APC by Schneider Electric Surgearrest Panelmount 240/120V 120KA with Surge Counter - PMP3S-A

APC by Schneider Electric PMP3S-A SurgeArrest Panel Mount Surge Suppressor

Overview

The APC by Schneider Electric PMP3S-A is a hardwired, panel-mount surge suppressor built for commercial and industrial installations where plug-in strips simply aren't an option. Rated at 120,000A peak surge current in normal mode, the PMP3S-A is sized for the transient demands of buildings served by 240/120V split-phase distribution — exactly the kind of protection panel that belongs upstream of sensitive electronics in manufacturing cells, data closets, and security head-end enclosures. The integrated surge counter gives facilities teams a running record of surge events, which matters for maintenance scheduling and insurance documentation. If you're spec'ing power protection for a control room or a security equipment rack, start here.

Key Features

• 120,000A Normal-Mode Peak Surge Current: This is the headline spec that separates panel-mount industrial suppressors from desktop power strips. At 120kA, the PMP3S-A can absorb the kind of transient that follows a nearby lightning strike or a utility switching event without sacrificing the protected equipment behind it. For comparison, most commercial plug-in suppressors are rated 40–60kA — the PMP3S-A handles double or triple that.
• 60,000A Common-Mode Peak Surge Current: Common-mode transients travel between line/neutral and ground — a path that standard suppressors often leave partially exposed. The 60kA common-mode rating means the unit actively clamps surges on both modes, which matters in facilities with long conduit runs or shared ground paths between building systems and IT/security equipment.
• Sub-Microsecond Response Time (0.000001 ms): A 1-nanosecond response time means the suppressor is clamping before the transient has time to propagate to connected equipment. This is not a marketing claim — it reflects the physics of MOV-based clamping circuits, and at this speed, your NVRs, switches, and access control panels see a clean supply rather than the leading edge of a surge.
• 30 dB EMI/RFI Noise Filtering: Electrical noise from variable-frequency drives, HVAC compressors, and fluorescent ballasts rides the same conductors as your supply voltage. The 30dB attenuation built into the PMP3S-A cleans that noise before it reaches sensitive electronics — relevant in any mixed-use facility where security or AV equipment shares distribution with industrial loads.
• Integrated Surge Counter: Every surge event is logged on the built-in counter. For facilities managers and integrators, this is a maintenance tool: a counter climbing rapidly signals a wiring issue or an exposure problem worth investigating before equipment fails. It also provides documentation for warranty claims on downstream equipment.
• 240/120V Dual-Voltage Rating: The PMP3S-A handles both legs of a split-phase 240/120V service, making it appropriate for panels feeding mixed loads — 120V receptacle circuits and 240V equipment (HVAC, industrial machinery, EV chargers) on the same distribution board.
• Wide Operating Temperature Range (-20°C to 65°C): From unheated equipment rooms in northern climates to hot rooftop enclosures, the PMP3S-A stays within spec across a 85°C operating window. Storage temperature extends even further, down to -40°C, so the unit survives cold-warehouse staging without pre-conditioning.
• Wall-Mountable Panel Form Factor: At 316 × 152 × 356 mm, this is a proper panel device — designed to mount inside an electrical enclosure or directly to a wall adjacent to the distribution panel. No outlet needed; it wires directly into the panel. Grounding and bonding follow standard electrical code requirements for hardwired suppressors.
• Broad Environmental Ratings: Rated for 0–95% relative humidity (non-condensing) and altitudes up to 3,600m operating (15,000m non-operating), the PMP3S-A covers high-altitude data centers, mountain facilities, and maritime-adjacent environments without derating. This is the kind of spec that matters when a project spec sheet asks for altitude compliance.

Integration & Compatibility

The PMP3S-A wires directly into a 240/120V split-phase distribution panel — installations follow standard hardwired surge suppressor practices governed by NEC Article 285 (Type 2 SPD). It is suited for upstream protection of network video recorders, PoE switch racks, access control head-ends, and intercom server equipment in commercial and industrial security deployments. Because this is a panel-level device, it complements — rather than replaces — point-of-use protection on individual sensitive loads. For installations requiring UPS backup in addition to surge protection, pair with an appropriately rated UPS downstream. The 50–60Hz input frequency range makes it compatible with both North American 60Hz grids and international 50Hz installations, useful for multinational facility standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the APC PMP3S-A a Type 1, Type 2, or Type 3 surge protective device under NEC Article 285?

A: The PMP3S-A is designed as a panel-mount hardwired SPD, consistent with Type 2 application at the distribution panel. Verify with your electrical contractor and the installation documentation to confirm compliance with the applicable local code version.

Q: What is the peak surge current rating of the PMP3S-A?

A: The PMP3S-A is rated at 120,000A (120kA) peak surge current in normal mode and 60,000A (60kA) in common mode. These are the transient currents the unit can safely handle and clamp without damage.

Q: Does the PMP3S-A work on both 120V and 240V circuits?

A: Yes. The PMP3S-A is rated for 240/120V split-phase service, covering both legs of a standard North American residential or light-commercial distribution panel and 240V single-phase loads.

Q: What does the surge counter on the PMP3S-A actually track?

A: The integrated surge counter logs the cumulative number of surge events the device has processed. This helps maintenance teams identify abnormal transient activity, schedule inspections, and document surge history for equipment warranty purposes.

Q: Can the PMP3S-A be installed in outdoor or high-temperature enclosures?

A: The operating temperature range is -20°C to 65°C with 0–95% relative humidity tolerance, making it suitable for heated and unheated indoor enclosures and equipment rooms. For outdoor installation, it must be housed in an appropriate NEMA-rated enclosure — the device itself does not carry an outdoor IP rating.

Q: What are the physical dimensions of the PMP3S-A?

A: The PMP3S-A measures 316mm wide × 152mm deep × 356mm tall (approximately 12.4