Tag: APC PM5U-UK

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

1. 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.
2. Versatility: Suitable for home or office use, protecting everything from computers to USB-powered devices.
3. Peace of Mind: With APC’s warranty and free replacement policy for damaged units (within warranty), you can trust in the product’s reliability.
4. 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.
5. 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.

For More Information CONTACT US @ TIACO TECHNOLOGIES.

For more details or to purchase, check out trusted retailers like Critical Power Supplies or Amazon UK.

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Noise Filtering: The PM5U-UK attenuates EMI/RFI line noise, reducing data errors and keyboard lockups for better performance of protected equipment.
10. Safety Certifications: Compliant with UK and international safety standards, including CE, Kema, and IEC 60884-1, ensuring reliability and safety.
11. 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.
12. 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:

1. Choose a Location: Place the surge protector near your devices, using the wall-mountable design or rotating cord for flexibility.
2. Connect Devices: Plug up to five devices into the BS 1363 outlets and connect USB devices to the 2.4A USB ports.
3. 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.
4. 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.

In the age of technology, protecting our valuable devices from power fluctuations is paramount. The APC Essential SurgeArrest PM5U-UK steps into the spotlight as a guardian, offering not only surge protection but also the convenience of USB charging ports. Let’s explore the key features that make this surge protector an essential component for safeguarding your electronics.

1. Comprehensive Surge Protection:
The primary function of the APC Essential SurgeArrest PM5U-UK is to shield your devices from power surges. With five outlets, it provides comprehensive surge protection, defending against voltage spikes that could potentially damage sensitive electronics like computers, TVs, and more. This makes it an indispensable accessory in any modern home or office.
2. Space-Efficient Design:
The compact and sleek design of the PM5U-UK ensures it won’t monopolize your precious outlet space. Its space-efficient form factor allows users to integrate it seamlessly into their existing setups, offering surge protection without clutter.
3. Versatile Outlets:
Equipped with five outlets, this surge protector caters to various electronic devices simultaneously. Whether you’re connecting a computer, gaming console, or entertainment system, the PM5U-UK has you covered, providing a versatile power solution.
4. Dual USB Charging Ports:
Going beyond surge protection, the PM5U-UK incorporates two USB charging ports with a 5V, 2.4A output. This feature eliminates the need for additional adapters, providing a convenient and efficient way to charge smartphones, tablets, and other USB-powered devices directly from the surge protector.
5. LED Indicators for Status Monitoring:
The surge protector is equipped with LED indicators that offer at-a-glance status monitoring. Users can quickly assess the unit’s functionality and know if it’s providing protection against power surges, adding an extra layer of confidence in its performance.
6. EMI/RFI Noise Filtering:
The PM5U-UK doesn’t just protect against power surges; it also features EMI/RFI noise filtering. This helps eliminate electromagnetic and radio-frequency interference, ensuring a clean power supply for connected devices and maintaining optimal performance.
7. Reliability and Certification:
APC, a trusted name in power protection, ensures the PM5U-UK meets high industry standards for reliability and safety. The surge protector is UL and CE certified, giving users peace of mind that their devices are in good hands.

In a world where our lives are intertwined with electronic devices, the APC Essential SurgeArrest PM5U-UK emerges as a reliable guardian. Its combination of surge protection, versatile outlets, USB charging ports, and thoughtful design makes it an essential accessory for anyone looking to safeguard their valuable electronics. By investing in the PM5U-UK, users not only protect their devices but also add a layer of convenience to their daily charging routines.

CONTACT US @ TIACO TECHNOLOGIES