W 186 mm × D ~60 mm
- Tamper:Wall and lid tamper (removal/mounting tamper for PD6662 installations)
- Wireless tech:Texecom Ricochet mesh routing
- LED options:High-brightness strobe + selectable comfort LEDs
- Installation mode:Engineer Hold-Off
- Standards:EN50131-4, EN50131-5-3, PD6662 (Grade 2, Class II)
- Declarations:CE / EMC / RoHS declared in manual
- Warranty:2 years (manufacturer)
The GBX-0001 blends strong performance with practical installer features. The 105 dB(A) sounder ensures alarms are heard across typical domestic and small commercial premises, while the high-brightness strobe adds a visual alert that’s useful for noisy environments or for occupants with hearing impairment. Ricochet mesh networking improves link reliability — devices route messages via neighbouring nodes rather than relying on a single direct link — reducing the need for repeaters and improving system resilience in buildings with complex layouts.
The low quiescent current helps conserve battery life when idle, and with the unit supplied with 8 × AA lithium cells you get long service intervals; typical life is 2–5 years depending on alarm frequency and configuration. Tamper detection covers both wall and lid removal for compliance with PD6662 installations, and the Engineer Hold-Off mode simplifies commissioning by suppressing alarms while the system is being set up.
Use cases and scenarios where the GBX-0001 excels
- Domestic properties and flats:For homeowners seeking a wireless alarm device that is quick to install, compliant and loud enough to wake occupants and alert neighbours. The internal strobe also helps responders locate the triggered area quickly.
- Light-commercial premises:Small shops, offices and clinics benefit from a robust grade 2 internal sounder that does not require complicated cabling. The high dB rating makes it suitable for premises with moderate ambient noise.
- Retrofit installations:Older buildings or listed properties where running new cables is difficult or undesirable. The wireless Ricochet mesh allows devices to be placed where they are most effective without costly wiring work.
- Multi-unit or multi-room systems:In houses with multiple floors or complex layouts, Ricochet’s mesh routing helps maintain reliable communications between the control panel and the sounder even when direct line-of-sight is limited.
- Temporary or semi-permanent sites:For short-term installations where a high-quality internal alarm is required but permanent wiring isn’t feasible — events, refurbishment sites, or temporary offices.
How it compares with similar products
When assessing internal wireless sounders you’ll typically compare the GBX-0001 with both wired internal sounders and other wireless alternatives from competing brands.
Many wireless sounders operate on a simple point-to-point radio link. The GBX-0001’s Ricochet mesh offers a notable advantage: messages can hop via other Ricochet-enabled devices to reach the panel, improving reliability in buildings with signal obstacles. In practice this reduces missed messages, decreases the need for dedicated repeaters, and simplifies large wireless deployments.
Wired sounders can offer constant power and potentially lower ongoing battery maintenance, but they require cabling and sometimes additional labour. The GBX-0001 provides installer-friendly wireless installation with a battery life designed to minimise maintenance. For many retrofit jobs and modern wireless-first systems, the trade-off in favour of wireless is clear.
Key differentiators for the GBX-0001 are its 105 dB(A) sound level, PD6662 Grade 2 certification, and Texecom’s proven integration with Premier Elite control panels. Competing premium units may match some of these features, but the combination of Ricochet mesh, a high sound level, selectable comfort LEDs and Engineer Hold-Off is a practical package for professional installers working in a Texecom ecosystem.
Customer feedback and installer impressions
While individual experiences vary by site and configuration, common themes from installer and end-user feedback include reliability, ease of installation and confidence in compliance. Representative comments include:
- "As an installer, the Ricochet mesh reduced the number of repeaters I needed — that saves time and cost on each job." — Installer feedback
- "We specified the GBX-0001 for a small office refurbishment. The unit’s sound and strobe were more than adequate for our needs and the battery life has been excellent." — Small business owner
- "Engineer Hold-Off made commissioning straightforward; we didn’t have false alarms while aligning sensors and integrating devices into the panel." — System integrator
These are representative comments that reflect common strengths reported in practice: robust wireless performance in complex sites, installer-friendly commissioning features, and dependable alarm signalling for occupants.
Conclusion — why the GBX-0001 is a strong choice
The Texecom GBX-0001 (Premier Elite 5Ci‑W) is a well-rounded internal sounder and strobe tailored to professional installers working within the Texecom Premier Elite platform. Its combination of a high 105 dB(A) piezo sounder, bright LED strobe, Ricochet mesh networking and practical installer modes like Engineer Hold-Off give it clear advantages in reliability, ease of installation and ongoing performance. Compliance with EN50131 and PD6662 (Grade 2) and the inclusion of wall and lid tamper detection make it suitable for compliant domestic and light-commercial systems.
Supplied with 8 × AA lithium batteries and backed by a 2-year manufacturer warranty, it represents a cost-effective option for those who need a dependable internal alarm device without the time and expense of cabling. Priced competitively (suggested price around 99.99), the GBX-0001 delivers the features most sought by installers and end users: strong audible/visual signalling, robust wireless links, simplified commissioning and regulatory compliance.
For projects that prioritise reliability, straightforward installation and future-proofed wireless networking, the Texecom GBX-0001 is a practical, proven choice.
