Please note: this review is for the model Prf8T2 (in case the model name listed above is confusing). Interesting note: as I’m writing this review, a severe thunderstorm with substantial cloud-to-ground lightning has moved into the area and is causing my lights to flicker.

Why I purchased it

This APC unit was purchased to protect my computer peripherals (scanner, zip drive, printer, speakers, desk light) and internal modem. I chose this particular model because of its level of protection (less than 40 volts let-through) and excellent design. As I’ve mentioned in my previous reviews of APC equipment, their back-UPS and surge protectors are the industry standard and have appropriately won a lot of awards. All of their products that I’ve used have exceeded the most stringent UL (Underwriters Laboratories) test for surge protection.

Design

This is definitely the best design I’ve ever seen in a non-rackmount surge protector. The unit lies flat on the floor and is easily kept out of the way. The right angle plug allows the unit to be used in tight-fit areas (such as between a desk and a wall). The cord attached to the plug is well-shielded and a generous 6 feet (1.8 m) in length. My unit just sits flat on the floor, but there are mounting key holes for attaching it to the wall if I need to. The master on/off switch is oversized for easy access, but is recessed enough to avoid accidental contact (I’ve noticed that some newer models have an additional guard panel over the switch for even more protection against accidental shut-offs). There are 8 outlets on the top of the unit and one telephone/fax/modem outlet located on the side where it stays out of the way. Three of the outlets on top have extra spacing for transformer blocks (this is very helpful). Essentially, APC has made maximum use of the space provided. A large, glowing indicator above the master switch lets you know when protection is working or when the unit has been damaged by a large surge. The building wiring fault indicator tells you if your outlet is correctly wired (grounded), which a surge protector needs to work properly. APC even throws in Velcro strips to help reduce cord clutter.

Protection

This unit has been in use for over two years and has successfully protected my equipment during thunderstorms, ice storms, brown-outs, etc. The let-through voltage on this model is very low, which means the unit will allow only a small amount of damaging voltage through. I think that lower voltage ratings are essential for many of today’s microchip-based electronics because it doesn’t take a lot of extra power to do damage. This is one of these cases where nothing ever happens so it’s hard to say, “it works great!” because you never notice it working. On the other hand, if something goes wrong, the consequence is your electronics fry out, and then it’s really easy to say “this thing is a piece of junk”! Well, none of my electronics have been damaged since I purchased this unit, so I guess everything is working well. Even after several intense thunderstorms and a surge to the house that damaged my other surge protectors, this unit continues to work perfectly.

As with most (all?) APC surge protectors, this unit came with a lifetime equipment protection guarantee. Due to its high protection rating, this model has an equipment guarantee up to $100,000. I’ve never suffered any damage to any equipment connected to any APC unit so I have yet to use this guarantee, but it’s nice to know that it’s there. Also, if the surge protector is damaged by a surge, APC will replace it for free under its lifetime warranty.

Customer Support

I contacted customer support for replacement of a different APC surge protector model, the Surge Arrest Personal (click for my discussion of this experience).

Conclusions

For its price, this is by far the best surge protection out there; I've never seen a better combination of performance, ergonomics, and customer support from a surge protector.

Recommended: Yes

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