Radio Shack 61-2140 Appliance Surge Protector
Radio Shack 61-2140 Appliance Surge Protector
Overview
The Radio Shack 61-2140 Appliance Surge Protector is a single-outlet surge protector marketed for appliance and consumer-electronics applications.
The documented example was manufactured in Mexico and represents the first Radio Shack–branded surge protector documented by the OldSurge Archive.
Unlike most surge protectors documented by the archive, the documented example was found to be non-functional during testing and did not pass utility power to a connected load.
Documented Example
- OldSurge ID: OS-0016
- Manufacturer: Radio Shack
- Model: 61-2140
- Country of Origin: Mexico
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Radio Shack
- Model: 61-2140
- Device Type: Appliance Surge Protector
- Outlets: 6 grounded outlets
- Country of Origin: Assembled in Mexico
- Length:
- Approximately 10.38 in (26.4 cm)
- Width:
- Approximately 2.0 in (5.1 cm) at the switch section
- Approximately 1.75 in (4.4 cm) at the outlet section
- Height:
- Approximately 1.0 in (2.5 cm)
- Electrical Rating: 120 VAC, 15 A, 60 Hz
- Surge Suppression Rating: 449 joules
- Power Cord Length: Approximately 4 ft (1.2 m)
- Power Cord Type: SJT
- Conductors: 14/3
- Cord Manufacturer: Bon-Eagle
- UL File Number (Cord): E135710
- CSA File Number (Cord): LL95787
- UL File Number: E60255
Weight
The documented example weighs approximately 12.4 oz (352 g).
The relatively low weight is consistent with the device's compact dimensions, four-foot power cord, and comparatively simple construction.
Physical Description
The Radio Shack 61-2140 utilizes a relatively simple enclosure consisting of a six-outlet receptacle section and a combined rocker-switch and control section.
All six outlets are arranged in a standard receptacle orientation and are spaced evenly along the length of the device.
Unlike several higher-end surge protectors documented elsewhere in the archive, the 61-2140 does not incorporate transformer-spaced outlets, rotated receptacle orientations, telephone-line protection, coaxial protection, or diagnostic indicators.
Unlike some surge protectors intended for computer equipment, the six outlets are closely spaced and do not accommodate large transformer-style power adapters without blocking adjacent receptacles.
The Radio Shack 61-2140 utilizes a narrow rectangular enclosure with a widened control section incorporating a rocker switch.
The six outlets are arranged in a standard receptacle orientation and are positioned with relatively little spacing between adjacent outlets. The design does not provide dedicated transformer-spaced outlets for large plug-in power adapters.
The enclosure is notably compact and low in profile, measuring approximately 10.38 inches (26.4 cm) in length while standing only about 1 inch (2.5 cm) tall.
The underside incorporates four keyhole-style mounting slots that support wall or surface mounting.
The design utilizes a separate resettable circuit breaker located at the cord-entry end of the device.
At 12.4 oz (352 g), the Radio Shack 61-2140 is among the lighter surge protectors documented by the OldSurge Archive.
The attached four-foot power cord is marked as SJT-type cable with 14 AWG conductors manufactured by Bon-Eagle.
Unlike several surge protectors documented elsewhere in the archive, the Radio Shack 61-2140 utilizes a conventional straight attachment plug rather than a right-angle design.
The six outlets are arranged in a standard receptacle orientation and are spaced closely together. No transformer-spaced outlets are provided.
Product Gallery
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Overall view of the documented Radio Shack 61-2140 surge protector. -
Radio Shack branding and illuminated rocker-switch section. -
Outlet section showing six grounded receptacles arranged in a standard receptacle orientation. -
Left-side profile view. -
Right-side profile view. -
Outlet-end profile showing the six-outlet arrangement. -
Cord-entry end showing the resettable circuit breaker and power-cord strain relief. -
Underside view showing labels, mounting slots, enclosure fasteners, and attached power cord. -
Product information label identifying the Radio Shack 61-2140 Appliance Surge Protector and its electrical ratings. -
Switch-end underside detail showing mounting provisions and enclosure construction. -
Attached four-foot power cord and grounded attachment plug. -
Close-up of the grounded attachment plug showing approval markings. -
Power-cord markings showing SJT construction, conductor size, and manufacturer information.
Testing
The documented example was tested for basic electrical operation.
During testing, the device failed to provide power to any outlet.
A receptacle tester connected to the surge protector failed to illuminate, indicating that utility power was not being passed through the device.
No additional electrical troubleshooting was performed to determine the specific cause of the failure.
The documented example is therefore considered non-functional as documented.
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Documented example connected to power during testing. -
Outlet tester indicating no power output during testing.
Condition Upon Acquisition
The documented example was acquired for preservation and documentation by the OldSurge Archive.
The enclosure exhibited light dust accumulation, minor cosmetic wear, and moderate discoloration of the attached power cord consistent with age and prior use.
No significant cracking, melting, or external physical damage was observed.
The unit was cleaned prior to detailed documentation and photography.
Teardown
Upon opening the enclosure, the grounding bus bar became partially displaced from the lower housing.
Inspection revealed that one end of the grounding strip was no longer adequately retained by the molded plastic locating posts intended to secure it within the enclosure.
As a result, the grounding strip rose from its normal position when the enclosure halves were separated.
No determination was made regarding whether this condition contributed to the documented electrical failure.
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61-2140 opened following removal of the enclosure screws.
Notable Characteristics
- First Radio Shack–branded surge protector documented by the OldSurge Archive
- First documented artifact manufactured in Mexico
- Single-outlet appliance surge-protector design
- Non-functional upon testing