Introduction to the Texecom Premier Elite 168 and its key features
Texecom Premier Elite 168 (CAD-0001)is a purpose-built, commercial-grade wired intruder alarm control panel designed for medium to large, high-risk installations. Supplied in a robust metal enclosure, the panel starts as an 8-zone system and is expandable to a substantial 168 zones using 8-zone expanders. It supports up to 16 independently partitioned areas, up to 200 user codes and keeps a 2,000-entry, time-and-date-stamped event log. With plug-on SmartCom communicators for IP, Ethernet, Wi‑Fi and GSM/GPRS/4G/SMS, the Premier Elite 168 integrates modern secure communications and remote management through Texecom Cloud and Wintex. EN50131 Grade 3 and CPNI approvals make this panel suitable for commercial, retail, industrial and high-security premises where rigorous standards are required.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The Premier Elite 168 is engineered to meet demanding security requirements. Key technical specifications include:
- Onboard zones:8 onboard wired zones, expandable to 168 via 8-zone expanders.
- Areas:Up to 16 independently configurable areas for partitioned arming and access control.
- User codes:Up to 200 user codes, ideal for large teams or contractor access management.
- Event log:2,000 time & date-stamped entries for auditing and forensic review.
- Communications:Plug-on SmartCom modules for flexible IP/Ethernet/Wi‑Fi, PSTN/modem, GSM/GPRS/4G and SMS connectivity.
- Power and enclosure:EN-rated switched-mode power supply with space for a backup battery up to 17 Ah in a metal enclosure.
- Standards:EN50131-1 / EN50131-3 Grade 3 Class II; PD6662:2017; CPNI approved.
How these features translate into practical benefits:
- Scalability:The ability to grow from 8 to 168 zones means a single platform can be deployed in many environments—from small retail backrooms to multi-building campuses—without changing the core control system.
- Partitioning and flexibility:Support for up to 16 areas enables differing arming modes and access permissions across departments, warehouses, offices and public spaces—minimizing disruption while maximizing coverage.
- Operational control:200 user codes let administrators grant limited-time or role-based access to contractors, cleaners and staff, reducing the operational burden of key management.
- Forensics and compliance:The 2,000-entry event log provides a clear audit trail for investigations, insurance claims or compliance audits.
- Reliable communications:Plug-on SmartCom modules offer redundancy and choice—IP for fast cloud connectivity, GSM/4G for backup or primary mobile links, and PSTN where required—helping ensure alarm signals reach monitoring centres reliably.
- Certified security:Grade 3 and CPNI approvals mean the panel meets stringent standards expected for high-risk sites, improving acceptability for specifiers and insurers.
Use cases and scenarios where the panel excels
The Premier Elite 168 is tailored for professional installers and systems integrators specifying systems for sites where performance, scalability and compliance are essential. Typical scenarios include:
- Large retail chains and supermarkets:Multiple areas (sales floor, storage, tills, loading docks) benefit from partitioning and high zone counts to detect breaches quickly while allowing safe customer access.
- Industrial and manufacturing sites:Complex perimeters, production halls and plant rooms require numerous zones and reliable communications for timely incident response.
- Office campuses and multi-tenanted buildings:Up to 16 areas and 200 user codes allow different tenants or departments to manage their own security settings without cross-access.
- High-value retail and jewellery stores:Grade 3 certification and metal enclosure provide the robustness and assurance expected for high-risk environments demanding enhanced physical and signalling security.
- Critical infrastructure and utilities:Redundant communications and detailed event logging support compliance and incident investigation needs.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When specifying a wired intruder panel for commercial applications, buyers typically weigh capacity, certifications, communications flexibility and remote management. The Premier Elite 168 competes strongly in several areas:
- Vs smaller or Grade 2 panels:Many entry-level panels stop at lower zone counts and fewer areas. The Premier Elite 168’s Expandable 168-zone capability and Grade 3 approval set it apart for higher-risk sites where regulations or insurer requirements demand the higher grade.
- Vs hybrid/wireless-first systems:Wireless or hybrid systems offer installation speed and convenience but can introduce maintenance and reliability considerations for large commercial sites. A wired Grade 3 panel in a metal enclosure often offers greater tamper resistance and signal reliability for permanent, high-security installations.
- Vs competing professional panels:Established competitors in the professional market also offer high-zone solutions and modular communications. The Premier Elite differentiates through the plug-on SmartCom approach—simplifying field upgrades to IP, GSM or hybrid signalling—and through deep integration with Texecom Cloud and Wintex for remote diagnostics and programming.
Choosing between brands often comes down to installer preference, existing infrastructure, integration requirements and support. The Premier Elite 168 is especially compelling where Grade 3 certification, a metal enclosure and a highly expandable, professionally serviceable platform are priorities.
Customer feedback and installer perspectives
Although individual customer reviews vary by site and installer requirements, a pattern of professional feedback highlights several recurring strengths:
- Installer perspective:Installers frequently cite the panel’s modularity and expandability as major advantages—deploy a basic system quickly and add expanders or communications modules as the client’s needs evolve.
- Systems integrators:Integrators appreciate the panel’s remote management via Texecom Cloud/Wintex, which reduces site visits for configuration and troubleshooting, saving time and lowering operational costs.
- End-user feedback:Security managers value the event logging and multi-area control for compliance and incident review. The physical metal enclosure and certified components also add peace of mind for high-value assets.
Representative comments often repeated in professional forums and installer networks include praise for the panel’s reliability, the flexibility of SmartCom modules and the suitability for commercial-grade specifications. Prospective buyers should consult local installer reviews and case studies for region-specific feedback.
Conclusion: why the Premier Elite 168 is a great choice
TheTexecom Premier Elite 168 (CAD-0001)is a versatile, high-specification wired intruder alarm panel that addresses the needs of commercial and high-security installations. Its strengths are clear: exceptional scalability (8 to 168 zones), robust multi-area and multi-user support (16 areas, 200 user codes), detailed event logging, flexible plug-on communications and industry-recognised Grade 3 and CPNI certification. These attributes make it particularly well suited to retail chains, industrial sites, multi-tenanted buildings and any environment where compliance, auditability and reliable signalling are critical.
Designed for professional installation and service, the Premier Elite 168 pairs proven hardware with modern cloud and remote management tools to reduce lifecycle costs and improve uptime. If your project requires a secure, expandable and standards-compliant wired intruder platform, the Premier Elite 168 is a strong candidate to satisfy both technical and regulatory requirements.
Note:This product is intended for installation by qualified alarm engineers. Always follow local wiring regulations and consult the Texecom datasheet and user manual for detailed installation, programming and compliance information.