In an age where electronic devices are integral to daily life, protecting them from power surges and spikes is essential. The APC Essential SurgeArrest 5 Outlets with 5V, 2.4A 2 Port USB Charger 230V UK (PM5U-UK) by Schneider Electric offers a professional-grade solution for safeguarding computers, home entertainment systems, and other electronics. This blog provides a detailed look at the PM5U-UK’s features, specifications, benefits, and why it’s a smart choice for home and office use.
What is the APC Essential SurgeArrest PM5U-UK?
The APC Essential SurgeArrest PM5U-UK is a compact surge protector designed to protect sensitive electronic equipment from power surges, spikes, and lightning strikes. Equipped with five UK BS1363 outlets and two USB Type-A ports (5V, 2.4A), it provides versatile power and charging options for devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops. With a surge energy rating of 918 Joules, the PM5U-UK is part of APC’s Essential SurgeArrest series, offering reliable protection for home and small office environments.
Key Features of the PM5U-UK
- Robust Surge Protection: The PM5U-UK features Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs) and thermal fuses that react instantly to lightning strikes and wiring faults, preventing excess power from reaching connected devices. It has a surge energy rating of 918 Joules, with peak current capacities of 12kAmps (normal mode) and 24kAmps (common mode).
- Fail-Safe Mode: Unlike many surge suppressors that allow power to pass through after damage, the PM5U-UK’s fail-safe design disconnects equipment from the power supply if its circuitry is compromised, ensuring no damaging surges reach your devices.
- Protection Working Indicator: A LED indicator alerts users if the surge protection circuitry has been damaged by a heavy strike or power line surge, ensuring you know when the unit can no longer provide full protection. If under warranty, APC offers free replacement for damaged units.
- Building Wiring Fault Indicator: This LED notifies users of potentially dangerous wiring issues in the wall circuit, enhancing safety.
- Noise Filtering: The PM5U-UK attenuates EMI/RFI line noise, which can cause data errors and keyboard lockups, ensuring better performance for connected equipment.
- Dual USB Charging Ports: Two USB Type-A ports (5V, 2.4A combined) allow simultaneous charging of mobile devices, reducing the need for additional chargers.
- Resettable Circuit Breaker: In case of an overload, the resettable circuit breaker allows easy recovery without the need to replace a fuse.
- IEEE Let-Through Ratings: The PM5U-UK undergoes stringent IEEE testing, achieving a let-through rating of less than 15% worldwide, indicating superior protection by limiting the voltage that reaches equipment during a surge.
Technical Specifications
- Model: PM5U-UK
- Number of Outlets: 5 (UK BS1363 plug)
- USB Ports: 2 (Type-A, 5V, 2.4A combined)
- 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
- Response Time: 1 ns
- Peak Current: 12kAmps (Normal Mode), 24kAmps (Common Mode)
- Dimensions: 385 mm (W) x 73 mm (D) x 56 mm (H)
- Weight: 0.72 kg
- Color: White
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to 40°C
- Operating Relative Humidity: 0% to 90%
- Operating Elevation: 0 to 3,000 meters
- Certifications: CE, Kema, Gost, C-tick, A-Tick, Telepermit, RoHS
- Warranty: 3 years (local manufacturer warranty in some regions)
Benefits of the PM5U-UK
- Comprehensive Device Protection: The PM5U-UK safeguards a wide range of electronics, from computers and TVs to gaming consoles and networking equipment, against damaging surges and spikes.
- Convenient USB Charging: The dual USB ports provide a clutter-free solution for charging mobile devices, eliminating the need for separate adapters.
- Compact and Flexible Design: With a 1.83-meter cord and a right-angle plug, the PM5U-UK accommodates installation in tight spaces and allows furniture to be placed closer to walls. Its compact size (385 x 73 x 56 mm) suits various environments.
- Enhanced Safety Features: The fail-safe mode, protection working indicator, and building wiring fault indicator ensure maximum safety for users and equipment.
- Eco-Conscious Disposal: The PM5U-UK must be disposed of through specific waste collection programs in the EU, and its packaging includes at least 70% recycled cardboard, supporting sustainable practices.
- Cost-Effective Solution: Priced competitively (typically £30–£50), the PM5U-UK offers professional-grade protection at an affordable cost, backed by a 3-year warranty in many regions.
Why Choose APC SurgeArrest Over Competitors?
While other surge suppressors may offer lower prices, the PM5U-UK stands out due to its advanced features and reliability:
- Superior Surge Protection: The fail-safe design and 918-Joule rating provide better protection than many budget surge suppressors, which may allow power to pass through after damage.
- Regulatory Compliance: The PM5U-UK meets stringent global safety standards (CE, Kema, RoHS), ensuring consistent performance and safety.
- Trusted Brand: APC by Schneider Electric is a leader in power protection, offering reliable products and responsive customer support.
- Warranty and Replacement: The 3-year warranty and free replacement policy for damaged units (if under warranty) provide peace of mind, unlike many generic brands.
Installation and Usage Tips
- Verify Compatibility: Ensure your devices operate on 230V and use UK BS1363 plugs. The USB ports are suitable for most smartphones and tablets (5V, 2.4A).
- Optimal Placement: Use the 1.83-meter cord and right-angle plug to position the PM5U-UK conveniently, even behind furniture or in tight spaces.
- Check Indicators: Regularly monitor the protection working and building wiring fault indicators to ensure the unit is functioning correctly.
- Avoid Overloading: Do not exceed the 13.0A maximum input current to prevent tripping the circuit breaker.
- Proper Disposal: Follow EU waste collection guidelines for recycling the PM5U-UK at the end of its life, avoiding regular trash bins.
Customer Feedback
The PM5U-UK has received positive feedback for its reliability and ease of use. On retailer sites like Comms Express and UPSBuyer, customers praise its compact design, USB charging convenience, and robust surge protection. Some users note the absence of data line protection (e.g., Ethernet or phone lines), which is available in higher-end APC models like the PM5T-UK. However, for basic surge protection and USB charging, the PM5U-UK is highly rated, with no reviews reported on some sites like ect.my, indicating limited but focused feedback.
Conclusion
The APC Essential SurgeArrest PM5U-UK is a reliable, feature-packed surge protector that combines professional-grade surge protection with modern conveniences like USB charging. Its 918-Joule rating, fail-safe mode, noise filtering, and compact design make it an excellent choice for protecting computers, home entertainment systems, and mobile devices in homes and small offices. Backed by a 3-year warranty and APC’s reputation for quality, the PM5U-UK offers peace of mind at an affordable price.
For those seeking a dependable surge protector with added USB functionality, the PM5U-UK is a top contender. To learn more or purchase, CONTACT US @ TIACO TECHNOLOGIES.