Universal 71641 (Yellowed Example) - Revision history

PowerPig at 19:31, 21 September 2026

2026-09-21T19:31:22Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:31, 21 September 2026
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	* CSA File Number: LL109777		* CSA File Number: LL109777
	* Cord Manufacturer: Apollo		* Cord Manufacturer: Apollo
			* Weight: Approximately 1 lb 1.5 oz (496 g)

	== Physical Description ==		== Physical Description ==
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	The attached power cord utilizes SJT construction with three 16 AWG conductors. Cord markings identify the manufacturer as Apollo and indicate CSA approval.		The attached power cord utilizes SJT construction with three 16 AWG conductors. Cord markings identify the manufacturer as Apollo and indicate CSA approval.

			== Weight ==

			The documented example weighs approximately 1 lb 1.5 oz (496 g).

			[[File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_weight_01.jpg\|center\|600px\|Universal 71641 on a digital scale.]]

	== Mounting Provisions ==		== Mounting Provisions ==

PowerPig at 15:42, 21 September 2026

2026-09-21T15:42:13Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:42, 21 September 2026
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	The '''Universal 71641''' is a six-outlet surge protector manufactured in 2004 and marketed for home and office electronic equipment.		The '''Universal 71641''' is a six-outlet surge protector manufactured in 2004 and marketed for home and office electronic equipment.

	The documented example exhibits significant enclosure yellowing and ~~serves as an interesting~~ example of long-term plastic aging.		The documented example exhibits significant enclosure yellowing and provides a useful example of long-term plastic aging in consumer electrical equipment.

	== Specifications ==		== Specifications ==
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	When energized, the red SURGE indicator illuminated, indicating that surge-protection circuitry remained active.		When energized, the red SURGE indicator illuminated, indicating that surge-protection circuitry remained active.


	<gallery mode="packed" heights="250">		<gallery mode="packed" heights="250">
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	File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_teardown_bottompanel_cordentry_01.jpg\|Cord-entry end showing wiring and suppression circuitry.		File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_teardown_bottompanel_cordentry_01.jpg\|Cord-entry end showing wiring and suppression circuitry.
	</gallery>		</gallery>

			== Product Family Context ==

			The 71641 appears to represent a later evolution of Universal's surge-protector line. Compared with the 1998-era [[Universal 71632]] and [[Universal 71637]], the 71641 incorporates a dedicated transformer-spaced outlet, revised enclosure styling, and a larger surge-suppression assembly while retaining the same 330 V suppression rating.

	[[Category:Surge Protectors]]		[[Category:Surge Protectors]]

PowerPig at 15:40, 21 September 2026

2026-09-21T15:40:50Z

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PowerPig: /* Teardown */

2026-09-21T15:36:05Z

Teardown

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 The transformer-spaced outlet is integrated into the same bus-bar distribution system as the remaining outlets and does not utilize separate wiring or dedicated circuitry.
 <gallery mode="packed" heights="250">
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 File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_teardown_bottompanel_end_01.jpg|Transformer-outlet end showing bus-bar distribution.
 File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_teardown_bottompanel_middle_01.jpg|Center section showing bus bars and outlet contacts.
 </gallery>

PowerPig: /* Teardown */

2026-09-21T15:31:51Z

Teardown

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:31, 21 September 2026
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	Inspection of the documented example revealed dust accumulation and cosmetic contamination consistent with long-term use, but no obvious evidence of overheating, melting, or catastrophic electrical failure.		Inspection of the documented example revealed dust accumulation and cosmetic contamination consistent with long-term use, but no obvious evidence of overheating, melting, or catastrophic electrical failure.

			The outlet assemblies are retained within molded supports integrated into the lower housing. Power distribution is accomplished using stamped brass bus bars that run the length of the enclosure and feed all six outlets, including the dedicated transformer-spaced outlet.

			The upper housing incorporates additional reinforcing ribs, outlet barriers, and support structures that maintain outlet alignment and provide rigidity to the enclosure.

			The transformer-spaced outlet is integrated into the same bus-bar distribution system as the remaining outlets and does not utilize separate wiring or dedicated circuitry.

	<gallery mode="packed" heights="250">		<gallery mode="packed" heights="250">
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	File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_teardown_toppanel_middle_01.jpg\|Upper housing outlet supports and structural details.		File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_teardown_toppanel_middle_01.jpg\|Upper housing outlet supports and structural details.
	File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_teardown_toppanel_cordentryend_01.jpg\|Control-section housing details.		File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_teardown_toppanel_cordentryend_01.jpg\|Control-section housing details.
			File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_teardown_toppanel_end_01.jpg\|Upper housing details at the transformer-outlet end.
			File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_teardown_bottompanel_end_01.jpg\|Transformer-outlet end showing bus-bar distribution.
			File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_teardown_bottompanel_middle_01.jpg\|Center section showing bus bars and outlet contacts.
	</gallery>		</gallery>

PowerPig: /* Teardown */

2026-09-21T15:27:15Z

Teardown

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:27, 21 September 2026
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	The Universal 71641 enclosure is secured using multiple Phillips-head screws and can be opened non-destructively.		The Universal 71641 enclosure is secured using multiple Phillips-head screws and can be opened non-destructively.

	The ~~71641 continues Universal's use of stamped brass bus bars for power distribution but incorporates a larger~~ and ~~more sophisticated surge~~-~~suppression assembly than earlier Universal products documented by the archive~~.		The upper housing contains molded outlet barriers, structural reinforcement ribs, screw bosses, and support features that position the outlet-contact assemblies.

	The ~~transformer-spaced outlet remains mechanically integrated into~~ the ~~same bus~~-~~bar system as the remaining outlets~~.		The control section incorporates dedicated molded structures surrounding the rocker switch, surge indicator, and cord-entry area.

	~~The~~ documented example ~~exhibited typical~~ dust accumulation and ~~debris~~ consistent with long-term ~~service~~ but ~~showed~~ no obvious evidence of overheating, ~~melted components~~, or catastrophic electrical failure.		Inspection of the documented example revealed dust accumulation and cosmetic contamination consistent with long-term use, but no obvious evidence of overheating, melting, or catastrophic electrical failure.

	<gallery mode="packed" heights="250">		<gallery mode="packed" heights="250">
	File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_teardown_open_01.jpg\|71641 opened following removal of the enclosure screws.		File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_teardown_open_01.jpg\|71641 opened following removal of the enclosure screws.
			File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_teardown_screws_01.jpg\|Enclosure screws removed during disassembly.
			File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_teardown_toppanel_middle_01.jpg\|Upper housing outlet supports and structural details.
			File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_teardown_toppanel_cordentryend_01.jpg\|Control-section housing details.
	</gallery>		</gallery>

PowerPig at 15:22, 21 September 2026

2026-09-21T15:22:51Z

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 * Flame Rating: VW-1
 * UL File Number (Cord): E176194
 == Mounting Provisions ==
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 The cord-entry end incorporates an unused circular knockout molded into the enclosure. The feature appears designed to accommodate a resettable circuit breaker or similar component, although it is not populated on the documented example. Protection appears to be integrated into the switch and surge-suppression assembly.
 == Product Gallery ==
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 File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_plug_detail_01.jpg|Grounding plug with molded approval markings.
 File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_corddetail_01.jpg|Power cord specifications and approval markings.
 File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_plug_01.jpg|Grounded attachment plug and power cord.
 </gallery>

PowerPig: /* Product Gallery */

2026-09-21T15:09:43Z

Product Gallery

PowerPig at 15:07, 21 September 2026

2026-09-21T15:07:26Z

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 ** Approximately 1.63 in (4.1 cm) at the control section
 * Transformer-Spaced Outlet: Yes
 == Physical Description ==
@@ Line 44: / Line 68: @@
 The documented example exhibits significant yellowing across most exposed surfaces. Areas shielded by long-term plug insertion have retained a noticeably lighter coloration, creating a visible contrast with the surrounding plastic.
 == Product Gallery ==
 <gallery mode="packed" heights="250">
 File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_top_transformeroutlet_01.jpg|Dedicated transformer-spaced outlet.
 File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_end_cordentry_01.jpg|Cord-entry end showing the control section and unused knockout.
@@ Line 57: / Line 82: @@
 File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_side_cordentryonleft_01.jpg|Left-side profile view.
 File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_bottom_overview_01.jpg|Underside view showing mounting provisions and product markings.
 </gallery>

PowerPig at 14:57, 21 September 2026

2026-09-21T14:57:43Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:57, 21 September 2026
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	The yellowing pattern appears consistent with prolonged use of multiple two-prong devices, which shielded portions of the enclosure from the aging processes affecting the surrounding plastic.		The yellowing pattern appears consistent with prolonged use of multiple two-prong devices, which shielded portions of the enclosure from the aging processes affecting the surrounding plastic.

	The ~~final~~ outlet is separated from the remaining ~~receptacles~~ and is specifically labeled "TRANSFORMER." The additional spacing provides clearance for oversized power adapters and wall-wart style transformers.		The outlet nearest the rounded end of the enclosure is physically separated from the remaining outlets and specifically labeled "TRANSFORMER." The additional spacing provides clearance for oversized power adapters and wall-wart style transformers.

	The cord-entry end incorporates an unused circular knockout molded into the enclosure. The feature appears to be intended for installation of a circuit breaker or related component, although it is not populated on the documented example. Protection appears to be integrated into the switch and surge-suppression assembly.		The cord-entry end incorporates an unused circular knockout molded into the enclosure. The feature appears to be intended for installation of a circuit breaker or related component, although it is not populated on the documented example. Protection appears to be integrated into the switch and surge-suppression assembly.

			The 71641 utilizes a low-profile enclosure with a raised control section near the power-cord entry point. The housing design is broadly similar to earlier Universal models but incorporates a dedicated transformer-spaced outlet and a slightly more refined profile.

			The documented example exhibits significant yellowing across most exposed surfaces. Areas shielded by long-term plug insertion have retained a noticeably lighter coloration, creating a visible contrast with the surrounding plastic.

	== Product Gallery ==		== Product Gallery ==
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	File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_end_cordentry_01.jpg\|Cord-entry end showing the control section and unused knockout.		File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_end_cordentry_01.jpg\|Cord-entry end showing the control section and unused knockout.
	File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_end_rounded_01.jpg\|Rounded outlet-end profile.		File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_end_rounded_01.jpg\|Rounded outlet-end profile.
			File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_side_cordentryonright_01.jpg\|Right-side profile view.
			File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_side_cordentryonleft_01.jpg\|Left-side profile view.
			File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_bottom_overview_01.jpg\|Underside view showing mounting provisions and product markings.
	</gallery>		</gallery>

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:09, 21 September 2026
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	<gallery mode="packed" heights="250">		<gallery mode="packed" heights="250">
			File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_main_01.jpg\|Overall view of the yellowed Universal 71641.
			File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_switch_01.jpg\|Control section showing the power switch and surge indicator.
			File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_middleoutlets_01.jpg\|Outlet section showing differential yellowing.

	File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_top_transformeroutlet_01.jpg\|Dedicated transformer-spaced outlet.		File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_top_transformeroutlet_01.jpg\|Dedicated transformer-spaced outlet.
	File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_end_cordentry_01.jpg\|Cord-entry end showing the control section and unused knockout.		File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_end_cordentry_01.jpg\|Cord-entry end showing the control section and unused knockout.
	File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_end_rounded_01.jpg\|Rounded outlet-end profile.		File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_end_rounded_01.jpg\|Rounded outlet-end profile.

	File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_side_cordentryonright_01.jpg\|Right-side profile view.		File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_side_cordentryonright_01.jpg\|Right-side profile view.
	File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_side_cordentryonleft_01.jpg\|Left-side profile view.		File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_side_cordentryonleft_01.jpg\|Left-side profile view.

	File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_bottom_overview_01.jpg\|Underside view showing mounting provisions and product markings.		File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_bottom_overview_01.jpg\|Underside view showing mounting provisions and product markings.
	File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_bottom_ULsticker_01.jpg\|UL certification hologram and listing information.		File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_bottom_ULsticker_01.jpg\|UL certification hologram and listing information.
	File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_bottom_middle_01.jpg\|Underside specifications and ratings.		File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_bottom_middle_01.jpg\|Underside specifications and ratings.
	File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_bottom_cordentry_01.jpg\|Mounting slots, date wheels, and cord-entry section.		File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_bottom_cordentry_01.jpg\|Mounting slots, date wheels, and cord-entry section.

	File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_plug_detail_01.jpg\|Grounding plug with molded approval markings.		File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_plug_detail_01.jpg\|Grounding plug with molded approval markings.
	File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_corddetail_01.jpg\|Power cord specifications and approval markings.		File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_corddetail_01.jpg\|Power cord specifications and approval markings.
	File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_plug_01.jpg\|Grounded attachment plug and power cord.		File:surge_universal_71641_yellowed_plug_01.jpg\|Grounded attachment plug and power cord.
	</gallery>		</gallery>