In today’s tech-driven world, safeguarding your electronic devices from power surges is more critical than ever. The APC Essential SurgeArrest 5 Outlets with 5V, 2.4A 2 Port USB Charger 230V UK (PM5U-UK) offers a reliable and convenient solution for protecting your home or office electronics while keeping your devices charged. This blog explores the features, benefits, and technical specifications of this professional-grade surge protector, designed to deliver peace of mind for users in the UK.
Why Surge Protection Matters
Power surges, caused by lightning strikes, wiring faults, or sudden changes in electrical demand, can damage sensitive electronics like computers, smartphones, and home entertainment systems. Unlike most surge suppressors that may continue to allow power through even after their circuits are compromised, the APC SurgeArrest PM5U-UK is engineered to provide robust protection and disconnect equipment when its surge components are damaged, ensuring no harmful surges reach your devices.
Key Features of the APC Essential SurgeArrest PM5U-UK
1. Five Surge-Protected Outlets
The PM5U-UK features five UK BS1363 outlets, including one block-spaced outlet to accommodate larger plugs or adapters. With a surge energy rating of 918 Joules, it provides robust protection against power spikes, making it ideal for computers, TVs, gaming consoles, and other sensitive electronics. The outlets are designed to handle a maximum input current of 13.0A and a nominal input voltage of 230V, ensuring compatibility with standard UK power systems.
2. Dual USB Charging Ports
In addition to the AC outlets, the PM5U-UK includes two USB Type-A ports delivering 5V, 2.4A of power. These ports allow you to charge smartphones, tablets, cameras, and other USB-enabled devices simultaneously, reducing the need for separate chargers and keeping your workspace clutter-free.
3. Fail-Safe Mode
One of the standout features of the PM5U-UK is its fail-safe mode. If the surge protection components (such as MOVs or thermal fuses) are damaged due to a power spike or overvoltage, the unit automatically disconnects your equipment from the power supply. This ensures that no damaging surges can pass through to your devices, unlike many other surge suppressors that may continue to operate in a compromised state.
4. Protection Working Indicator
The PM5U-UK is equipped with a Protection Working Indicator LED, which alerts you if the surge protection circuitry has been damaged by a heavy strike or power line surge. If the unit is still under warranty, APC will replace a damaged SurgeArrest free of charge, adding an extra layer of assurance for users.
5. Building Wiring Fault Indicator
This surge protector also includes a Building Wiring Fault Indicator LED, which warns users of potentially dangerous wiring issues in the wall circuit. This feature helps you identify and address electrical problems before they can harm your equipment.
6. EMI and RFI Noise Filtering
The PM5U-UK reduces electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI), which can cause data loss or keyboard errors in sensitive electronics. This ensures better performance and reliability for your connected devices.
7. IEEE Let-Through Ratings
APC surge protectors undergo stringent testing by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and are awarded let-through ratings, which measure the maximum voltage that can reach your equipment after a surge. The PM5U-UK offers a let-through rating of less than 15% for products sold worldwide, indicating excellent protection and performance.
8. Convenient Design
- 1.8-Meter Power Cord: Provides flexibility in placement, allowing you to position the surge protector where it’s most convenient.
- Compact Dimensions: Measuring 56mm (H) x 385mm (W) x 73mm (D) and weighing just 0.72kg, the PM5U-UK is easy to integrate into any home or office setup.
- Safety Shutters: Enhance safety by preventing accidental contact with the outlets.
- Resettable Circuit Breaker: Allows easy recovery from overloads without the need to replace a fuse.
Technical Specifications
Here’s a quick overview of the PM5U-UK’s key specs:
- Number of Outlets: 5 (1 block-spaced)
- Receptacle Style: UK BS1363 plug
- Nominal Input Voltage: 230V
- Input Frequency: 50 Hz ± 5 Hz
- Input Connections: British BS1363A
- Cord Length: 1.83 meters
- Maximum Input Current: 13.0A
- Surge Energy Rating: 918 Joules
- Peak Current: 24kA (Common Mode), 12kA (Normal Mode)
- Operating Temperature: 0–40°C
- Operating Relative Humidity: 0–90%
- Certifications: CE, KEMA, complies with IEC 61643-11 and other regional safety standards
Benefits of Choosing the APC PM5U-UK
- Comprehensive Protection: The combination of surge-protected outlets, USB charging ports, and fail-safe technology ensures your devices are safe from both power surges and electrical faults.
- Versatility: Suitable for home or office use, protecting everything from computers to USB-powered devices.
- Peace of Mind: With APC’s warranty and free replacement policy for damaged units (within warranty), you can trust in the product’s reliability.
- User-Friendly Features: Indicators for protection status and wiring faults, along with a resettable circuit breaker, make this surge protector easy to use and maintain.
- Eco-Friendly Packaging: The PM5U-UK uses at least 70% recycled cardboard in its packaging, reflecting APC’s commitment to sustainability.
Real-World Applications
The APC PM5U-UK is perfect for:
- Home Offices: Protect computers, monitors, and peripherals while charging your phone or tablet.
- Living Rooms: Safeguard TVs, gaming consoles, and streaming devices from power surges.
- Small Businesses: Ensure critical electronics like point-of-sale systems or networking equipment remain operational.
Customer Feedback
Users praise the PM5U-UK for its reliability and build quality, though some have noted they would prefer models with individual outlet switches or faster USB charging ports (e.g., 5V/3A). Overall, it’s highly recommended for those seeking a safe and affordable surge protection solution.
Conclusion
The APC Essential SurgeArrest PM5U-UK is a versatile and reliable surge protector that combines robust surge protection with convenient USB charging capabilities. Its fail-safe mode, protection indicators, and compliance with stringent safety standards make it a top choice for protecting sensitive electronics in the UK. Whether you’re setting up a home office or safeguarding your entertainment system, the PM5U-UK delivers professional-grade performance at an accessible price point.
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