SPIKE BAR SK6-6

Tripp Lite SPIKE BAR SK6-6

The Tripp Lite SPIKE BAR SK6-6 is a six-outlet surge suppressor designed to provide protection against power spikes and electrical noise.

Marketed as a "Spike & Noise Suppressor," the SK6-6 reflects an era when manufacturers frequently emphasized both surge suppression and line-noise reduction as features for protecting computers and other electronic equipment.

Overview

The SPIKE BAR SK6-6 was designed for protecting computers, office equipment, and other electronic devices from power surges and electrical noise. The unit combines six grounded AC outlets, a resettable circuit breaker, an illuminated power switch, and a protected-status indicator in a rugged enclosure intended for permanent installation.

The documented example remains operational and continues to provide power to connected equipment. Testing with a receptacle tester indicated correct outlet wiring and proper grounding.

Unlike many later surge suppressors, the SPIKE BAR SK6-6 focuses exclusively on AC power protection and does not incorporate telephone or data-line protection features.

The SPIKE BAR SK6-6 is a late-1980s surge suppressor design that remained available throughout at least part of the 1990s.

Features

• Six AC outlets
• Illuminated power switch
• Green protection indicator
• 15-amp resettable circuit breaker
• Approximately 5-foot attached power cord
• Grounded NEMA 5-15P plug
• 15-amp maximum load rating

Specifications

• Product Name: SPIKE BAR
• Model: SK6-6
• Voltage Rating: 120 VAC
• Maximum Load: 15 A
• Outlets: 6
• Cord Length: Approximately 5 ft
• Cord Construction: 14/3 SJT
• Plug Type: NEMA 5-15P
• Circuit Breaker: 15 A resettable
• Weight: Approximately 1 lb 3.6 oz (556 g)
• Length: Approximately 10.5 in (26.7 cm), including mounting ears
• Width:
  • Approximately 2.5 in (6.4 cm) at the base
  • Approximately 2.125 in (5.4 cm) at the outlet section
  • Approximately 2.0 in (5.1 cm) at the control section
• Height:
  • Approximately 1.125 in (2.9 cm) at the outlet section
  • Approximately 1.75 in (4.4 cm) at the raised control section

Physical Description

The SPIKE BAR SK6-6 features a textured off-white plastic enclosure with a raised control section housing the illuminated power switch, protection indicator, and resettable circuit breaker.

The unit measures approximately 10.5 inches in length including the mounting ears. The enclosure is approximately 2.5 inches wide at the base and tapers to approximately 2.125 inches at the outlet section and 2 inches at the control section. Height varies from approximately 1.125 inches at the outlet section to approximately 1.75 inches at the raised control section.

Six grounded outlets are arranged in a single row along the top surface of the housing. The documented example exhibits moderate age-related yellowing, particularly when compared with protected areas of the enclosure and portions of the attached power cord.

An attached power cord approximately five feet in length terminates in a grounded NEMA 5-15P plug.

The underside incorporates a metal mounting plate with stamped keyhole mounting slots intended for permanent installation. Due to the limited clearance between the mounting plate and the enclosure, use of the keyhole slots may require low-profile fasteners.

The documented example also exhibits holes in the molded end tabs that appear to have been added after manufacture, likely by a previous owner to facilitate direct screw mounting.

Construction Notes

The enclosure appears to be assembled using heat-staked plastic fasteners rather than screws. To preserve the original condition of the documented example, no disassembly was attempted.

Operational Testing

The documented example remains operational.

Testing with a receptacle tester confirmed correct outlet wiring and proper grounding.

The green protection indicator did not illuminate during testing.

The illuminated red rocker switch exhibited visible flicker during operation. Similar behavior has been observed on multiple Tripp Lite SPIKE BAR units of this era.

Historical References

The Tripp-Lite Model SK6-6 was referenced in a United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM) technical report published in November 1989, where it was identified as a "strip-type spike suppressor" used during electromagnetic pulse interference testing.

The SK6-6 also appeared in electronics industry publications during the 1990s. A January 1991 Radio-Electronics advertisement listed the SPIKE BAR SK6-6 for $19.99, while a 1996 Byte magazine buyer's guide included the model in a comparison of surge suppression products.

Video

The illuminated power switch on the documented example exhibits visible flicker during operation while the green protection indicator remains unlit.

Demonstration video

Gallery

• 
  Overall view of the Tripp Lite SPIKE BAR SK6-6.
• 
  Control section showing model designation and protection indicator.
• 
  Six grounded AC outlets.
• 
  Right-side profile view.
• 
  Left-side profile view.
• 
  Cord entry point and wall-mount provision.
• 
  Underside view showing the metal mounting plate, keyhole slots, and attached power cord.
• 
  Mounting plate detail near the cord entry.
• 
  Stamped keyhole slot in the underside mounting plate.
• 
  Illuminated power switch and 15-amp circuit breaker.
• 
  Power switch assembly with protection indicator unlit.
• 
  Underside warning and liability notice.
• 
  Power cord markings and construction details.
• 
  Grounded NEMA 5-15P plug.
• 
  Front view of the attached plug.
• 
  Weight measurement showing approximately 1 lb 3.6 oz.
• 
  Condition as acquired prior to cleaning and documentation.
• 
  Outlet test indicating correct wiring and operation.