Risco LightSYS and EliteControl EC Alarm Systems: NZ Installer Selection Guide

Choosing the right home alarm system is one of the most important security decisions a New Zealand homeowner or installer can make. A well-specified alarm system provides reliable intrusion detection, fast response capability, and long-term serviceability across a wide range of residential and light commercial applications. Essential Security Supplies NZ supplies alarm panels, kits, and components from Risco and EliteControl (EC), two professional-grade brands trusted by New Zealand security installers.

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What Makes a Professional Home Alarm System?

A professional-grade home alarm system consists of a central control panel, one or more detection devices (typically PIR motion detectors or door/window contacts), a keypad for arming and disarming, an internal sounder, and an external siren for audible deterrence. Higher-end systems add IP and Wi-Fi communication modules for remote monitoring and smartphone control, battery backup for power-outage resilience, and the ability to expand the system as the property's needs grow. For residential installations in New Zealand, Grade 2 certification (to EN50131) is the standard benchmark for residential and light commercial applications, providing a defined level of tamper resistance and detection reliability.

The key differences between entry-level and professional alarm systems come down to scalability, communication options, and integration capability. Entry-level systems typically cover 8 zones with no expansion path. Professional systems such as the Risco LightSYS and LightSYS+ and the EliteControl EC range offer substantial zone expansion, multiple partition support, and the ability to integrate with access control, video verification, and remote monitoring platforms.

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Risco LightSYS and LightSYS+ Alarm Kits

Risco is a globally recognised security brand with a strong track record in the New Zealand professional installer market. The Risco LightSYS and LightSYS+ platforms are hybrid wired/wireless alarm panels designed for residential and light commercial applications, available at Essential Security Supplies NZ as pre-configured kits that include the panel, keypad, detectors, sirens, and battery - ready for professional installation.

Risco LightSYS Alarm Kits (RAK-Kit Range)

The Risco LightSYS2 panel forms the basis of the RAK-Kit range. It starts at 8 zones and is expandable to 50 zones, supports 4 partitions, up to 4 keypads, 16 wireless keyfobs, and 8 proximity key readers. It features a 1,000-event on-board log (over 2,000 logged remotely), smartphone app control, SynopSYS integration, and video verification capability. Three kit configurations are available to suit different detection requirements:

• RAK-Kit1 - LightSYS2 panel with LCD keypad, 2x Zodiac Quad PIR detectors (12m, Grade 2), internal sounder, external siren, and 7Ah battery. View our product.
• RAK-Kit2 - LightSYS2 panel with LCD keypad, 2x DigiSense Pet PIR detectors (up to 32kg, 12m, Grade 2), internal sounder, external siren, and 7Ah battery. Suitable for homes with pets up to 32kg. View our product.
• RAK-Kit3 - LightSYS2 panel with LCD keypad, 2x DigiSense Dual Technology (DT) Pet PIR detectors (up to 34kg, 12m, Grade 2), internal sounder, external siren, and 7Ah battery. The dual technology detection reduces false alarms in challenging environments. View our product.

Risco LightSYS+ Alarm Kits (LPAK / LPAKE / LPAKP Range)

The LightSYS+ is the next generation of the LightSYS platform, with substantially increased capacity: up to 512 zones, 256 wireless zones, 32 partitions, 500 user codes, built-in IP module and Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n 2.4 GHz), and a C-Type USB input for local configuration. It supports Grade 2 and Grade 3 installations, making it suitable for higher-risk residential and commercial applications. New features on the LightSYS+ include integrated alarm and access control, wireless visual verification with real-time event confirmation, and the VUpoint video solution for camera-linked verification.

LightSYS+ kits are available in three keypad variants, each with PIR options to suit the site:

• LPAK-Kit (LCD Keypad) - Available with 2x Pet PIR or 2x Dual Technology PIR detectors. The LCD keypad provides a clear, text-based interface familiar to most end users. View our product.
• LPAKE-Kit (Elegant Keypad) - Available with 2x or 3x Quad PIR or 2x or 3x Pet PIR detectors. The Elegant keypad features a slim white design suited to modern residential interiors. View our product.
• LPAKP-Kit (Panda Keypad) - Available with 2x or 3x Quad PIR or 2x or 3x Pet PIR detectors. The Panda keypad offers a high-contrast display in a compact form factor. View our product.

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EliteControl EC Alarm Panels

The EliteControl EC range is a New Zealand-developed professional alarm system platform widely used by NZ security installers across residential and commercial applications. The EC series is manufactured by AAP and is known for its flexible architecture, reliable hardware, and strong local support and serviceability. Unlike kit-based systems, EC panels are supplied as individual panel and keypad combinations, allowing installers to configure the system precisely to the site's requirements.

EC Panel Options

The core of the EliteControl range is the EC control panel, available in several configurations:

• EC-PLAS - EC control panel in enclosed EC-CAB-1A plastic cabinet, no keypad. Suitable for installations where the keypad is sourced separately. View our product.
• EC-PLAS KP W / KP B - EC panel bundled with the EC-KP White or Black slimline touch interface keypad in an enclosed plastic cabinet. View our product.
• EC-PLAS LCD - EC panel with EC-LCD slimline LCD keypad in enclosed plastic cabinet, for sites where a traditional text keypad interface is preferred. View our product.
• EC-PLAS TOUCH B - EC panel with EC-TOUCH B black touchscreen keypad in enclosed plastic cabinet. The touchscreen interface provides a modern, icon-driven user experience suited to contemporary residential and commercial fitouts. View our product.
• EC-i PLC/U - The EC-i security panel in EC-CAB-1A plastic cabinet, representing the Infinity series platform. The EC-i supports the full range of EC keypads including the EC-LCD-P (LCD keypad with built-in proximity reader) for integrated access control. View our product.

EliteControl Keypads

The EliteControl EC range supports multiple keypad options to suit different user preferences and installation environments:

• EC-KP W / EC-KP B - Slimline touch interface keypads in white or black, compatible with EC and Infinity series panels. View our product.
• EC-LCD - Slimline LCD keypad for Infinity series panels, providing a text-based display for zone and status information. View our product.
• EC-LCD-P - Slimline LCD keypad with built-in proximity reader, combining alarm arming/disarming and access control in a single device. View our product.

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Product Specifications

Model	Brand	Platform	Zones	Partitions	Wireless Zones	Communication	Grade
RAK-Kit1 / Kit2 / Kit3	Risco	LightSYS2	8-50	4	50	IP, GSM/GPRS, Long Range Radio	Grade 2
LPAK / LPAKE / LPAKP Kits	Risco	LightSYS+	8-512	32+4	256	IP (on-board), Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, C-Type USB	Grade 2 and 3
EC-PLAS / EC-PLAS KP / EC-PLAS LCD / EC-PLAS TOUCH	EliteControl (AAP)	EC Series	-	-	-	4G optional (EC-i 4G add-on)	-
EC-i PLC/U	EliteControl (AAP)	Infinity Series	-	-	-	4G optional (EC-i 4G add-on)	-

For full EliteControl EC series specifications, refer to your installer documentation or contact Essential Security Supplies NZ directly. View our complete alarm systems range.

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Choosing Between Risco and EliteControl for Your Site

Both Risco and EliteControl are professional-grade platforms that require qualified installation. The choice between them typically comes down to installer familiarity, existing site infrastructure, and specific feature requirements.

Risco LightSYS and LightSYS+ kits are a strong choice for new installations where a complete, pre-configured kit is preferred. The LightSYS+ in particular offers industry-leading scalability (up to 512 zones) and built-in IP/Wi-Fi connectivity, making it well-suited to larger homes and light commercial sites that require remote monitoring and smartphone integration. The availability of multiple keypad options (LCD, Elegant, Panda) allows the installer to match the keypad aesthetics to the site's interior.

EliteControl EC panels are a preferred choice for installers who work within the NZ-developed EC ecosystem, particularly for sites that require integration with the broader EC access control and automation range. The availability of touchscreen keypads and the EC-LCD-P (with built-in proximity reader) makes the EC platform well-suited to applications where alarm and access control are combined in a single system. The optional 4G cellular module (EC-i 4G) provides cellular communication backup for monitoring-connected sites.

For guidance on selecting the right alarm system for a specific application, or to discuss project pricing for multi-site installations, browse our full alarm systems range at Essential Security Supplies NZ. For reference on alarm system standards applicable in New Zealand, the New Zealand Security Association (NZSA) provides industry guidance on installation standards and Grade requirements for residential and commercial alarm systems.