In today’s connected world, protecting sensitive electronics from power surges and spikes is crucial for homes, offices, and small businesses. The APC Essential SurgeArrest 5 outlets with 5V, 2.4A 2 port USB Charger 230V UK (PM5U-UK) by Schneider Electric is a professional-grade surge protector designed to safeguard computers, networking equipment, and mobile devices while offering convenient USB charging. This blog explores the features, specifications, benefits, and applications of the PM5U-UK, highlighting why it’s a reliable choice for power protection.
Overview of the APC Essential SurgeArrest PM5U-UK
The APC Essential SurgeArrest PM5U-UK is a compact, high-performance surge protector featuring five UK BS1363 outlets and two USB Type-A ports (5V, 2.4A) for charging smartphones, tablets, and other devices. With a surge energy rating of 918 Joules and a fail-safe mode, it provides robust protection against lightning strikes, power surges, and wiring faults. Designed for the UK market (230V), it complies with stringent safety standards and includes features like EMI/RFI noise filtering and a resettable circuit breaker. Its sleek design and practical features make it ideal for home and office environments.
Key Specifications
- Model: PM5U-UK
- Outlets: 5 x UK BS1363
- USB Ports: 2 x USB Type-A (5V, 2.4A shared)
- Nominal Input Voltage: 230V
- Input Frequency: 50 Hz ± 5 Hz
- Input Connection: British BS1363A plug
- Cord Length: 1.83 meters
- Maximum Input Current: 13.0A
- Surge Energy Rating: 918 Joules
- Peak Current: 12 kAmps (Normal Mode), 24 kAmps (Common Mode)
- Response Time: 1 ns
- Let-Through Rating: <15% (worldwide standard)
- Dimensions: 56 mm (H) x 385 mm (W) x 73 mm (D)
- Weight: 0.72 kg
- Color: White
- Operating Temperature: 0–40°C
- Operating Humidity: 0–90% (non-condensing)
- Certifications: CE, KEMA, RoHS, IEC 61643-11
- Warranty: Lifetime (equipment protection policy up to £50,000)
Core Features and Benefits
1. Comprehensive Surge Protection
The PM5U-UK offers a 918-Joule surge energy rating, effectively absorbing energy from power surges and lightning strikes. Its Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs) and thermal fuse react instantly to divert excess voltage, ensuring no damaging surges reach connected devices. Unlike many surge suppressors, APC’s fail-safe mode disconnects equipment from the power supply if the surge protection circuit is compromised, preventing exposure to future surges.
2. IEEE Let-Through Ratings
APC surge protectors undergo rigorous IEEE testing, earning a let-through rating of less than 15% for worldwide products, indicating superior protection. This ensures that minimal voltage reaches your equipment during a surge, safeguarding sensitive electronics like computers and routers.
3. USB Charging Convenience
The two USB Type-A ports (5V, 2.4A shared) allow simultaneous charging of mobile devices, reducing the need for separate chargers. This feature is ideal for home offices or workstations where smartphones and tablets are in constant use.
4. EMI/RFI Noise Filtering
The PM5U-UK attenuates electromagnetic and radio frequency interference (EMI/RFI), which can cause data errors or keyboard lockups in sensitive equipment. This ensures cleaner power delivery and better performance for devices like PCs and AV systems.
5. Fail-Safe Mode and Protection Indicators
The fail-safe mode ensures that if the surge protection circuit is damaged, the unit stops passing power, protecting your equipment. A Protection Working Indicator LED alerts users if the circuitry is compromised, and a Building Wiring Fault Indicator detects dangerous wiring issues in the wall circuit. If under warranty, APC replaces damaged units free of charge.
6. Resettable Circuit Breaker
The PM5U-UK features a resettable circuit breaker for easy recovery from overloads, eliminating the need to replace fuses. This enhances user convenience and reduces maintenance costs.
7. Compact and Practical Design
With a 1.83-meter cord and a right-angle plug, the PM5U-UK accommodates tight spaces and reduces cord stress. Its compact dimensions (56 x 385 x 73 mm) and lightweight design (0.72 kg) make it easy to place on desks or mount on walls.
8. Eco-Friendly Disposal
The PM5U-UK complies with EU waste collection regulations, ensuring proper recycling through Schneider Electric’s take-back program. This aligns with environmental sustainability goals.
Applications and Use Cases
The APC Essential SurgeArrest PM5U-UK is designed for:
- Home Offices: Protects computers, monitors, routers, and USB-charged devices like smartphones and tablets.
- Small Businesses: Safeguards point-of-sale systems, networking equipment, and office electronics from surges.
- Entertainment Systems: Shields TVs, gaming consoles, and audio equipment from power fluctuations.
- Educational Settings: Ensures reliable power for classroom computers and projectors.
Its 918-Joule rating and USB charging ports make it versatile for environments requiring both surge protection and device charging.
Why Choose the APC PM5U-UK?
Proven Reliability
APC by Schneider Electric is a trusted name in power protection, with products undergoing stringent testing to meet global safety standards (CE, KEMA, IEC 61643-11). The PM5U-UK’s lifetime warranty and £50,000 equipment protection policy provide peace of mind.
Cost-Effective Protection
Priced competitively (around £30–£40 based on retailers like Comms Express and UPSBuyer), the PM5U-UK offers professional-grade protection at an affordable cost. Its durability and fail-safe design reduce the risk of costly equipment damage.
User-Friendly Features
The PM5U-UK has received positive feedback for its ease of use and functionality. While specific recent reviews are limited, customers on sites like Amazon UK praise similar APC SurgeArrest models for their reliability and USB charging convenience, with ratings averaging 4.5 stars. The resettable breaker and LED indicators simplify operation.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
- Setup: Plug the PM5U-UK into a properly grounded 230V UK outlet. Connect devices to the BS1363 outlets and USB ports, ensuring the total load does not exceed 13A.
- Placement: Position the unit in a well-ventilated area (0–40°C). Use the right-angle plug to fit behind furniture or mount on a wall.
- Monitoring: Check the Protection Working and Wiring Fault LEDs regularly. If the protection LED is off, contact APC for a warranty replacement.
- Recycling: Dispose of the unit through Schneider Electric’s recycling program to comply with EU regulations.
- Overload Recovery: If the circuit breaker trips, unplug some devices and reset the breaker to restore power.
Considerations
- No Data Line Protection: Unlike some APC models, the PM5U-UK does not offer Ethernet, coaxial, or phone line surge protection. Consider additional protectors for data lines if needed.
- USB Output: The 2.4A shared USB output may be slower for charging multiple high-power devices simultaneously compared to modern fast chargers.
- Warranty Claims: Ensure proper grounding and registration for the £50,000 equipment protection policy to be valid.
Conclusion
The APC Essential SurgeArrest PM5U-UK is a reliable, user-friendly surge protector that combines robust surge protection with convenient USB charging for home and office environments. Its 918-Joule rating, fail-safe mode, EMI/RFI filtering, and IEEE-tested performance ensure your electronics are safe from power surges and spikes. With a lifetime warranty, eco-friendly disposal, and a compact design, the PM5U-UK is an excellent investment for protecting computers, networking gear, and mobile devices.
For more details or to purchase, CONTACT US @ TIACO TECHNOLOGIES. Safeguard your electronics with the PM5U-UK and enjoy peace of mind with APC’s trusted power protection.