Introduction to the Texecom Impaq SC‑W and its key features
Texecom Impaq SC‑W (GJA‑0004)is a compact combined wireless shock (vibration) detector and magnetic contact designed to protect windows, doors and shutters. By bringing together a VIBER accelerometer shock sensor and an on‑board magnetic contact in a single housing, the unit provides dual perimeter protection in one device. It supports Ricochet mesh communications for greater range and resiliency on compatible Premier systems and carries EN50131 Grade 2 certification for intruder alarm applications.
Key features at a glance:
- Combined shock/vibration sensor plus magnetic contact in one compact housing.
- Texecom VIBER accelerometer technology with five adjustable sensitivity levels and LED feedback for commissioning and walk‑tests.
- Ricochet mesh compatible — improves wireless range and reliability on Premier systems.
- Two additional wired inputs for external contacts or roller‑shutter contacts and a tamper input.
- EN50131 Grade 2 certification; typical battery life around three years (vendor listing).
Detailed specifications and benefits
The Impaq SC‑W is engineered to meet both functional expectations and regulatory standards for domestic and light commercial intruder protection. Below is a breakdown of its most important specifications and the practical benefits they deliver.
The unit is certified to key industry standards including EN50131‑2‑8 (vibration/shock detectors), supported by associated EN standards and PD6662 alignment. It is rated Grade 2 Class II, which makes it suitable for typical residential and light commercial applications where reliable detection and tamper protection are required.
Radio options include several frequency variants (868.2–868.4 MHz, 866.2–866.4 MHz — not CE approved, and 433.3–433.7 MHz). The transmitter is limited to 10 mW maximum RF power and operates with a duty cycle below 1% to conserve battery life. The receiver uses an LBT (Listen Before Talk) approach and the device is compatible with Ricochet mesh protocol on Premier control panels.
Benefit: Ricochet mesh capability helps extend effective range and robustness of the wireless network by allowing devices to relay messages through neighbouring nodes, improving reliability in larger properties or environments with RF challenges.
Operating voltage is 3.0 V with a low voltage threshold at 2.50 V and a maximum current of 12 mA during active events. Quiescent current is very low (around 19 µA), contributing to a typical battery life of approximately three years under normal usage patterns.
Benefit: Low quiescent current and conservative transmit duty cycle help ensure long service intervals, lowering maintenance and replacement costs for installed systems.
The detector operates between −10 °C and +55 °C and tolerates relative humidity from 0–95% non‑condensing. Physically the detector measures 130 × 26 × 25 mm (detector) with a magnet sized 57 × 11.5 mm and weighs about 80 g. Colour options include brown, white and anthracite to match different door and window frames.
Benefit: Compact dimensions and multiple colour options make it easy to discreetly install on a wide range of frames and shutters. The environmental range covers most indoor and sheltered outdoor installations.
- Sensitivity: Five adjustable sensitivity levels allow tuning for the local environment and to reduce false alarms while maintaining detection capability.
- Inputs: Two external wired inputs accommodate roller‑shutter contacts or other external contacts; a tamper input helps protect against removal or sabotage.
- Indicators: An LED provides learn, walk test and sensitivity feedback to simplify commissioning.
- Protocol: Ricochet mesh compatibility for use on Premier systems.
Benefit: The combination of adjustable sensitivity, wired inputs and on‑device feedback makes the Impaq SC‑W highly adaptable to a range of installation scenarios, from simple windows to complex shutter systems.
Use cases and scenarios where the Impaq SC‑W excels
The Impaq SC‑W is particularly well suited to perimeter protection tasks where an installer wants both shock sensing and contact monitoring without fitting two separate devices. Typical use cases include:
- Domestic windows — both ground‑floor and vulnerable upper floor windows where impact or forced entry attempts are a risk.
- Doors and patio/sliding doors — compact form factor allows neat installation on most frames and sashes.
- Roller shutters and shopfronts — on‑board inputs support external roller‑shutter contacts and give multi‑point sensing capability.
- Retrofits — single device reduces installation time and visible clutter compared with separate shock and contact sensors, useful in occupied homes or businesses.
- Distributed wireless systems — Ricochet mesh support makes it a solid choice when a robust wireless network is required across a larger property or where line‑of‑sight RF is restricted.
Scenarios to watch for: where extreme outdoor exposure is expected (direct weather, wide temperature swings) or where Grade 3 protection is required, a different device or additional protection measures may be more appropriate. Always confirm the correct frequency variant and local radio approvals for your market before installation.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
Integrated shock + contact devices like the Impaq SC‑W compete with both standalone shock detectors and separate magnetic contacts. Here are the comparative strengths and considerations:
- Combined vs separate devices: A combined unit simplifies installation and reduces the number of devices to maintain. However, separate sensors offer placement flexibility (e.g., placing the shock sensor on the glass and the magnet on the frame where geometry demands it).
- Ricochet mesh vs single‑hop wireless: Mesh systems generally provide superior range and resilience by relaying signals through other devices. If your control panel and ecosystem support Ricochet, the Impaq SC‑W benefits from improved network reliability compared with single‑hop devices.
- Certification: EN50131 Grade 2 places the Impaq SC‑W in the widely accepted category for domestic and light commercial use — a useful benchmark when comparing products from other manufacturers.
- Feature parity: Many competing models offer adjustable sensitivity, tamper protection and long battery life; the deciding factors often become wireless protocol compatibility, ease of commissioning, physical size and aesthetic options.
When choosing between vendors, consider system compatibility (panel protocol/mesh support), installation environment, and whether you prefer a single integrated device versus separate shock and contact sensors for maximum placement flexibility.
Customer testimonials and installer feedback
While specific customer reviews are not reproduced here, installer feedback and product commentary commonly highlight the following themes for devices like the Impaq SC‑W:
- Reliability: Professional installers value the combination of a reliable accelerometer and a magnetic contact in one housing for perimeter protection tasks.
- False alarm reduction: The VIBER accelerometer and digital signal processing, together with adjustable sensitivity, are frequently praised for reducing nuisance alarms when properly commissioned.
- Ease of commissioning: LED feedback for learn and walk tests speeds up setup and helps technicians fine‑tune sensitivity on site.
- Battery life: Long battery life and low quiescent current are appreciated, though actual life varies with reporting frequency and environmental factors.
- Placement considerations: Some feedback notes the importance of correct placement and sensitivity setting — too high sensitivity can trigger alarms from heavy passing traffic or strong gusts when mounted on certain windows; correct commissioning largely eliminates this.
If you are evaluating this device, seek feedback from local installers who have experience with Ricochet systems and perform a walk‑test after installation to confirm settings and placement.
Conclusion: Why the Texecom Impaq SC‑W is a strong choice
The Texecom Impaq SC‑W (GJA‑0004) is an effective, compact solution for perimeter protection that combines shock detection and magnetic contact sensing in a single, professionally certified device. Its VIBER accelerometer and onboard signal processing reduce false alarms while the adjustable sensitivity and LED feedback simplify commissioning. Ricochet mesh compatibility and Grade 2 certification make it suitable for many domestic and light commercial installations where reliable wireless performance and regulatory compliance matter.
As with any security device, correct frequency variant selection, careful placement and proper commissioning are key to getting the best results. For installers and homeowners looking to streamline hardware while maintaining robust perimeter protection, the Impaq SC‑W offers a balanced mix of functionality, wireless resilience and proven standards compliance — a practical choice for modern intruder alarm systems.
