August 20, 2025

APC Essential SurgeArrest 230V (PM5-UK): A Comprehensive Review

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The APC Essential SurgeArrest 230V (PM5-UK) is a reliable and affordable surge protector designed to safeguard your electronic devices from power surges, spikes, and electrical noise. Manufactured by Schneider Electric, a trusted name in power management, this surge protector is a popular choice for home and office environments. In this blog, we’ll dive into the specifications, features, performance, and user feedback of the PM5-UK to help you determine if it’s the right surge protector for your needs.

Overview

The APC Essential SurgeArrest PM5-UK is a 5-outlet surge protector designed for the UK market, operating at 230V. It provides essential protection for computers, home entertainment systems, routers, and other sensitive electronics against power surges, lightning strikes, and electrical disturbances. With a compact design, safety features, and a robust surge protection rating, it’s an excellent choice for users seeking reliable protection at a budget-friendly price.

Key Specifications

  • Outlets: 5 surge-protected UK outlets (one block-spaced for larger plugs)
  • Surge Energy Rating: 918 Joules
  • Input Voltage: 230V
  • Input Frequency: 50 Hz ± 5 Hz
  • Input Connection: BS1363A (UK plug)
  • Cord Length: 1.83 meters (6 feet)
  • Maximum Input Current: 13.0A
  • Dimensions: 5.58 x 38.5 x 7.26 cm
  • Weight: 0.76 kg
  • Features:
    • EMI/RFI noise filtering
    • Fail-safe mode
    • Protection working indicator LED
    • Building wiring fault indicator LED
    • Safety shutters
  • Certifications: CE, KEMA, GOST, C-tick, A-Tick, Telepermit
  • Warranty: Lifetime warranty; £50,000 Equipment Protection Policy
  • Contents: Surge protector, user manual

Design and Build

The APC SurgeArrest PM5-UK features a compact, rectangular design with a sturdy plastic enclosure, making it easy to integrate into home or office setups. Measuring 38.5 cm long and weighing just 0.76 kg, it’s lightweight yet robust enough for daily use. The 1.83-meter power cord offers flexibility for placement, and the right-angle plug allows furniture or equipment to sit closer to the wall, reducing cable strain.

The five outlets include one block-spaced socket to accommodate larger plugs or adapters without blocking adjacent outlets. Safety shutters on the outlets prevent accidental insertion of foreign objects, enhancing safety, especially in households with children. The design also includes two LED indicators: one for surge protection status and another to warn of wiring faults in the wall circuit, ensuring users are aware of potential issues.

While the build quality is generally praised for its durability, some users note that the plastic casing, though sturdy, may not feel as premium as higher-end models. The cable can be routed out of either side, adding to its versatility and ease of use.

Performance

The PM5-UK offers a surge energy rating of 918 Joules, which is sufficient for protecting standard home and office electronics, such as computers, monitors, routers, and gaming consoles, from most power surges and spikes. It has an IEEE let-through rating of less than 15% worldwide (equivalent to less than 330V for North American products), indicating strong protection performance. The surge protector undergoes stringent IEEE testing to ensure reliability against voltage spikes and lightning strikes.

Key performance features include:

  • Fail-Safe Mode: If the surge protector’s circuitry is compromised due to a severe surge, it disconnects connected devices from the power supply, preventing further damage. Unlike many budget surge suppressors, this ensures no power flows through a damaged unit.
  • EMI/RFI Noise Filtering: Reduces electromagnetic and radio-frequency interference, minimizing data errors and keyboard lockups for sensitive equipment.
  • Catastrophic Event Protection: Components like Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs) and thermal fuses react instantly to lightning strikes or wiring faults, diverting excess voltage away from your devices.
  • Resettable Circuit Breaker: Allows easy recovery from overloads without needing to replace a fuse.

While the 918-Joule rating is adequate for most household and small office applications, it may not be sufficient for high-end setups with expensive equipment in areas prone to frequent or severe lightning strikes. For such cases, a higher-rated surge protector (e.g., APC’s PM8-UK with 2,754 Joules) or a whole-house surge protector might be more appropriate.

Additional Features

  • Protection Working Indicator: An LED alerts users if the surge protection circuitry is damaged and unable to provide full protection. If under warranty, APC offers free replacement for damaged units.
  • Building Wiring Fault Indicator: This LED detects dangerous wiring issues in the wall circuit, helping users identify potential electrical hazards.
  • Equipment Protection Policy: APC provides a £50,000 lifetime connected equipment warranty, offering peace of mind by covering damages to devices connected to the surge protector during a surge event (subject to terms and conditions).
  • Safety Shutters: Enhance safety by preventing accidental contact with live electrical components.

Some models in the SurgeArrest series, like the PM5T-UK, also include phone line protection, but the PM5-UK focuses solely on power surge protection without data line surge suppression for Ethernet, coaxial, or phone lines.

Compatibility

The PM5-UK is designed for use with UK electrical systems (230V, BS1363A plug) and is compatible with a wide range of devices, including:

  • Entry-level PCs and laptops
  • Home entertainment systems (TVs, streaming media players, gaming consoles)
  • Networking equipment (routers, modems)
  • Small office equipment (printers, scanners)

It’s plug-and-play, requiring no additional software or setup, making it accessible for users of all technical levels. The surge protector complies with global safety standards, including CE, KEMA, and others, ensuring reliability across regions.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Reliable Surge Protection: 918-Joule rating and fail-safe mode protect against most surges and spikes.
  • Compact and Versatile: Lightweight design with a flexible 1.83m cord and block-spaced outlet.
  • Safety Features: Safety shutters, wiring fault indicator, and protection status LED enhance usability and safety.
  • Lifetime Warranty: Backed by a lifetime warranty and £50,000 equipment protection policy.
  • Trusted Brand: APC by Schneider Electric is renowned for quality power protection solutions.

Cons

  • Moderate Surge Rating: 918 Joules may be insufficient for high-end setups or areas with frequent lightning.
  • No USB Ports: Unlike some models (e.g., PM5U-UK), it lacks USB charging ports.
  • No Data Line Protection: Does not protect Ethernet, coaxial, or phone lines, limiting its versatility.
  • Mixed Durability Reports: Some users report issues with long-term reliability or LED failures after heavy surges.

User Feedback

User reviews of the PM5-UK are generally positive, with many praising its build quality, ease of use, and effectiveness. One Amazon reviewer noted, “The body is sturdy, cable can run out on either side, plugging is smooth and feels quite sleek!” Another user highlighted its reliability, stating, “I suffered two storms with this multi-socket, and once lightning fell on my building, and the lead jumped, saving my setup.” However, some users have reported issues, such as a unit making crackling noises or LEDs flashing after months of use, leading to disposal. For example, a review from LDLC mentioned a unit failing after seven months, though this seems to be an outlier.

Critics also point out that APC has discontinued some SurgeArrest models, with a Reddit thread suggesting the company may be exiting the plug-in surge protector market due to concerns about fire risks in older models (though the PM5-UK was not part of any recall). This has raised questions about long-term support, but the lifetime warranty mitigates some concerns.

Who Should Buy It?

The APC Essential SurgeArrest PM5-UK is ideal for:

  • Home Users: Protecting PCs, TVs, gaming consoles, or routers from everyday surges.
  • Small Offices: Safeguarding entry-level equipment like printers or monitors.
  • Budget-Conscious Buyers: Seeking reliable surge protection at an affordable price.
  • Safety-Conscious Households: With safety shutters and wiring fault detection for added peace of mind.

For users in lightning-prone areas or with high-value equipment, consider a surge protector with a higher Joule rating or additional data line protection, like the APC PM8-UK or Belkin 8-Way Surge Protector.

Conclusion

The APC Essential SurgeArrest 230V (PM5-UK) is a dependable, cost-effective surge protector that offers robust protection for everyday electronics. Its 918-Joule rating, fail-safe mode, EMI/RFI filtering, and safety features make it a solid choice for home and small office use. While it lacks USB ports or data line protection, its compact design, lifetime warranty, and £50,000 equipment protection policy add significant value.

Check retailers like Amazon, BT Business Direct, or Schneider Electric’s official website for the latest prices and availability. For enhanced protection in high-risk areas, pair it with a whole-house surge protector or consider upgrading to a model with a higher Joule rating.