Introduction to the Texecom Micro Shock‑W (GHC‑0014) and its key features
The Texecom Premier Elite Micro Shock‑W (GHC‑0014) is an ultra‑miniature wireless shock sensor designed to detect forcible shocks and vibrations to windows, doors and building structures. Combining a high‑performance accelerometer with Texecoms Ricochet encrypted mesh radio, the Micro Shock‑W delivers discreet, reliable intrusion detection for residential and light commercial installations. Its compact black housing, long battery life from a single CR2450 coin cell (typically up to three years), LED‑assisted one‑button setup and compliance with EN50131 Grade 2 standards make it a strong choice where aesthetics, sensitivity and wireless resilience matter.
Detailed description of specifications and benefits
At first glance the Micro Shock‑Ws appeal is its size: only 57.0 x 27.5 x 8.2 mm and weighing roughly 15 g, its designed to be unobtrusive on frames and glass. But the small footprint hides several engineering strengths.
- Sensing performance:The unit uses a high‑performance accelerometer with five sensitivity settings, allowing installers to tune detection for different surfaces and mountings (e.g., timber frames, uPVC, aluminium, or directly on glass). The sensitivity range helps reduce false alarms from benign vibrations while ensuring detection of forcible impacts or attempts to break glass.
- Reliable wireless communications:The Micro Shock‑W uses Texecoms Ricochet encrypted mesh radio. Ricochet creates multiple repeatable radio paths between devices and receivers to increase resilience and reduce dead zones common to single‑hop wireless setups. Radio frequency variants include 868.2–868.4 MHz, 866.2–866.4 MHz (region dependent) and 433.3–433.7 MHz options. The device is designed as Category 1, Class 2 (LBT) with max RF power of 10 mW, and duty cycle considerations for regulatory compliance.
- Low power and long battery life:The Micro Shock‑W runs from a single CR2450 coin cell at 3.0 V. With a quiescent current of approximately 14 A and efficient transmit behaviour (transmit current max ~12 mA), typical battery life is up to three years under normal use. A low voltage threshold (2.5 V temperature compensated) provides reliable end‑of‑life warnings to the control panel.
- Standards and compliance:The sensor meets EN50131‑2‑8 and EN50131‑5‑3 standards, and is certified for Grade 2, Class II systems. This makes it suitable for many domestic and commercial premises where Grade 2 assurance is required. Professional installation is recommended to meet EN50131 guidance for mounting and system planning.
- Installation and physical features:LED‑assisted one‑button setup simplifies teaching the device to Premier / Premier Elite panels or Ricochet expanders. Mounting can be by adhesive pad or screws; a deep base is required for installation on metal surfaces. The kit typically ships with sensor, manual, adhesive pad and screws, and usually includes the CR2450 battery (confirm with supplier).
- Model: Micro Shock‑W — GHC‑0014
- Series: Texecom Premier Elite
- Dimensions: 57.0 × 27.5 × 8.2 mm; Weight: ≈ 15 g
- Radio protocol: Texecom Ricochet mesh (encrypted); Max RF power: 10 mW
- Battery: single CR2450, operating voltage 3.0 V; typical battery life up to 3 years
- Sensitivity: 5 settings; Temperature range: −10 °C to +55 °C; Humidity: 0–95% RH non‑condensing
- Standards: EN50131‑2‑8:2016; EN50131‑5‑3:2017; EN50131‑1:2006+A2:2017; PD6662:2017 (Grade 2, Class II)
Use cases and scenarios where the product excels
The Micro Shock‑W is particularly well suited to situations that require discreet, early detection of forced entry without the bulk or visibility of larger sensors. Common and effective use cases include:
- Domestic windows and doors:Installed on window frames or sash bars, the sensor detects knocks and impacts associated with forced entry attempts before glass is breached. The small footprint keeps installations discreet on visible domestic joinery.
- Conservatories and patio doors:Large glass areas and multiple access points benefit from multiple compact shock sensors tuned to local mounting conditions. The Ricochet mesh helps ensure signals reach the main panel even from peripheral glazed areas.
- Retail displays and showcases:Jewellery cabinets, display cases and retail glass units can be protected with sensors that are difficult for a thief to notice and bypass. Sensitivity tuning helps prevent false alarms from customer handling or nearby footfall.
- Outbuildings and annexes:Lightweight, battery powered and mesh‑enabled devices are ideal for detached structures where wiring is impractical. Ricochet repeaters and additional nodes can create reliable paths back to the control panel.
- Heritage and listed buildings:Where running wiring could damage fabric, an ultra‑compact adhesive‑mounted sensor provides protection with minimal visual impact.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When choosing a shock or vibration detector, buyers typically weigh detector type (acoustic glass‑break vs shock), size, wireless reliability, standards compliance and installation flexibility. Heres how the Micro Shock‑W compares in those dimensions:
- Versus acoustic glass‑break detectors:Acoustic glass‑break sensors listen for the characteristic sound of breaking glass and can cover larger single panes from a central position. Shock sensors like the Micro Shock‑W detect impact/vibration at the mounting point, offering earlier detection of forceful attempts at the frame and requiring multiple devices for large glazed areas. The Micro Shock‑Ws strength is early frame shock detection and discreet placement.
- Versus larger shock sensors:Larger shock sensors may offer more elaborate mounting options and sometimes additional sensing axes, but they are more visible and harder to hide. The Micro Shock‑W prioritises concealment and flexible placement while maintaining Grade 2 compliance.
- Versus other wireless shock sensors:Competing wireless shock sensors vary by radio protocol and mesh reliability. The Texecom Ricochet mesh is a standout for installers already using Premier / Premier Elite systems, offering encrypted multi‑path communication and robust repeatability. Some competitors may use proprietary single‑hop radios or different mesh protocols; the Micro Shock‑Ws advantage is integration into the Texecom ecosystem and the proven Ricochet network model.
- Cost/value consideration:The suggested retail price of roughly
58.85 (based on a supplied cost_price of
49.43 and a minimum ~16% gross margin) positions the Micro Shock‑W as a premium, professionally oriented device. For installations where Grade 2 compliance, a compact profile and Ricochet resilience are priorities, the value proposition is strong relative to generic consumer devices.
Customer feedback and typical reviews
While specific customer reviews vary by installer and end user, aggregated feedback themes for the Micro Shock‑W tend to be:
- Positive points:Installers praise the very small form factor and the ability to conceal sensors on visible joinery. Many note the ease of one‑button LED‑assisted setup with Texecom panels and appreciation for the Ricochet meshs reliability in challenging radio environments. Battery life and standards compliance (Grade 2) are commonly cited as strong selling points.
- Constructive criticism:A small number of users mention the importance of correct sensitivity tuning to avoid false alarms on particularly light or heavily vibrating surfaces, and the need for a deep base when mounting on metal. Some buyers expect professional setup for radio/network planning when deploying multiple sensors across a site.
- Installer guidance feedback:Reviews often stress that the device performs best when integrated by an experienced installer who understands Ricochet network planning and EN50131 mounting guidance; this helps deliver reliable coverage and minimises false alarms.
Conclusion: why the Micro Shock‑W is a great choice
The Texecom Premier Elite Micro Shock‑W (GHC‑0014) is an excellent choice when you need a discreet, standards‑compliant shock sensor that integrates seamlessly with Premier and Premier Elite panels. Its ultra‑compact dimensions, multi‑setting accelerometer, long battery life and encrypted Ricochet mesh make it particularly well suited to protecting windows, doors, conservatories and display cases where early detection and low visibility are important.
For professional installers and security‑minded homeowners the Micro Shock‑W strikes a balance between performance and subtlety. It is not a silver bullet for every application—acoustic glass‑break detectors still have their place for wide single‑pane coverage—but where localized shock detection, concealment and reliable wireless mesh communications are required, the Micro Shock‑W is hard to beat. When paired with careful installation, correct sensitivity tuning and a planned Ricochet topology, it delivers dependable early warning and a polished, low‑profile appearance that complements modern security systems.