In an age where electronic devices are integral to our daily lives, protecting them from power surges and electrical fluctuations is essential. The APC Essential SurgeArrest 230V (PM5-UK) is a reliable, cost-effective surge protector designed to safeguard your computers, home entertainment systems, and other sensitive electronics. Part of APC’s SurgeArrest Essential family, this power strip offers robust protection at an accessible price point. Let’s explore what makes the PM5-UK a must-have for homes and small offices.
Overview of the APC Essential SurgeArrest 230V (PM5-UK)
The APC Essential SurgeArrest 230V (PM5-UK) is a 5-outlet surge protector designed to protect electronic devices from power surges, spikes, and lightning strikes. With a surge energy rating of 918 Joules, it provides essential protection for devices operating at 230V, making it ideal for use in the UK and other regions with similar voltage standards. Its compact design, safety features, and high-quality build make it a practical choice for safeguarding home and office electronics.
Key Features
1. Surge Protection with 918 Joules Rating
The PM5-UK offers robust surge protection with a 918 Joules rating, capable of diverting excess voltage away from connected devices. It is designed to handle power surges and spikes, including those caused by lightning, ensuring your equipment remains safe. The surge protector has a let-through rating of less than 15% worldwide, indicating strong performance in preventing voltage spikes from reaching your devices.
2. Fail-Safe Mode
Unlike many surge suppressors that continue to pass power through even after their circuits are damaged, the APC SurgeArrest features a fail-safe mode. If the internal circuitry is compromised due to a significant surge or overvoltage, the unit disconnects connected equipment from the power supply, ensuring no damaging surges reach your devices.
3. Protection Working Indicator
The PM5-UK includes a “Protection Working” LED that illuminates to confirm the surge protection is active. If the circuitry is damaged by a heavy surge or power line issue, the indicator alerts you that the unit can no longer provide full protection. If still under warranty, APC will replace the damaged SurgeArrest free of charge, adding peace of mind.
4. EMI/RFI Noise Filtering
The surge protector features electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio-frequency interference (RFI) filtering, which reduces line noise that can cause data errors or keyboard lockups. This ensures cleaner power delivery, enhancing the performance and longevity of connected devices.
5. Five Outlets with Safety Shutters
The PM5-UK provides five BS1363A British outlets, including one block-spaced outlet to accommodate larger plugs or power adapters. Safety shutters on the outlets prevent accidental insertion of foreign objects, enhancing safety, especially in households with children.
6. Compact Design and Long Cord
Measuring 5.58 x 38.5 x 7.26 cm and weighing just 0.76 kg, the PM5-UK is lightweight and compact, making it easy to place on a desk, mount on a wall, or tuck behind furniture. Its 1.8-meter power cord offers flexibility in positioning, allowing you to extend protection to devices in various setups.
7. Equipment Protection Policy
APC backs the PM5-UK with a €50,000 Equipment Protection Policy, which covers damage to connected equipment caused by surges, provided the product is registered and terms are met. This policy underscores APC’s confidence in the SurgeArrest’s reliability, though claims are subject to specific conditions.
8. Safety and Compliance
The PM5-UK undergoes stringent testing by IEEE and complies with global safety standards, including CE, Kema, and others, ensuring safe operation. It also features a resettable circuit breaker for easy recovery from overloads without the need to replace a fuse.
Technical Specifications
- Surge Energy Rating: 918 Joules
- Output Connections: 5x BS1363A British outlets (1 block-spaced)
- Nominal Input/Output Voltage: 230V
- Input Connection: BS1363A British plug
- Cord Length: 1.8 meters
- Maximum Input Current: 10A
- Let-Through Rating: Less than 15% worldwide
- Dimensions: 5.58 x 38.5 x 7.26 cm
- Weight: 0.76 kg
- Operating Temperature: 0–40°C
- Warranty: Lifetime (limited, covers surge protector replacement)
- Equipment Protection Policy: €50,000 (subject to terms and registration)
- Certifications: CE, Kema, GOST, C-tick, A-Tick, Telepermit
- Includes: Surge protector, user manual
Benefits of the APC Essential SurgeArrest 230V (PM5-UK)
1. Affordable Protection
The PM5-UK provides high-quality surge protection at a budget-friendly price, making it accessible for home users and small businesses looking to protect their electronics without investing in a full UPS system.
2. Reliable Build Quality
Customers praise the PM5-UK for its sturdy construction and high-quality materials. The rewirable plug with an ASTA marking and molded strain relief ensures durability, while the smooth plugging experience adds to its usability.
3. Versatile Applications
With five outlets, the PM5-UK can protect a variety of devices, including computers, monitors, printers, routers, gaming consoles, and home entertainment systems. Its block-spaced outlet accommodates bulky power adapters, enhancing versatility.
4. Enhanced Safety
The combination of safety shutters, a fail-safe mode, and a protection working indicator ensures your devices and household are protected from electrical hazards, making it ideal for families and offices.
5. Environmental Responsibility
The PM5-UK carries Schneider Electric’s Green Premium™ label, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, transparency in environmental impacts, and a design that supports proper waste collection in the EU.
Ideal Use Cases
The APC Essential SurgeArrest 230V (PM5-UK) is perfect for:
- Home Offices: Protects computers, monitors, and routers from surges, ensuring uninterrupted work.
- Home Entertainment: Safeguards TVs, gaming consoles, and sound systems from power spikes.
- Small Businesses: Offers affordable protection for point-of-sale systems, printers, and networking equipment.
- Households with Children: Safety shutters make it a secure choice for homes with curious kids.
Tips for Optimal Use
- Check Load Capacity: Ensure the total load of connected devices does not exceed 10A to avoid overloading the surge protector.
- Monitor Indicator Lights: Regularly check the “Protection Working” LED to confirm the unit is functioning correctly. If it’s off, contact APC for a replacement under warranty.
- Register for Equipment Protection Policy: Register the product with APC to activate the €50,000 Equipment Protection Policy for added peace of mind.
- Proper Placement: Place the surge protector in a well-ventilated area and avoid covering it to prevent overheating.
- Inspect Regularly: Periodically check the power cord and outlets for wear, as surge protectors can lose effectiveness over time due to repeated surges.
Potential Considerations
While the PM5-UK is highly reliable, some users note that the 1.8-meter cord may be too short for certain setups, and there is no phone line protection in this specific model (unlike variants like the PM5T-UK). For users needing data line protection, consider a model with RJ11 or Ethernet surge protection. Additionally, the Equipment Protection Policy has strict terms, so review the conditions carefully before relying on it.
Conclusion
The APC Essential SurgeArrest 230V (PM5-UK) is a dependable and affordable surge protector that delivers essential protection for your valuable electronics. With its 918 Joules surge rating, fail-safe mode, EMI/RFI filtering, and safety shutters, it’s a practical choice for homes and small offices. Backed by APC’s trusted reputation, lifetime warranty, and €50,000 Equipment Protection Policy, the PM5-UK offers peace of mind without breaking the bank. Whether you’re protecting your home office, entertainment system, or small business equipment, this surge protector is a smart investment in device longevity and safety.
For more details, refer to the included user manual or CONTACT US @ TIACO TECHNOLOGIES. Safeguard your electronics today with the APC Essential SurgeArrest 230V (PM5-UK).