In an era where electronic devices are integral to daily life, protecting them from power surges and electrical noise is critical to prevent damage and ensure longevity. The APC Essential SurgeArrest 230V (PM5-UK), part of Schneider Electric’s SurgeArrest Essential series, is a reliable and cost-effective surge protector designed for home and small office use. This blog explores the features, benefits, applications, and technical specifications of the PM5-UK, highlighting why it’s a trusted choice for safeguarding your electronics.
Overview of the APC Essential SurgeArrest 230V (PM5-UK)
The APC Essential SurgeArrest PM5-UK is a professional-grade surge protector designed to shield computers, home entertainment systems, and other sensitive electronics from power surges, spikes, and electrical noise. With five surge-protected outlets, a 918-Joule surge energy rating, and a compact design, it provides essential protection at an affordable price. Backed by Schneider Electric’s reputation and a generous equipment protection policy, the PM5-UK is ideal for users seeking reliable surge protection.
Key Features
1. Five Surge-Protected Outlets
The PM5-UK offers five BS1363A UK outlets, including one block-spaced outlet to accommodate larger plugs. All outlets provide surge protection, ensuring connected devices are safeguarded from power surges and spikes.
2. High Surge Energy Rating
With a 918-Joule surge energy rating, the PM5-UK can absorb significant energy from power surges, protecting connected devices from damage. It also features a peak current capacity of 24 kAmps (common mode) and 12 kAmps (normal mode) for robust performance.
3. EMI and RFI Noise Filtering
The surge protector includes EMI and RFI noise filtering, which reduces electromagnetic and radio frequency interference. This helps prevent data errors and keyboard issues caused by electrical noise, ensuring smooth operation of sensitive electronics.
4. Fail-Safe Mode
In the event of a catastrophic surge that compromises the unit’s circuitry, the PM5-UK’s fail-safe mode disconnects equipment from the power supply, ensuring no damaging surges reach your devices.
5. Protection Working Indicator
A Protection Working LED Indicator alerts users if the surge protector’s circuitry has been damaged by a heavy surge, indicating when it’s time to replace the unit to maintain full protection.
6. Resettable Circuit Breaker
The PM5-UK features a resettable circuit breaker, allowing users to easily recover from overloads without needing to replace fuses, enhancing convenience and reliability.
7. Compact Design and Long Cord
With dimensions of 5.58 x 38.5 x 7.26 cm and a 1.83-meter power cord, the PM5-UK is compact and versatile, suitable for wall mounting or placement in tight spaces. Its BS1363A British plug ensures compatibility with UK power outlets.
8. Equipment Protection Policy
APC offers a lifetime equipment protection policy of up to €50,000 for connected equipment damaged by surges (valid in European Union countries), providing peace of mind for users.
Benefits of the APC Essential SurgeArrest PM5-UK
1. Robust Surge Protection
The PM5-UK protects valuable electronics from damaging power surges and spikes, extending their lifespan and preventing costly replacements. Its high surge energy rating ensures reliable performance.
2. Cost-Effective Solution
As an entry-level surge protector, the PM5-UK delivers professional-grade protection at an affordable price, making it accessible for home users and small businesses.
3. Enhanced Device Performance
The EMI/RFI noise filtering reduces electrical interference, improving the performance of sensitive devices like computers, routers, and audio-visual equipment.
4. User-Friendly Design
Features like the resettable circuit breaker, Protection Working LED, and long power cord make the PM5-UK easy to use and maintain, even for non-technical users.
5. Eco-Friendly Packaging
The unit is packaged with minimum 70% recycled cardboard (50% in the US) and is eligible for APC’s take-back program in select regions, reflecting a commitment to sustainability.
Applications
The APC Essential SurgeArrest PM5-UK is ideal for:
- Home Offices: Protects desktop computers, monitors, routers, and printers from power surges, ensuring uninterrupted productivity.
- Home Entertainment Systems: Safeguards TVs, gaming consoles, and audio equipment, preventing damage from electrical disturbances.
- Small Businesses: Shields point-of-sale systems, networking equipment, and other critical devices in retail or office environments.
- Regions with Unstable Power: Offers reliable surge protection in areas prone to lightning strikes or power fluctuations.
Technical Specifications
- Model: APC Essential SurgeArrest PM5-UK
- Outlets: 5 BS1363A UK outlets (1 block-spaced)
- Surge Energy Rating: 918 Joules
- Input Voltage: 230V
- Input Frequency: 50 Hz ± 5 Hz
- Input Connection: BS1363A British plug
- Cord Length: 1.83 meters
- Maximum Input Current: 13A
- Peak Current: 24 kAmps (common mode), 12 kAmps (normal mode)
- Dimensions: 5.58 x 38.5 x 7.26 cm
- Weight: 0.67 kg
- Certifications: CE
- Warranty: Limited Lifetime (European Union countries only)
- Equipment Protection Policy: Up to €50,000 (EU countries)
- Additional Features: EMI/RFI noise filtering, fail-safe mode, Protection Working LED, resettable circuit breaker, wall-mount holes
Why Choose the APC Essential SurgeArrest PM5-UK?
The PM5-UK combines affordability, reliability, and essential features in a compact package. Its high surge energy rating, EMI/RFI filtering, and fail-safe mode make it a standout choice for protecting sensitive electronics. Backed by APC’s trusted brand, lifetime warranty, and generous equipment protection policy, it offers peace of mind for home and small office users. The unit’s user-friendly design and eco-friendly packaging further enhance its appeal.
Conclusion
The APC Essential SurgeArrest 230V (PM5-UK) is a dependable and budget-friendly surge protector that delivers robust protection for home and small office electronics. Whether safeguarding computers, gaming consoles, or networking equipment, the PM5-UK ensures your devices remain safe from power surges and electrical noise. With its proven performance and Schneider Electric’s reputation for quality, it’s a smart investment for anyone seeking reliable surge protection.