Customer Reviews

APC PH8VT3 8-outlet SurgeArrest with Tel2/Splitter and Coax Protection

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I searched all over for this protector, starting with my home provider of electricity, and this was a great deal. Even after paying shipping, it was the cheapest deal. Product was factory sealed, first rate, just like you could pick up at Circuit City or Best buy, but much much cheaper. It shipped on time, and arrived on time.

This unit seems to do what it should do, but the only way we ever know how it works is when it fails. And even then we may not know it failed until years later, true ?

However, I've always found APC products to do exactly what they claim to do. APC UPS units have protected my computer systems and those of my customers for a dozen years now, thus I trust the name, and am trusting my beloved 1080p HiDef TV, Dish receiver, etc. to be protected by this inexpensive little thing.

This surge protector is just okay.

On the positive-side, it's well-built. I also like the power cord hinge, which makes cable management a little easier.

However, it's power outlets are so tight! It makes plugging/unplugging a difficult, two-handed affair. Also, the white cable guide at the bottom of the protector is bulky, unsightly, and difficult to use.

I recommend the Belkin 12-Outlet Home/Office Surge Protector with Phone/Ethernet/Coaxial Protection and Extended Cord instead. It often comes on sale (about $20), has more outlets, looks nicer, and makes plugging/unplugging easy (not too tight, not too loose).

Good basic surge protection while saving an arm and a leg. Suited well for home computer use. Backed with the APC warranty, how can you go wrong. The swivel AC plug is nice too.

What can you really say about one of these? Until it doesn't work, you really don't know. All I can say is "It has never NOT worked" and that's a pretty good thing. When setting up, a couple of the outlets were a little resistant to accepting the plug. Not a huge deal, but frustrating. Everything works and it has been all I needed for setting up my computer/speakers/monitor/cable modem/desk lamps/etc. Feels nice and sturdy.

The thing's built like a tank, except ... for the inside, I guess. I hooked mine up and found that if the cord going in was bumped the wrong way, a bunch of the power sockets would lose power. Then I would have to wiggle it to get it to come on again.

As long as I don't touch it it works fine. I just leave it behind the entertainment center anyway, so it's fine day-to-day, but be forewarned.

I ordered 5. 2 out of the first 3 I tried did not have power to all 8 outlets. I went on line with APC support. They shipped me 2 replacements. 1 out of 2 of these did not have power to all 8 outlets. You'd think they would at least test the replacements. The design is terrible - they've filled the outlet holes with plastic -- its really hard to plug anything in. I used to like APC, but I'm not sure I'll ever buy another APC product after this.

Even though the box I received says "2 line protection" on the front and back, APC support says that box has a mistake and only the primary line is protected. I'm returning it for a different model.