Power surges and spikes can wreak havoc on your valuable electronics, causing data loss, hardware damage, or reduced device lifespan. The APC Essential SurgeArrest 230V (PM5-UK), manufactured by Schneider Electric, is a reliable and cost-effective surge protector designed to safeguard your home and office devices. With its compact design, robust surge protection, and safety features, the PM5-UK is ideal for protecting computers, routers, gaming consoles, and other sensitive electronics. This blog explores the key features, benefits, and technical specifications of the APC PM5-UK, highlighting why it’s a trusted choice for basic surge protection.
What is the APC Essential SurgeArrest 230V (PM5-UK)?
The APC Essential SurgeArrest PM5-UK is a 5-outlet surge protector designed for 230V UK power systems. It provides essential surge protection for computers, home entertainment systems, networking equipment, and other electronics, shielding them from power surges, spikes, and lightning-induced disturbances. With a 1.8-meter power cord, fail-safe mode, and a protection working indicator, it offers dependable protection at an affordable price, making it perfect for home and small office use.
Key Features of the APC PM5-UK
1. Surge Protection with High Joule Rating
- Surge Energy Rating: 918 Joules: The PM5-UK absorbs significant surge energy, protecting connected devices from power spikes and lightning strikes. Its IEEE let-through rating of less than 15% ensures optimal performance and minimal voltage reaching equipment during surges.
2. Five UK Outlets
- Features 5 UK outlets (one block-spaced for larger plugs), providing ample connectivity for devices like PCs, monitors, routers, and home entertainment systems. All outlets are surge-protected for comprehensive safety.
3. Fail-Safe Mode
- If the surge protection circuit is compromised due to a severe surge or lightning strike, the PM5-UK disconnects equipment from the power supply, ensuring no damaging surges reach your devices. This distinguishes it from other surge suppressors that may continue to pass power after damage.
4. Protection Working Indicator
- A LED indicator alerts users if the surge protection circuitry is damaged and unable to provide full protection. If under warranty, APC offers free replacement of the damaged unit, adding peace of mind.
5. Building Wiring Fault Indicator
- The wiring fault LED detects potentially dangerous wiring issues in the wall circuit, helping users identify and address electrical problems before connecting devices.
6. Noise Filtering
- Reduces EMI/RFI line noise that can cause data errors and keyboard lockups, ensuring better performance for sensitive electronics like computers and networking equipment.
7. Catastrophic Event Protection
- Components like MOVs (Metal Oxide Varistors) and a thermal fuse react instantly to lightning strikes and wiring faults, preventing excess power from reaching connected devices.
8. Compact Design and Long Cord
- Dimensions: 385 mm (W) x 55 mm (H) x 72 mm (D); Weight: 670 g.
- 1.8-meter power cord: Offers flexibility for placement in homes, offices, or entertainment setups.
9. Equipment Protection Policy
- Backed by a £50,000 Equipment Protection Policy, APC guarantees compensation for damage to connected equipment caused by surges (subject to terms and conditions).
10. Safety and Compliance
- Complies with CE, KEMA, Gost, C-tick, A-Tick, and Telepermit standards, ensuring safety and reliability. Undergoes stringent IEEE testing for surge protection performance.
Benefits of the APC PM5-UK
- Affordable Protection: Offers robust surge protection at a budget-friendly price, ideal for home and small office use.
- Device Safety: Protects sensitive electronics from surges, spikes, and lightning, preventing costly damage or data loss.
- User-Friendly: LED indicators and fail-safe mode make it easy to monitor and ensure protection status.
- Versatile Applications: Suitable for PCs, routers, modems, cable boxes, and streaming media players.
- Peace of Mind: The £50,000 Equipment Protection Policy and free replacement under warranty enhance reliability.
Technical Specifications
- Output:
- Outlets: 5 UK outlets (1 block-spaced)
- Nominal Voltage: 230V
- Surge Energy Rating: 918 Joules
- IEEE Let-Through Rating: <15% (worldwide)
- Input:
- Input Voltage: 230V
- Input Frequency: 50/60 Hz
- Cord Length: 1.8 meters
- Input Connection: UK plug (BS1363)
- Physical:
- Dimensions: 385 mm (W) x 55 mm (H) x 72 mm (D)
- Weight: 670 g
- Certifications: CE, KEMA, Gost, C-tick, A-Tick, Telepermit
- Warranty: 2 years (with free replacement for damaged units) and £50,000 Equipment Protection Policy
- Additional Features:
- Fail-Safe Mode
- Protection Working Indicator
- Building Wiring Fault Indicator
- EMI/RFI Noise Filtering
- Catastrophic Event Protection (MOVs and thermal fuse)
Limitations to Consider
- No Battery Backup: The PM5-UK is a surge protector, not a UPS, so it does not provide battery backup during power outages.
- No Data Line Protection: Unlike some APC models, it does not offer protection for Ethernet, coaxial, or phone lines, limiting its ability to guard against “back door” surges.
- Limited Joule Rating: While 918 Joules is sufficient for basic protection, it’s lower than premium surge protectors, which may offer higher ratings for heavy-duty applications.
- Discontinuation Concerns: Some sources suggest APC may be phasing out SurgeArrest models due to profitability or safety concerns, though the PM5-UK remains available at many retailers.
Ideal Use Cases
The APC PM5-UK is perfect for:
- Home Electronics: Protects TVs, gaming consoles, streaming devices, and PCs from surges and spikes.
- Small Offices: Safeguards routers, modems, and entry-level computers in professional settings.
- Budget-Conscious Users: Offers reliable surge protection at an affordable price for everyday devices.
- Regions with Unstable Power: Provides essential protection in areas prone to lightning or power fluctuations.
Conclusion
The APC Essential SurgeArrest 230V (PM5-UK) is a dependable and affordable surge protector that delivers essential protection for your home and office electronics. With its 918 Joule rating, fail-safe mode, protection working indicator, and £50,000 Equipment Protection Policy, it ensures safety and peace of mind for budget-conscious users. While it lacks battery backup and data line protection, its compact design, robust surge protection, and compliance with stringent safety standards make it an excellent choice for safeguarding PCs, routers, and entertainment systems.
For more details or to purchase, CONTACT US @ TIACO TECHNOLOGIES. Protect your devices with the APC PM5-UK and enjoy worry-free operation!