In today’s tech-driven world, safeguarding your electronics from power surges is more critical than ever. From computers and gaming consoles to smartphones and home office setups, a sudden voltage spike can cause costly damage. The APC Essential SurgeArrest 5 Outlets with 5V, 2.4A 2-Port USB Charger 230V UK (PM5U-UK), manufactured by APC by Schneider Electric, is a professional-grade surge protector designed to protect your devices while offering the convenience of USB charging. Tailored for UK users with a 230V power standard, this device combines robust surge protection with practical features. In this blog, we’ll explore the features, specifications, benefits, installation tips, and recent user feedback for the PM5U-UK, helping you make an informed decision to keep your electronics safe.
What is the APC Essential SurgeArrest PM5U-UK?
The APC Essential SurgeArrest PM5U-UK is a compact surge protector designed to shield computers, electronics, and mobile devices from power surges, spikes, and electrical noise. It features five BS1363A UK outlets and two USB Type-A ports (5V, 2.4A), making it ideal for home offices, small businesses, and tech enthusiasts in the UK. With a surge energy rating of 918 Joules and a fail-safe mode, it ensures robust protection against lightning strikes and wiring faults. The PM5U-UK is part of APC’s Essential SurgeArrest series, which offers reliable protection at an affordable price, backed by stringent IEEE testing and a lifetime equipment protection policy (up to £50,000).
Key Features and Technical Specifications
The PM5U-UK is engineered for performance and convenience. Here are its key features and specifications:
- Surge Protection:
- Surge Energy Rating: 918 Joules
- Let-Through Rating: Less than 15% (worldwide standard), ensuring minimal voltage reaches equipment during a surge
- Uses Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs) and thermal fuses for instantaneous response to surges
- Outlets: 5x BS1363A UK outlets, designed to accommodate bulky transformer plugs without blocking adjacent sockets
- USB Charging Ports: 2x USB Type-A ports delivering 5V, 2.4A (shared), ideal for charging smartphones, tablets, and other USB-powered devices
- Input Voltage: 230V
- Input Connection: BS1363A British plug
- Cable Length: 1.8 meters
- Maximum Input Current: 13A
- Switching Current Capacity: 13A
- Network Frequency: 50 Hz ± 5 Hz
- Physical Specifications:
- Dimensions: 5.6 cm (H) x 38.5 cm (W) x 7.3 cm (D)
- Weight: 0.72 kg
- Color: White
- Environmental Data:
- Operating Temperature: 0–40°C
- Relative Humidity: 0–90% (non-condensing)
- Lifecycle carbon footprint of 23 kg CO2 equivalent
- Packaged in recycled cardboard (minimum 70% recycled content)
- Certifications: CE compliant
- Warranty and Protection:
- Lifetime warranty
- Equipment Protection Policy: Up to £50,000 for connected equipment (valid in select regions)
- Additional Features:
- Fail-Safe Mode: Disconnects equipment from power if the surge protection circuit is compromised
- EMI/RFI Noise Filtering: Reduces line noise to prevent data loss and keyboard errors
Benefits of the APC Essential SurgeArrest PM5U-UK
The PM5U-UK offers several advantages for protecting and powering your devices:
- Robust Surge Protection: With a 918-Joule rating and a let-through voltage of less than 15%, it provides strong defense against power surges, spikes, and lightning strikes, protecting valuable electronics.
- Convenient USB Charging: The two USB ports (2.4A shared) allow simultaneous charging of smartphones, tablets, or other devices, reducing the need for separate chargers.
- Fail-Safe Design: If the surge protection circuit is damaged, the unit disconnects power to prevent harmful surges from reaching your devices, unlike many cheaper surge suppressors.
- Space-Saving Layout: The five outlets are spaced to accommodate bulky plugs, maximizing usability in tight spaces.
- Eco-Friendly Packaging: Made with 70% recycled cardboard, aligning with sustainable practices.
How Does It Work?
The PM5U-UK uses advanced surge protection technology to safeguard connected devices. Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs) absorb and divert excess voltage to ground during a surge, clamping it to a safe level. The thermal fuse acts as a backup, melting to open the circuit if the surge is too intense, ensuring no damaging energy passes through. This fail-safe mechanism sets it apart from lower-quality surge protectors that may continue passing power after damage.
The EMI/RFI noise filtering reduces electromagnetic and radio frequency interference, which can cause data errors or performance issues in sensitive electronics. The USB ports provide a stable 5V, 2.4A output, suitable for fast charging modern devices. The 1.8-meter cord offers flexibility in placement, making it easy to integrate into home or office setups.
Installation and Best Practices
Setting up the PM5U-UK is simple and requires no technical expertise:
- Choose a Location: Place the surge protector in a well-ventilated area near a 230V UK outlet, ensuring the 1.8-meter cord reaches your devices.
- Connect the Surge Protector: Plug the BS1363A plug into a properly grounded UK outlet.
- Plug in Devices: Connect up to five devices to the BS1363A outlets, prioritizing critical electronics like computers or routers. Use the USB ports for charging smartphones or tablets.
- Check Status: Ensure the surge protection indicator (if available) is active, confirming the unit is functioning.
- Grounding: Verify the outlet is properly grounded to maximize surge protection.
Tips:
- Pair with an APC Ethernet surge protector (e.g., PNET1GB, as discussed in a previous blog) for comprehensive protection against data line surges.
- Avoid overloading the unit; ensure the total load does not exceed 13A.
- Register the product on APC’s website to activate the lifetime warranty and equipment protection policy.
- Recycle the packaging through local recycling programs to support sustainability.
Conclusion
The APC Essential SurgeArrest 5 Outlets with 5V, 2.4A 2-Port USB Charger 230V UK (PM5U-UK) is a reliable and versatile surge protector for UK users, offering robust protection for computers, electronics, and mobile devices. Its 918-Joule surge rating, fail-safe design, and dual USB ports make it an excellent choice for home offices, small businesses, and tech enthusiasts. It delivers exceptional value, backed by a lifetime warranty and a £50,000 equipment protection policy.
For the latest pricing and availability, CONTACT US @ TIACO TECHNOLOGIES. To complete your protection strategy, consider pairing it with an APC Ethernet surge protector, as discussed in prior blogs. Protect your devices and stay powered with the PM5U-UK!