Universal 71637

The Universal 71637 is a six-outlet surge protector manufactured in 1998 and intended for home and office computer equipment.

The unit incorporates AC surge suppression and telephone line protection, reflecting the needs of the late-1990s dial-up internet era when personal computers commonly connected to telephone networks through internal or external modems.

Overview

The Universal 71637 was marketed for protection of personal computers and related office equipment. In addition to protecting connected AC-powered devices, the unit provides surge protection for telephone lines used by modems, fax machines, and telephones.

The example documented by OldSurge was tested and found to be operational, with all outlets indicating correct wiring when checked with a receptacle tester.

The built-in Protection Indicator lamp provides a visual indication that surge protection circuitry is operational.

The Universal 71637 incorporates a "Power Shut Down Protection" feature. According to the product labeling, once the surge suppression components have absorbed their protective capacity, the device will stop conducting power rather than continue operation without protection.

The unit is rated as a UL Listed Relocatable Power Tap and carries a UL 1449 suppressed voltage rating of 330 volts.

Features

Six AC outlets
Illuminated resettable circuit breaker / power switch
Protection status indicator
Telephone line surge protection (RJ11 In/Out, 4-conductor)
Approximately 6-foot attached power cord
Grounded three-prong power plug
Keyhole wall-mount slots
UL 1449 surge suppression
Power Shut Down Protection

Specifications

Model: 71637
Year: 1998
Country of Manufacture: China
Voltage Rating: 125 VAC
Current Rating: 15 Amps
Frequency: 60 Hz
Maximum Load: 1875 Watts
UL 1449 Suppressed Voltage Rating: 330 Volts
Protection Modes:
- Line-to-Neutral (L-N)
- Line-to-Ground (L-G)
- Neutral-to-Ground (N-G)
Telephone Protection: RJ11 In/Out (4-conductor)
Cord Length: Approximately 6 feet
Cord Construction: 14/3 SJT, 75°C
Plug Type: NEMA 5-15P
Weight: Approximately 1 lb 3.7 oz (560 g)
Length: Approximately 7.75 in (19.7 cm)
Width: Approximately 3.5 in (8.9 cm)
Height:
- Approximately 1.5 in (3.8 cm) at the raised switch section
- Approximately 1.19 in (3.0 cm) at the outlet section

Physical Description

The Universal 71637 features a two-level stepped housing finished in off-white plastic. A raised section at one end contains the illuminated resettable circuit breaker / power switch, protection indicator, and product branding.

The unit measures approximately 7.75 inches long by 3.5 inches wide. The housing height tapers from approximately 1.5 inches at the switch section to approximately 1.19 inches at the outlet section.

An attached power cord approximately six feet in length provides flexibility for placement around desks and computer workstations.

The underside of the enclosure incorporates two sets of keyhole mounting slots arranged at 90 degrees to one another, allowing the unit to be mounted either horizontally or vertically on a wall or other flat surface.

The documented example weighs approximately 1 pound 3.7 ounces including the attached power cord.

Gallery

Universal 71637 six-outlet surge protector.
Close-up of the six AC outlets.
Integrated RJ11 telephone line surge protection ports.
Top section showing the Universal branding and control panel.
Illuminated power switch and protection indicator.
Outlet test showing correct wiring and operation.
Right-side profile view.
Left-side profile view with attached power cord.
Rear view showing the power cord entry point.
Underside view showing specifications and mounting provisions.
UL Listed Relocatable Power Tap certification label.
Underside specifications and safety information.
Power Shut Down Protection feature description.
Model and electrical specifications molded into the underside of the housing.
Grounded NEMA 5-15P plug.
Close-up of the grounded NEMA 5-15P plug showing molded approval markings.
Power cord markings showing UL and CSA approvals and SJT construction details.
Additional view of the 14/3 SJT power cord markings.
Weight measurement showing approximately 1 lb 3.7 oz.
Condition as found before cleaning and documentation.

Disassembly

The Universal 71637 enclosure is secured by seven Phillips-head screws located on the underside of the housing.

After removal of the screws, the enclosure separates into upper and lower shell halves. Internal construction consists primarily of stamped brass outlet bus bars, a dedicated surge suppression circuit board, telephone line protection circuitry, and an illuminated resettable circuit breaker / power switch assembly.

The AC outlets are interconnected using continuous stamped brass bus bars rather than individual wires. Telephone protection circuitry is located on a separate board adjacent to the RJ11 input and output jacks.

The specimen documented by OldSurge was found to be clean internally with no evidence of overheating, arcing, melted components, surge-related damage, or previous repair attempts.

Internal Components

Seven-screw enclosure construction
Stamped brass outlet bus bars
Dedicated AC surge suppression circuit board
Dedicated telephone line protection circuit board
EPCB04000 fuse protecting telephone line circuitry
Illuminated resettable circuit breaker / power switch
Dual-orientation wall-mount provisions
No evidence of internal heat damage or electrical failure

Teardown Gallery

Seven Phillips-head screws secure the enclosure halves.
Overall internal construction after opening the enclosure.
Interior view of the upper housing showing molded supports and wall-mount provisions.
Lower enclosure details and one of the dual-orientation wall-mount keyhole slots.
Rear view of the telephone line protection board showing the EPCB04000 fuse and surge protection components.
Stamped brass outlet bus bars and power distribution jumpers.
Underside of the main surge suppression board and illuminated circuit breaker assembly.
View through the outlet bus structure toward the main surge suppression board.
Close-up of the main surge suppression board and heavy-current connections.