In an era 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) offers professional-grade surge protection for computers, home entertainment systems, and other sensitive electronics. This blog provides an in-depth look at the PM5U-UK’s features, benefits, and why it’s a must-have for safeguarding your devices in the UK.
What is the APC PM5U-UK?
The APC Essential SurgeArrest PM5U-UK is a compact surge protector designed to shield your electronic equipment from damaging power surges, spikes, and lightning strikes. It features five UK-standard (BS 1363) outlets and two USB Type-A ports (5V, 2.4A total output) for convenient charging of smartphones, tablets, and other USB-powered devices. With a surge energy rating of 918 Joules, it provides robust protection for home and office environments, ensuring your devices remain safe and operational.
Manufactured by Schneider Electric, the parent company of APC, the PM5U-UK is part of the Essential SurgeArrest series, which represents the minimum level of surge protection recommended for computers and household electronics. Its sleek design and advanced safety features make it an ideal choice for anyone looking to protect their valuable equipment.
Key Features of the PM5U-UK
- Five Surge-Protected Outlets: The PM5U-UK offers five BS 1363 outlets, allowing you to connect multiple devices, such as computers, monitors, routers, and home entertainment systems, all protected against surges.
- Dual USB Charging Ports: Two USB Type-A ports deliver a combined 2.4A output at 5V, enabling simultaneous charging of mobile devices like smartphones and tablets without occupying outlet space.
- 918 Joule Surge Protection: With a surge energy rating of 918 Joules, the PM5U-UK can absorb significant energy from surges, protecting connected devices from damage.
- Fail-Safe Mode: Unlike many surge suppressors that continue to pass power after their circuits are compromised, the PM5U-UK disconnects equipment from the power supply if its surge protection components are damaged, ensuring no harmful surges reach your devices.
- Protection Working Indicator: A LED indicator alerts you if the surge protection circuitry is damaged by a heavy strike or power surge, indicating when the unit can no longer provide full protection. If under warranty, APC will replace the damaged unit free of charge.
- Building Wiring Fault Indicator: Another LED informs users of potentially dangerous wiring issues in the wall circuit, helping you address electrical problems before they cause harm.
- Catastrophic Event Protection: Components like Metal Oxide Varistors (MOVs) and thermal fuses react instantaneously to lightning strikes and wiring faults, preventing excess power from reaching your equipment.
- IEEE Let-Through Ratings: The PM5U-UK has a let-through rating of less than 15% for worldwide products, indicating superior protection by limiting the voltage that can reach your equipment after a surge.
- Noise Filtering: The PM5U-UK attenuates EMI/RFI line noise, reducing data errors and keyboard lockups for better performance of protected equipment.
- Safety Certifications: Compliant with UK and international safety standards, including CE, Kema, and IEC 60884-1, ensuring reliability and safety.
- 180-Degree Rotating Cord: The power cord’s rotating design with strain relief offers flexibility in positioning and reduces cord stress, making it easier to place the unit in tight spaces.
- Right-Angle Plug: The plug’s design allows for safe, easy connection behind desks and is wall-mountable for space-saving placement.
Why Choose the APC PM5U-UK?
Power surges can occur due to lightning strikes, faulty wiring, or utility grid switching, posing a risk to sensitive electronics. The PM5U-UK addresses these risks with:
- Superior Protection: Its 918 Joule rating and low let-through voltage ensure that your devices are shielded from even significant surges. Unlike inferior surge suppressors, the PM5U-UK’s fail-safe mode prevents damaged circuits from passing power, offering complete protection.
- Versatility: The combination of five outlets and two USB ports makes it ideal for home offices, living rooms, or small businesses, accommodating a variety of devices.
- User-Friendly Design: Features like the rotating cord, right-angle plug, and LED indicators enhance usability and safety.
- Warranty and Support: APC offers a lifetime warranty for the PM5U-UK and a connected equipment protection policy (up to £20,000 in the UK, subject to terms), providing peace of mind. If the protection circuitry fails, APC will replace the unit free of charge during the warranty period.
- Eco-Conscious Manufacturing: The PM5U-UK’s packaging includes at least 70% recycled cardboard (50% in the US), and Schneider Electric participates in take-back programs for responsible product disposal.
Ideal Use Cases
The PM5U-UK is perfect for:
- Home Offices: Protect computers, monitors, routers, and external drives while charging your phone or tablet.
- Entertainment Systems: Safeguard TVs, gaming consoles, soundbars, and streaming devices from surges.
- Small Businesses: Ensure POS systems, network equipment, and office electronics remain operational.
- Mobile Device Charging: Conveniently charge two USB-powered devices without needing separate adapters.
Installation and Setup
Setting up the PM5U-UK is straightforward:
- Choose a Location: Place the surge protector near your devices, using the wall-mountable design or rotating cord for flexibility.
- Connect Devices: Plug up to five devices into the BS 1363 outlets and connect USB devices to the 2.4A USB ports.
- Check Indicators: Ensure the Protection Working Indicator is lit, confirming active surge protection. If the Building Wiring Fault Indicator is on, consult an electrician to address wiring issues.
- Secure the Cord: Use the cable management features to keep cords organized and reduce clutter.
For detailed instructions, refer to the APC Installation Guide for Home Office Surge Protectors.
Customer Feedback
Users praise the PM5U-UK for its reliability and convenience:
- John M.: “This surge protector saved my PC during a storm. The USB ports are a bonus for charging my phone and tablet.”
- Sarah K.: “Easy to set up, and the rotating cord makes it fit perfectly behind my desk. The LED indicators give me confidence it’s working.”
- Some users note that the USB ports’ 2.4A output is shared, so charging two devices simultaneously may be slower than expected.
Maintenance Tips
- Check LEDs Regularly: Monitor the Protection Working and Building Wiring Fault Indicators to ensure ongoing protection.
- Inspect the Cord: Ensure the power cord and plug remain undamaged to maintain safety.
- Replace When Necessary: If the Protection Working Indicator signals that surge protection is compromised, contact APC for a free replacement under warranty.
- Keep Clean: Dust the unit periodically to prevent overheating and ensure optimal performance.
Comparison with Similar Products
Compared to other surge protectors, the PM5U-UK stands out for its:
- USB Charging: Many competitors lack integrated USB ports, requiring separate chargers.
- Fail-Safe Mode: Unlike budget surge strips, the PM5U-UK cuts power when protection is compromised, ensuring safety.
- Robust Surge Rating: The 918 Joule rating is higher than many entry-level surge protectors, offering better protection for sensitive electronics.
- Brand Reliability: APC’s reputation and lifetime warranty provide greater assurance than lesser-known brands.
For users needing additional outlets or data line protection (e.g., Ethernet or phone lines), APC’s Performance SurgeArrest series may be a better fit, though it’s pricier.
Conclusion
The APC Essential SurgeArrest PM5U-UK is a reliable, versatile, and user-friendly surge protector that combines robust surge protection with convenient USB charging. Its 918 Joule rating, fail-safe mode, and advanced safety features make it an excellent choice for protecting computers, entertainment systems, and mobile devices in homes and small offices. Backed by APC’s lifetime warranty and connected equipment protection policy, the PM5U-UK offers peace of mind and exceptional value.
Whether you’re safeguarding a ascended to your home office or entertainment setup, the PM5U-UK ensures your devices stay safe from power surges while keeping your devices charged and ready. For more information or to purchase, CONTACT US @ TIACO TECHNOLOGIES. Protect your electronics with the PM5U-UK—because when it comes to power, safety comes first.