Universal
Universal was a private-label office products brand commonly sold through office supply dealers and catalogs during the 1990s and early 2000s.
In addition to traditional office products, the brand marketed computer accessories and power-protection products, including surge protectors and telephone-line protectors.
Universal surge protectors were typically marketed toward home and office computer users and were sold through office supply retailers.
Product Comparison
| Thumbnail | Model | Date | Outlets | Cord Length | Weight | Telephone Protection | Transformer Outlet | Power Shut Down Protection | VPR | Article |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
71632 | 1998 | 6 | 6 ft | 15.3 oz (434 g) | No | No | Yes | 330 V | Universal 71632 |
|
71637 | 1998 | 6 | 6 ft | 1 lb 3.7 oz (557 g) | Yes | No | Yes | 330 V | Universal 71637 |
|
71641 | May 23, 2004 | 6 | 6 ft | 1 lb 1.5 oz (496 g) | No | Yes | Yes | 330 V | Universal 71641 (Yellowed Example) |
|
71641 | May 23, 2004 | 6 | 6 ft | 1 lb 1.4 oz (494 g) | No | Yes | Yes | 330 V | Universal 71641 (Lightly Yellowed Example) |
The documented Universal surge protectors illustrate the evolution of the company's product line between 1998 and 2004.
The 71632 and 71637 share a common 330 V suppression rating and Power Shut Down Protection feature. The primary distinction between those models is the addition of telephone-line protection in the 71637.
By 2004, the 71641 introduced a dedicated transformer-spaced outlet while retaining the same 330 V suppression rating and Power Shut Down Protection philosophy. Internal examination revealed a revised and more substantial surge-suppression assembly than the designs documented in the earlier models.
The archive currently contains two examples of the 71641 from the same production run. Comparison of the two units illustrates the substantial effect that storage conditions, environmental exposure, and service history can have on the long-term appearance of consumer electronics.
71641 Example Comparison
The OldSurge Archive currently documents two examples of the Universal 71641, both manufactured on May 23, 2004.
Despite originating from the same production run, the examples exhibit substantially different degrees of enclosure discoloration.
The yellowed example exhibits significant plastic yellowing and visible differential discoloration where connected devices shielded portions of the enclosure from environmental exposure.
The lightly yellowed example retains much more of its original appearance and exhibits only mild age-related discoloration.
Internal examination of both examples revealed no significant differences in construction, component selection, wiring, or surge-suppression circuitry.
Known Products
- Universal 71632 (1998)
- Universal 71637 (1998)
- Universal 71641 (Yellowed Example) (May 23, 2004)
- Universal 71641 (Lightly Yellowed Example) (May 23, 2004)