PowerSentry 626

The PowerSentry Model 626 is a seven-outlet surge protector manufactured by PowerSentry, a division of Fiskars Consumer Products, Inc.

The documented example was manufactured on 20 October 2002 and incorporates several design features not previously documented by the OldSurge Archive, including a push-button latching power switch, integrated cord-storage guides, and a plug-mounted cord-retention clip.

Despite extensive review of surviving 2003 and 2004 PowerSentry product catalogs preserved by Archive.org, the Model 626 has not yet been identified within available product literature, making its exact position within the PowerSentry product lineup uncertain.

Documented PowerSentry Model 626 surge protector.

Overview

General description of the product, manufacturer, purpose, historical significance, and why this example is noteworthy.

Historical Context

The documented example was manufactured on 20 October 2002, shortly before the earliest surviving PowerSentry product catalogs currently preserved by Archive.org.

Although the PowerSentry 626 shares certain design characteristics with products documented in the company's 2003 and 2004 literature, it has not been positively identified within surviving catalogs. The absence of the model from the June 2003 Multiple Outlets catalog, the February 2004 Contractor Series catalog, and the June 2004 Surge Protectors catalog suggests that it may represent an earlier product generation, a retailer-specific variant, a short-lived product family, or a category not represented in surviving literature.

While the integrated cord-management system resembles features documented in PowerSentry's contractor-oriented products, the overall styling, color scheme, indicator layout, and transformer-spaced outlet arrangement more closely resemble consumer-oriented surge protectors documented in the company's 2004 product literature.

Documented Example

• OldSurge ID: OS-0024
• Manufacturer: PowerSentry
• Model: 626
• Serial Number: Not Observed
• Manufacturing Date: 20 October 2002

Specifications

The PowerSentry 626 is a seven-outlet consumer surge protector combining a 330-volt suppression rating with transformer-spaced receptacles, integrated cord management, and a push-button latching switch. The design emphasizes usability and convenience while maintaining a compact surge-suppression assembly.

• Manufacturer: PowerSentry
• Model: 626
• Device Type: Surge Protector
• Country of Origin: China

• Electrical Rating: 15A, 125VAC, 60Hz
• Maximum Load: 1875W

• Outlets: 7
• Suppressed Voltage Rating: 330V

• Length: Approximately 14.88 in (37.8 cm)
• Width:
  • Approximately 2.50 in (6.4 cm) at center
  • Approximately 1.88 in (4.8 cm) at ends
• Height: Approximately 1.50 in (3.8 cm)

• Weight: 1 lb 5.4 oz (607 g)

• Power Cord Length: Approximately 6 ft

• Plug Type: NEMA 5-15P
• Plug Style: Straight Blade

• Cord Type: SJT
• Conductors: 3
• Conductor Size: 14 AWG

• UL File Number: E128811
• UL File Number (Cord): E135710
• CSA File Number (Cord): LL95737

• Cord Manufacturer: Bon-Eagle

• Ground Indicator: Yes
• Surge Indicator: Yes

Notable Characteristics

• Manufactured 20 October 2002 (date wheels).
• Earliest documented PowerSentry surge protector preserved by the OldSurge Archive.
• First documented mechanically-latching push-button power switch.
• First documented integrated cord-retention clip.
• First documented complete cord-management system consisting of cord-storage guides and plug-retention clip.
• Ground and Surge status indicators.
• Seven grounded NEMA 5-15R receptacles.
• Manufactured during the period represented by surviving 2003-2004 PowerSentry product literature.
• Side-mounted resettable circuit breaker.
• Transformer-spaced outlet layout.

Weight

The documented PowerSentry 626 weighs approximately 1 pound 5.4 ounces (607 grams).

Despite measuring nearly fifteen inches in length, the unit remains relatively light due to its molded-plastic construction. The weight is comparable to many consumer surge protectors from the early 2000s despite the inclusion of a seven-outlet layout, cord-management features, integrated indicators, a push-button latching switch, and a resettable circuit breaker.

The documented example is considerably lighter than many APC SurgeArrest Professional units documented by the archive while offering a comparable outlet count.

Documented PowerSentry Model 626 weighing approximately 1 pound 5.4 ounces (607 grams).

Physical Characteristics

The PowerSentry 626 utilizes an elongated tapered enclosure measuring approximately 14.88 inches long, 2.50 inches wide at the center, 1.88 inches wide at the ends, and approximately 1.50 inches tall.

Seven grounded receptacles are arranged in a single row along the front surface of the enclosure. Several receptacles are transformer-spaced, providing clearance for oversized AC adapters and wall-transformer power supplies. This feature became increasingly common on premium surge protectors during the early 2000s as external power adapters became more prevalent.

The control section incorporates a push-button latching power switch together with Ground and Surge status indicators. Unlike rocker switches documented on many other surge protectors in the archive, the switch remains mechanically latched in either the ON or OFF position. Pressing the button alternately latches the unit in the ON and OFF positions.

The enclosure incorporates molded PowerSentry branding above the Ground and Surge indicator lamps. Unlike many surge protectors that utilize printed logos, the branding is molded directly into the enclosure surface.

A resettable circuit breaker is mounted on the side of the enclosure and is accessible through a molded opening. The breaker is independent of the main power switch and provides overload protection.

Two keyhole-style mounting slots are molded into the underside of the enclosure, permitting wall or under-desk installation.

A molded identification label specifies Model 626, a 15A 125VAC 60Hz rating, a maximum load of 1875 watts, and a suppressed voltage rating of 330 volts. A UL hologram label identifies the unit as both a listed Power Tap and TVSS and carries an August 2002 date marking.

The attached six-foot power cord utilizes heavy-duty SJT construction with three 14 AWG conductors. Cord markings identify the cord manufacturer as Bon-Eagle and indicate both UL and CSA approval.

The attached power cord terminates in a molded NEMA 5-15P grounding attachment plug incorporating an integrated cord-retention clip. Combined with molded cord-storage guides at both ends of the enclosure, the retention clip forms a complete cord-management system that is unique among surge protectors currently documented by the OldSurge Archive.

Although the integrated cord-management system is visually similar to products documented in the Contractor Series Catalog (February 2004), the overall styling, color scheme, indicator layout, and transformer-spaced outlet arrangement more closely resemble consumer-oriented PowerSentry surge protectors documented in surviving 2004 product literature.

The combination of a push-button switch, transformer-spaced outlets, side-mounted circuit breaker, integrated cord-retention clip, and molded cord-storage guides distinguishes the PowerSentry 626 from all other surge protectors presently documented by the OldSurge Archive.

Photographs

• 
  Overall view of the documented PowerSentry Model 626 showing the elongated enclosure, seven grounded outlets, and integrated cord-management features.
• 
  Outlet detail showing the seven grounded receptacles and tapered enclosure profile.
• 
  Control section showing the push-button power switch, Ground indicator, and Surge indicator.
• 
  Transformer-spaced outlet section showing the widened outlet geometry intended for oversized power adapters.
• 
  Side profile showing the elongated tapered enclosure, integrated cord-management guides, and push-button power switch.
• 
  End view showing the integrated cord-storage guide used for wrapping and retaining the attached power cord.
• 
  Cord-entry end showing the integrated cord-storage guide and strain-relief arrangement.
• 
  Side profile showing the push-button switching mechanism incorporated into the enclosure.
• 
  Detail view of the side-mounted resettable circuit-breaker assembly.
• 
  Underside overview showing mounting provisions, labels, date wheels, and power-cord assembly.
• 
  UL listing label showing 08/02 date marking and UL file number E128811.
• 
  Model identification, electrical ratings, and suppressed voltage rating.
• 
  Molded date wheels indicating manufacture on 20 October 2002.
• 
  PowerSentry branding together with Ground and Surge status indicators.
• 
  Power cord and attachment plug showing the integrated cord-retention clip and molded plug assembly.
• 
  Close-up view of the integrated cord-retention clip incorporated into the attachment plug.
• 
  Power cord markings showing SJT construction, 14 AWG conductors, and approval information.
• 
  Attachment plug detail showing integrated cord-retention clip and approval markings.

Date Codes

The underside incorporates molded date wheels identifying manufacture on 20 October 2002.

An adjacent UL hologram label is marked "08/02" and provides additional manufacturing-period evidence consistent with late-2002 production.

Together these markings establish the documented example as a late-2002 product manufactured shortly before the earliest surviving PowerSentry product catalogs currently preserved by Archive.org.

• 
  Molded date wheels indicating manufacture on 20 October 2002.

Condition Upon Acquisition

The documented example was acquired as part of a lot purchased through eBay at an approximate cost of $8.

Light dust accumulation, minor scuffs, and normal cosmetic wear were visible prior to cleaning and documentation. The enclosure, indicators, power switch, circuit breaker, cord-management features, attachment plug, and receptacles appeared intact.

No evidence of melting, overheating, deformation, or significant damage was observed during external examination.

PowerSentry Model 626 prior to cleaning and documentation.

Functional Testing

The documented example was connected to utility power and evaluated for basic operation.

The Ground indicator illuminated when connected to a properly grounded receptacle. The Surge indicator also illuminated, indicating that surge-suppression circuitry remained active at the time of testing.

The push-button switch operated normally. Pressing the button caused it to mechanically latch in the depressed ON position, energizing the outlet bank. Pressing the button again released the mechanism, returning it to the raised OFF position and removing power from the outlets.

Testing with a receptacle tester confirmed correct hot, neutral, and ground wiring. No open-ground, open-neutral, reversed-polarity, or related wiring faults were detected.

The push-button latching arrangement differs from the rocker-style switches documented on all previously documented surge protectors preserved by the OldSurge Archive.

• 
  PowerSentry 626 connected to utility power with Ground and Surge indicators illuminated.
• 
  PowerSentry 626 connected to AC power with the push-button switch in the OFF position.
• 
  Push-button switch depressed and mechanically latched in the ON position.
• 
  Push-button switch in the raised OFF position following release of power to the outlet bank.
• 
  Outlet tester indicating correct wiring polarity and grounding.

Teardown

The enclosure is secured using Phillips-head screws and can be opened non-destructively for examination.

The upper housing incorporates molded outlet barriers, structural reinforcement ribs, cord-management structures, and support features for the outlet assembly. Internal mold markings include "UP057-7B-1," the significance of which has not been determined.

Power distribution is accomplished through stamped brass conductors extending the length of the enclosure and supplying all seven receptacles. The arrangement is mechanically simple, robust, and supported by molded outlet barriers and reinforcement features integrated into the housing.

Surge-protection circuitry is concentrated on a compact printed circuit board mounted adjacent to the push-button latching switch assembly. The circuit interfaces with the Ground and Surge indicators, the resettable circuit breaker, and the outlet-distribution assembly.

Visible components include:

• Fuse protection (F1)
• Multiple metal-oxide varistors (MOVs)
• X2-rated film capacitor
• Ground and Surge indicator circuitry
• Resistors and associated passive components

Compared with the APC SurgeArrest Professional PRO7 family documented elsewhere in the archive, the PowerSentry 626 utilizes a substantially smaller surge-suppression assembly while retaining a comparable seven-outlet configuration and a 330-volt suppression rating.

Unlike the APC designs, the PowerSentry does not appear to incorporate large filtering inductors or an extensive line-conditioning network. Instead, the design emphasizes compact MOV-based surge suppression combined with straightforward stamped-brass power distribution.

The resulting architecture suggests a design philosophy focused on simplicity, cost efficiency, and consumer convenience features such as transformer-spaced outlets, integrated cord management, and the unique push-button latching switch.

No evidence of overheating, melted components, catastrophic failure, or severe internal contamination was observed during examination.

• 
  Overall internal construction following removal of the enclosure cover.
• 
  Upper enclosure showing outlet barriers and structural reinforcement features.
• 
  Upper housing detail showing cord-management and control-section structures.
• 
  Cord-entry area showing the suppression board, circuit breaker, and push-button switch assembly.
• 
  Transformer-spaced outlet section showing stamped-brass conductors and receptacle contacts.
• 
  Center outlet section showing power-distribution conductors and receptacle assemblies.
• 
  Surge-suppression circuit board showing MOVs, filtering components, and indicator circuitry.
• 
  Outlet-contact assembly showing stamped power-distribution conductors and receptacle supports.
• 
  Push-button switch assembly and surge-suppression components.
• 
  Fuse, MOVs, capacitor, and associated surge-protection circuitry.

Comparison Notes

The attached power cord utilizes SJT 14/3 construction and was manufactured by Bon-Eagle. Similar Bon-Eagle cord assemblies have been documented on multiple other surge protectors preserved by the OldSurge Archive, illustrating the widespread use of third-party cord suppliers within the power-protection industry.

The PowerSentry 626 is the first surge protector documented by the archive that utilizes a mechanically latching push-button power switch rather than a rocker switch. The design is functionally similar to conventional rocker switches but operates using a push-on / push-off mechanism more commonly associated with certain lighting controls and power-distribution equipment.

The PowerSentry 626 also introduces several physical features not previously documented by the archive, including integrated cord-storage guides, a plug-mounted cord-retention clip, and a complete cord-management system designed to simplify storage and transport.

Internally, the PowerSentry demonstrates a markedly different design philosophy from the contemporaneous APC SurgeArrest Professional PRO7 series. Although both products provide seven grounded outlets and a 330-volt suppressed-voltage rating, the PowerSentry achieves this using a substantially smaller surge-suppression assembly and a more compact component count.

Where the APC designs employed larger suppression boards, dual toroidal filter inductors, glass-fuse protection, and more elaborate filtering networks, the PowerSentry relies upon a compact MOV-based implementation focused on straightforward surge suppression and consumer convenience features.

The comparison illustrates how different manufacturers approached similar performance objectives using significantly different engineering solutions. While APC emphasized robust filtering and heavier internal construction, the PowerSentry design appears to prioritize compactness, cost efficiency, ease of use, and integrated cord-management features.

The PowerSentry 626 also differs from all other surge protectors currently documented by the archive through its use of a mechanically-latching push-button power switch, integrated cord-retention clip, and molded cord-storage system.

Recall Information

No recall information has been identified for the documented PowerSentry 626.

Historical References

Archived PowerSentry product literature from 2003 and 2004 documents the company's consumer surge protectors, contractor-oriented power-distribution products, multiple-outlet adapters, and power centers.

Although numerous PowerSentry products appear in surviving literature, the Model 626 has not yet been identified within currently available catalogs. The absence of the model from surviving documentation remains one of the more notable findings associated with the documented example.

For additional information, see:

• PowerSentry

Notes

• Manufactured 20 October 2002.
• UL certification label marked August 2002.
• Earliest documented PowerSentry artifact preserved by the archive.
• Model 626 has not been identified in surviving 2003-2004 PowerSentry catalogs.
• First documented push-button latching switch.
• First documented cord-retention clip and integrated cord-management system.

Related Articles

• PowerSentry
• Surge Protectors
• Collection Index