In today’s digital age, our homes and offices are filled with sensitive electronic devices that power our daily lives—computers, gaming consoles, routers, and more. However, these devices are vulnerable to power surges and electrical fluctuations that can cause irreparable damage. The APC Essential SurgeArrest 230V (PM5-UK) by Schneider Electric is a reliable and affordable solution designed to safeguard your valuable electronics. In this blog, we’ll explore the features, benefits, and specifications of this surge protector, helping you understand why it’s a must-have for any tech-savvy household or office.
What is the APC Essential SurgeArrest 230V (PM5-UK)?
The APC Essential SurgeArrest 230V (PM5-UK) is a heavy-duty surge protector power strip engineered to protect electronic devices from power surges, voltage spikes, and electrical noise. Designed for use in regions with 230V power outlets, such as the UK, this surge protector is ideal for both home and office environments. It provides essential protection for a range of devices, including entry-level PCs, routers, modems, cable boxes, and streaming media players, making it a versatile addition to any setup.
With five surge-protected outlets and a robust design, the PM5-UK ensures your equipment remains safe from damaging power disturbances, including those caused by lightning strikes or faulty wiring. Let’s dive into the key features that make this surge protector stand out.
Key Features of the APC Essential SurgeArrest 230V (PM5-UK)
1. Surge Protection with a 918 Joule Rating
The primary function of the PM5-UK is to shield your devices from power surges and spikes. With a surge energy rating of 918 Joules, it can absorb significant energy from power surges, diverting excess voltage away from your connected devices to prevent damage. This level of protection is suitable for most home and office electronics, ensuring longevity and reliability for your equipment.
2. Five Surge-Protected Outlets
The PM5-UK features five UK power outlets, providing ample space to connect multiple devices simultaneously. One of the outlets is block-spaced, accommodating larger plugs or adapters without obstructing adjacent sockets. Whether you’re powering a computer, monitor, printer, or entertainment system, this surge protector has you covered.
3. Fail-Safe Mode
Unlike many other surge suppressors that continue to let power through even after their circuits are compromised, the APC SurgeArrest employs a fail-safe mode. If the surge protector’s circuitry is damaged due to a severe power surge, it automatically disconnects your equipment from the power supply, ensuring no harmful surges reach your devices. This feature provides an extra layer of safety and peace of mind.
4. EMI/RFI Noise Filtering
Electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio-frequency interference (RFI) can cause data errors, keyboard lockups, or degraded performance in sensitive electronics. The PM5-UK includes EMI/RFI filtering to reduce line noise, delivering cleaner power to your devices and enhancing their performance.
5. LED Indicators
The PM5-UK is equipped with LED indicators for surge protection status and wiring fault detection:
- Protection Working Indicator: This LED lights up to confirm that the surge protector is functioning correctly and safeguarding your devices.
- Building Wiring Fault Indicator: This indicator alerts you to potentially dangerous wiring issues in your wall circuit, helping you address electrical problems before they cause harm.
6. Catastrophic Event Protection
The PM5-UK is designed to respond instantaneously to severe events like lightning strikes or wiring faults. Components such as Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs) and a thermal fuse ensure rapid reaction to surges, preventing excess power from reaching your equipment. This makes the PM5-UK particularly effective in areas prone to lightning or unstable power grids.
7. Safety Shutters
To enhance user safety, the PM5-UK includes safety shutters on its outlets. These shutters prevent accidental insertion of foreign objects, reducing the risk of electrical hazards—especially important in households with children or pets.
8. Resettable Circuit Breaker
In the event of an overload, the PM5-UK features a resettable circuit breaker, allowing easy recovery without the need to replace a fuse. This adds convenience and ensures your surge protector remains functional after an overload event.
9. 1.83-Meter Power Cord
The PM5-UK comes with a 1.83-meter (6-foot) power cord, providing flexibility in placement. Whether you’re setting it up on a desk, mounting it on a wall, or tucking it behind furniture, the generous cord length makes it easy to integrate into your space.
10. IEEE Let-Through Ratings
The PM5-UK undergoes stringent testing by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and is awarded a let-through rating of less than 15% for products sold worldwide (equivalent to less than 330V–500V for North American products). This low let-through rating indicates superior protection, ensuring minimal voltage reaches your devices during a surge.
Benefits of Using the APC Essential SurgeArrest 230V (PM5-UK)
1. Cost-Effective Protection
The PM5-UK offers robust surge protection at an affordable price point, making it an accessible solution for protecting valuable electronics without breaking the bank. It’s an ideal choice for budget-conscious consumers who still want reliable performance.
2. Compact and User-Friendly Design
With its compact dimensions (5.58 x 38.5 x 7.26 cm) and lightweight build (0.76 kg), the PM5-UK is easy to integrate into any environment. Its sturdy construction and sleek design ensure it blends seamlessly into home or office setups.
3. Enhanced Safety Features
From safety shutters to fail-safe mode and wiring fault indicators, the PM5-UK prioritizes user safety. These features make it a trustworthy choice for protecting both your devices and your household.
4. Versatility
The PM5-UK is suitable for a wide range of applications, from protecting home entertainment systems to safeguarding office equipment. Its five outlets and robust surge protection make it a versatile solution for various setups.
5. Peace of Mind
With its lifetime warranty, equipment protection policy, and reliable performance, the PM5-UK offers peace of mind, knowing your devices are shielded from unexpected power disturbances.
Specifications at a Glance
- Model: APC Essential SurgeArrest PM5-UK
- Input Voltage: 230V
- Input Frequency: 50 Hz ± 5 Hz
- Input Connection Type: BS1363A (UK plug)
- Surge Energy Rating: 918 Joules
- Outlets: 5 UK power outlets (1 block-spaced)
- Cord Length: 1.83 meters
- Maximum Input Current: 13.0A
- Dimensions: 5.58 x 38.5 x 7.26 cm
- Weight: 0.76 kg
- Certifications: Complies with UL, CE, Kema, Gost, C-tick, A-Tick, and Telepermit standards
Why Choose the APC Essential SurgeArrest PM5-UK?
The APC Essential SurgeArrest 230V (PM5-UK) stands out for its combination of affordability, reliability, and advanced safety features. Here’s why it’s a smart investment:
- Trusted Brand: APC by Schneider Electric is a globally recognized leader in power protection solutions, known for its high-quality products and rigorous testing standards.
- Comprehensive Protection: From surge suppression to EMI/RFI filtering and catastrophic event protection, the PM5-UK offers all-around safeguarding for your electronics.
- User-Friendly Features: LED indicators, safety shutters, and a resettable circuit breaker make it easy to use and maintain.
- Value for Money: With a competitive price and lifetime warranty, the PM5-UK delivers exceptional value for protecting your devices.
Customer Feedback
Users praise the PM5-UK for its solid construction, high surge protection rating, and well-spaced outlets. One reviewer noted its compact design fits nicely on desks, while another highlighted the satisfying “click” when plugging in devices, indicating a premium build quality. However, some sources mention a past recall of other APC surge protectors due to potential fire risks, though the PM5-UK was not included in that recall. Always ensure proper usage and placement (e.g., more than 30 feet from the main breaker box, as recommended) to maximize safety.
Conclusion
The APC Essential SurgeArrest 230V (PM5-UK) is a reliable, cost-effective, and feature-rich surge protector that offers essential protection for your electronic devices. With its robust surge suppression, fail-sky, and user-friendly design, it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to safeguard their home or office electronics from power surges and electrical noise. Whether you’re protecting a gaming PC, home entertainment system, or office equipment, the PM5-UK delivers peace of mind and long-lasting performance.
Invest in the APC Essential SurgeArrest 230V (PM5-UK) today and ensure your valuable devices are protected for years to come. For more information or to purchase, CONTACT US @ TIACO TECHNOLOGIES.