ACE 33543 Relocatable Power Tap
ACE 33543 Relocatable Power Tap
This ACE-branded relocatable power tap was sold through ACE Hardware stores. The documented example bears model number 33543 and provides six grounded AC receptacles controlled by a lighted rocker switch.
The unit is documented by the OldSurge Archive as an example of a consumer-grade relocatable power tap intended for general household and office power distribution.
Overview
| Brand | ACE |
|---|---|
| Product Category | Power Strip |
| Model Number | 33543 |
| Product Type | Relocatable Power Tap |
| AC Outlets | 6 |
| Electrical Rating | Pending Documentation |
| Country of Manufacture | Pending Documentation |
Physical Characteristics
The ACE 33543 utilizes a molded plastic enclosure that tapers gradually from the wider switch section toward the outlet end.
The underside incorporates molded safety warnings advising against connecting the device to another relocatable power tap and cautioning against use with aquariums, near water, or other sources of moisture.
The aquarium warning is an unusual feature not commonly observed on power-distribution devices documented by the OldSurge Archive and reflects manufacturer concern regarding use in damp environments.
Six grounded NEMA 5-15R receptacles are arranged in a single linear row. The upper housing incorporates molded ACE branding and a red illuminated rocker switch marked OFF and RESET.
The underside contains two keyhole-style mounting slots for wall installation, molded safety markings, certification information, date-code wheels, and six enclosure screws.
Unlike many contemporary surge protectors, the ACE 33543 does not incorporate surge-protection indicators or externally visible surge-suppression features.
The overall design emphasizes compact dimensions and straightforward power distribution rather than advanced surge-protection functionality.
- Date-code wheels indicate manufacture on 2 June 2009.
- The enclosure incorporates two wall-mount keyhole slots.
- Three of the six enclosure fasteners utilize one-way security heads that permit tightening but resist subsequent removal.
- A non-destructive teardown could not be completed because of the security fasteners.
- The underside includes warnings against connecting the device to another relocatable power tap.
- Additional safety markings caution against use near aquariums and other sources of moisture.
- Housing material: Plastic
- Outlet type: NEMA 5-15R
- Plug type: Grounded NEMA 5-15P
- Plug model: CC-002
- Plug manufacturer marking: QS
- Plug UL file: E74779
- Cord type: SJT
- Cord size: 14 AWG × 3 conductors
- Cord UL file: E177868
- Voltage rating: 300V
- Temperature rating: 60°C
- Flame rating: VW-1 / FT2
- Switch type: Illuminated rocker switch
- Housing construction: Two-piece molded-plastic enclosure
- Configuration: Six grounded outlets arranged in a single row
The underside incorporates molded safety warnings advising against connecting the device to another relocatable power tap and cautioning against use with aquariums, near water, or other sources of moisture.
The aquarium warning is an unusual feature not commonly observed on power strips documented by the OldSurge Archive and reflects manufacturer concern regarding use in damp environments.
Specifications
- Brand: ACE
- Model: 33543
- Product Classification: Relocatable Power Tap (RPT)
- AC Outlets: 6
- Electrical Rating: 15A, 125VAC, 60Hz
- Country of Manufacture: China
- UL File: E116852
- Length: Approximately 10.38 in (26.4 cm)
- Width:
- Approximately 2.13 in (5.4 cm) at the switch end
- Approximately 1.88 in (4.8 cm) at the outlet end
- Height:
- Approximately 1.25 in (3.2 cm) at the switch end
- Approximately 1.00 in (2.5 cm) at the outlet section
- Power Cord Length: Approximately 3 ft (0.9 m)
- Wall-Mountable: Yes
- Mounting Method: Two keyhole slots
- Power Switch: Illuminated rocker switch
Weight
The documented example weighs approximately 10.8 oz (306 g), including the attached power cord.
The weight is comparable to other consumer relocatable power taps documented by the OldSurge Archive and reflects the unit's relatively simple construction.
Date Codes
Date-code wheels molded into the underside of the enclosure indicate manufacture on 2 June 2009.
The four molded wheels identify the year, month, and day of manufacture and provide a precise production date for the documented example.
The date-code wheels are visible without disassembly and provide independent confirmation of the unit's production period.
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Security screw and date-code wheels visible on the underside of the enclosure. -
Conventional Phillips-head enclosure screw adjacent to the molded date-code wheels.
Photographs
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Overall view showing the six-outlet configuration, illuminated power switch, and attached power cord. -
ACE branding and illuminated rocker switch assembly. -
Outlet section showing six grounded NEMA 5-15R receptacles. -
Left-side profile showing the tapered enclosure shape and outlet arrangement. -
Right-side profile showing the rocker-switch section, enclosure taper, and cord-entry end. -
Outlet-end profile showing enclosure shape and housing construction. -
Cord-entry end showing strain relief, enclosure shape, and switch housing profile. -
Underside view showing labels, mounting slots, certification markings, enclosure hardware, and attached power cord. -
Model number, electrical ratings, date-code wheels, and safety markings. -
UL listing label, wall-mount slot, and safety markings. -
Cord-entry end underside detail showing enclosure hardware and safety markings. -
Attached grounded plug and power-cord markings. -
Grounded attachment plug showing manufacturer markings and UL file number. -
Power-cord markings showing UL file number, conductor size, and ratings. -
Additional cord markings showing conductor size and CSA ratings.
Construction
The documented example appears to be a conventional relocatable power tap incorporating six grounded receptacles, an illuminated rocker switch, internal power-distribution conductors, and an attached three-conductor power cord.
No evidence of surge-protection indicators, telephone protection, coaxial protection, or other surge-suppression features is visible externally.
Internal construction remains undocumented because nondestructive disassembly could not be completed.
Notes
- Date-code wheels indicate manufacture on 2 June 2009.
- The enclosure incorporates two wall-mount keyhole slots.
- The unit utilizes a three-foot SJT power cord with 14 AWG conductors.
- The power cord carries UL file number E177868.
- The attachment plug carries UL file number E74779 and is marked QS CC-002.
- Three of the six enclosure fasteners utilize one-way security heads that permit tightening but resist subsequent removal.
- A non-destructive teardown could not be completed because of the security fasteners.
- The underside includes warnings against connecting the device to another relocatable power tap.
- The underside also includes an unusual warning against use with aquariums, near water, or other sources of moisture.
- The illuminated rocker switch remained functional during testing but appeared noticeably dimmer than many modern illuminated power switches.
Condition at Acquisition
This example exhibits moderate cosmetic wear consistent with age and long-term service.
Minor dirt accumulation, discoloration, scuffs, scratches, and outlet wear were visible prior to cleaning. No evidence of melting, cracking, deformation, overheating, or significant physical damage was observed during documentation.
The unit was cleaned prior to detailed photography and testing.
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Documented example prior to cleaning and photographic documentation.
Functional Testing
The documented example was tested for basic electrical operation and outlet wiring integrity.
The illuminated rocker switch successfully controlled power to all six outlets.
When switched ON, the red indicator lamp illuminated, indicating power was available to the outlet bank. Illumination was functional but appeared relatively dim compared to many contemporary illuminated power switches.
When switched OFF, the indicator extinguished and power was removed from the outlets.
Testing with a receptacle tester confirmed correct hot, neutral, and ground wiring. No open ground, open neutral, reversed polarity, or other wiring faults were detected.
The documented example passed basic electrical testing and appears fully operational.
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Power tap connected to power with the illuminated rocker switch in the ON position. -
Close-up view of the illuminated rocker switch during operation. -
Outlet tester indicating correct wiring and grounding. -
Power tap connected to power with the illuminated rocker switch in the OFF position.
Teardown
A non-destructive disassembly was attempted as part of archival documentation.
The enclosure is secured using six screws. Three of the six fasteners are conventional Phillips-head screws, while the remaining three are one-way security screws designed to permit tightening while resisting removal.
Because removal of the security screws would have required destructive techniques and the documented example remains intact, disassembly was halted before the enclosure could be opened.
As a result, the internal wiring arrangement and construction details have not yet been documented.
The use of one-way security fasteners is unusual for a relocatable power tap and may have been intended to discourage consumer disassembly, repair, or modification.
Future examination may be possible if a duplicate example becomes available or if destructive disassembly is deemed appropriate.
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Security screw and date-code wheels visible on the underside of the enclosure.
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Close-up view of a one-way security screw used to discourage disassembly. -
Conventional Phillips-head enclosure screw adjacent to the molded date-code wheels.
