The APC Essential SurgeArrest 5 Outlets with 5V, 2.4A 2 Port USB Charger 230V UK (PM5U-UK) is a professional-grade surge protector designed to safeguard your electronics from power surges while offering convenient USB charging. Manufactured by APC by Schneider Electric, this device is ideal for home offices, small businesses, and households needing reliable protection for computers, gaming consoles, and mobile devices. In this blog, we’ll explore its specifications, features, performance, and value to help you decide if it’s the right surge protector for your needs.
Overview
The APC PM5U-UK is part of the Essential SurgeArrest series, offering robust surge protection for sensitive electronics. With five UK BS1363 outlets and two USB Type-A ports delivering 5V, 2.4A, it combines traditional power strip functionality with modern charging capabilities. Its compact design, fail-safe mode, and compliance with stringent safety standards make it a versatile and reliable choice for protecting devices from power surges, spikes, and electrical noise.
Key Features
1. Five UK Outlets for Versatile Connectivity
The PM5U-UK features five BS1363A UK outlets, allowing you to power multiple devices such as computers, monitors, routers, and gaming consoles. The outlets are spaced to accommodate larger plugs, and the 1.83-meter (6-foot) cord with a right-angle plug ensures flexibility in placement, reducing cord stress and allowing furniture to be placed closer to walls. The surge protector supports a maximum input current of 13A and a nominal input voltage of 230V, making it suitable for standard UK household and office use.
2. Dual USB Charging Ports
The inclusion of two USB Type-A ports delivering 5V, 2.4A (shared) is a standout feature, allowing simultaneous charging of smartphones, tablets, or other USB-powered devices. Each port can provide up to 2.4A, ensuring fast and efficient charging for most modern devices. This eliminates the need for separate chargers, making the PM5U-UK a convenient all-in-one solution for power and charging needs.
3. Robust Surge Protection
The PM5U-UK offers a surge energy rating of 918 Joules, providing strong protection against power surges and lightning strikes. It features Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs) and a thermal fuse for instantaneous reaction to power spikes, with a peak current rating of 24kA (common mode) and 12kA (normal mode). The surge protector has a 1ns response time, ensuring rapid protection. Unlike many competitors, APC’s fail-safe mode disconnects equipment from the power supply if the surge components are compromised, preventing damaged circuits from passing power through. The IEEE let-through rating is less than 15% for global products, indicating excellent protection performance.
4. Protection Working and Wiring Fault Indicators
The PM5U-UK includes a Protection Working Indicator LED, which alerts users if the surge protection circuitry is damaged due to a heavy strike or power surge, ensuring you know when the unit can no longer provide full protection. If under warranty, APC will replace a damaged unit free of charge. Additionally, a Building Wiring Fault Indicator LED detects potentially dangerous wiring issues in the wall circuit, enhancing safety for your setup.
5. EMI/RFI Noise Filtering
The surge protector reduces Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Radio Frequency Interference (RFI), which can cause data errors, keyboard lockups, or performance issues in sensitive electronics. This feature ensures cleaner power delivery, improving the performance and longevity of connected devices like computers and audio equipment.
6. Resettable Circuit Breaker
The PM5U-UK includes a resettable circuit breaker for easy recovery from overloads, eliminating the need to replace fuses. This feature enhances convenience and ensures the surge protector can be quickly reset after an overload event, maintaining uptime for your devices.
7. Safety and Regulatory Compliance
APC surge protectors undergo rigorous testing by IEEE and comply with global safety standards, including CE, Kema, Gost, C-tick, A-Tick, and Telepermit. The PM5U-UK meets IEC 61643-11 and 2014/30/EU, 2014/35/EU, 2011/65/EU standards, ensuring safety and reliability. The device is designed to prevent damage from surges traveling through power lines, offering peace of mind for users.
8. Eco-Friendly Design
The PM5U-UK aligns with Schneider Electric’s Green Premium label, featuring packaging with at least 70% recycled cardboard (50% in the US). APC’s global product take-back program encourages responsible disposal, reducing environmental impact. Some orders may include non-recycled packaging until stock is depleted.
9. Compact and Lightweight
Measuring 56mm (H) x 385mm (W) x 73mm (D) and weighing just 0.72kg, the PM5U-UK is compact and easy to place in tight spaces. Its wall-mountable design and right-angle plug make it ideal for home offices, entertainment setups, or small workstations. The white finish blends seamlessly with most environments.
10. 3-Year Warranty
The PM5U-UK comes with a 3-year local manufacturer warranty, providing confidence in its durability and performance. If the surge protection fails due to a defect or surge event, APC will replace the unit free of charge during the warranty period.
Performance
The PM5U-UK delivers reliable surge protection with a 918-Joule rating, sufficient for protecting home and office electronics from common power surges and lightning strikes. Its 1ns response time ensures instantaneous protection, while the fail-safe mode prevents damaged circuits from passing power, a critical advantage over many competitors that allow power to flow even after damage. The EMI/RFI noise filtering enhances device performance by reducing interference, making it ideal for sensitive equipment like computers and audio systems. The USB ports provide 2.4A shared output, capable of charging most smartphones and tablets efficiently, though high-power devices like modern tablets may charge more slowly when both ports are in use.
The resettable circuit breaker ensures quick recovery from overloads, and the LED indicators provide clear status updates on protection and wiring conditions. User tests indicate consistent performance, with no reported failures under normal surge conditions. The device operates reliably in temperatures from 0°C to 40°C and 0-90% humidity, suitable for most indoor environments.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Effective Surge Protection: 918 Joules and fail-safe mode protect devices from surges and spikes.
- USB Charging: Two 2.4A USB ports for convenient device charging.
- Noise Filtering: Reduces EMI/RFI interference for improved device performance.
- Safety Features: Protection Working and Wiring Fault Indicators enhance user safety.
- Resettable Circuit Breaker: Easy recovery from overloads without replacing fuses.
- Compact Design: Lightweight, wall-mountable, and fits in tight spaces.
- Eco-Friendly: Uses recycled packaging and supports a take-back program.
- 3-Year Warranty: Reliable support with free replacement for damaged units.
Cons
- No Data Line Protection: Lacks Ethernet, coaxial, or phone line surge protection, unlike some APC models.
- Shared USB Output: 2.4A shared across two ports may slow charging for power-hungry devices.
- Limited Surge Capacity: 918 Joules is sufficient for most home/office use but lower than premium models for high-end setups.
- Plastic Build: Durable but less premium than metal-housed surge protectors.
- Region-Specific: UK BS1363A plug limits use to UK-compatible regions.
User Feedback
User reviews for the PM5U-UK are generally positive, with ratings averaging 4.3-4.5 out of 5 on retailer sites like Amazon and Comms Express. Users praise its compact size, ease of use, and reliable surge protection, particularly for home office setups and entertainment systems. The USB ports are appreciated for charging convenience, though some note slower charging when both ports are used simultaneously. The LED indicators are valued for providing clear status updates, and the 3-year warranty adds confidence. Some users wish for data line protection (e.g., Ethernet or phone), which is available in other APC models like the PM5T-UK. No significant reports of failures exist, though users recommend avoiding overloading to maintain longevity.
Who Should Buy the APC PM5U-UK?
The PM5U-UK is ideal for:
- Home Office Users: Protecting computers, monitors, and routers while charging devices.
- Small Businesses: Safeguarding point-of-sale systems, printers, or networking equipment.
- Gamers and Media Enthusiasts: Ensuring TVs, gaming consoles, and sound systems are surge-protected.
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: Seeking affordable, reliable surge protection with USB charging.
If you need data line protection or higher surge capacity for professional-grade equipment, consider APC’s Performance SurgeArrest series or models like the PM5T-UK with phone line protection.
Installation and Usage Tips
- Placement: Use the wall-mountable design or right-angle plug to save space and reduce cord stress.
- Check LEDs: Ensure the Protection Working Indicator is lit to confirm active surge protection. Address any Wiring Fault Indicator alerts by consulting an electrician.
- Avoid Overloading: Do not exceed the 13A maximum input current to prevent tripping the circuit breaker.
- USB Charging: For optimal charging speed, use one USB port for high-power devices like tablets.
- Warranty Registration: Register your product on APC’s website to streamline warranty claims if needed.
- Environment: Operate within 0°C to 40°C and 0-90% humidity to ensure reliability.
Conclusion
The APC Essential SurgeArrest 5 Outlets with 5V, 2.4A 2 Port USB Charger 230V UK (PM5U-UK) is a reliable, affordable, and feature-packed surge protector for home and office use. Its 918-Joule surge protection, fail-safe mode, and EMI/RFI noise filtering safeguard electronics from power surges and interference, while the dual USB ports add modern charging convenience. The resettable circuit breaker, LED indicators, and 3-year warranty enhance its value, making it a trusted choice for protecting computers, gaming consoles, and mobile devices. While it lacks data line protection and has a shared USB output, its compact design, eco-friendly packaging, and robust performance make it an excellent option for most users.
For the latest pricing and availability, CONTACT US @ TIACO TECHNOLOGIES. Always verify compatibility with your devices and follow installation guidelines for optimal performance and safety.