APC Performance SurgeArrest (PF11VNT3) – Ready To Bust Almost Any Surge.

If you’ve been working with computers for some time you probably have a nice collection of surge protectors both in use and tucked away just in case. I must have a dozen of varying ages stuck in my parts closet and often just give the old ones away. Most of the time I buy APC, Belkin, or Tripp Lite suppressors with APC being my favorite. Recently we started having issues with power fluctuations with our cable and since I’m using cable broadband it seemed like a good idea to add a layer of protection to my internet connection.

In searching for an affordable surge protector that offered both RJ-45 and coax protection it seemd as though APC’s Performance Surge Arrest PF11VNT3 was by far my best option.

The Unit

The APC Performance Surge Arrest PF11VNT3 is one of two surge protectors in APC’s Performance line. The other, the PF11VT3, does not include RJ-45 dataline protection so I’m assuming the ‘N’ in the PF11VNT3 stands for ‘network.’ The PF11VNT3 comes with 11 outlets, and features a generous 10 foot cord length. The power cord swivels 180 degrees and the unit includes a removable cable management harness. The protector is rated for an impressive 2030 Joules with a peak rating (eP) of 3400 Joules. The PF11VNT3 offers three forms of dataline protection with RJ-11 (voice), RJ-45 (Ethernet), and Coax (Cable/Satellite) in/out. The PF11VNT3 features three indicator lights to show ‘protection working,’ ‘overload,’ and ‘building wiring fault.’ Besides a power button the protector also features a circuit reset button. The unit has holes in the back to allow for mounting on a wall or other fixture.

The Manufacturer

APC (American Power Conversion) is one of the largest and most respected manufacturers of power protection equipment with over $2 billion in sales. The company was founded in 1981 by three MIT grads and initially sought to develop solar energy. The group switched their focus when they saw the need to protect systems in the rapidly growing computer industry from surges and power failure. APC released it’s first UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) in 1984 and has since won numerous awards for it’s products. Although APC has a large consumer level customer base it is primarily known for its status as a lead provider of power management products to corporate clients.

Warranty: Lifetime

Equipment Protection Policy: Lifetime - $100,000

Equipment protection policies are pretty standard for surge protectors. APC’s policy is one of the best in the industry given the high dollar amount and lifetime term. This policy covers damaged equipment should the surge protector fail to protect attached devices.

Dimensions

Length 12.5” x Width 5.75” x Depth 1.5”, weight 2.45 lbs

In the Box

The PF11VNT3 Surge Arrest, 6ft Gold Plated Coaxial Cable, 6ft Network Cable, and User Manual.

My Experience

The PF11VNT3 packs an awful lot into a small affordable package. With a whopping 2030 joules of protection it ranks up with the best of its class. Combine this with impressive 70dB EMI/RFI Noise rejection to help eliminate any electrical interference in your datalines and there aren’t too many non-enterprise level protectors that can compete.

Several features very much impressed me including the 180 degree swivel on the 10 foot power cord. I’m always having to juggle things when hooking up equipment to surge protectors. It seems you never can get the protector to be in exactly the right place for all connected items. The swivel and long length of cord made it much easier to position the protector where it needed to be rather than be at the mercy of outlet locations.

Another really nice feature is the cable management harness through which you can route all of your cables to eliminate some of the rats nest that most surge protectors create. This clip can also be removed completely if you don’t find it useful, but I think it is brilliant.

From a safety standpoint the PF11VNT3 has some neat features including sliding covers that close unused outlets. A bigger feature is the building wiring fault light which can prevent potential problems by indicating poor wiring conditions in your walls.

With all the features, the high level of protection, and the fact that I can protect my network lines the PF11VNT3 is an absolute winner.

Price

The PF11VNT3 is listed at $39.95 but I got mine on sale for $30.