1A2 Phone Systems (page #2)

1A2 Key Service Units

551 KSU
The Western Electric 551 KSU had a capacity of four lines. The first version (#551B, at ight) had a metal cabinet with a hinged door. The second generation (551C) was plastic or fiberglass with a removable cover. Because of its size and shape, the 551 was commonly referred to as the "shoebox."

CLICK for wiring diagram

ITT 601 KSU

The ITT 601 KSU has a capacity of 5 lines and 10 phones. Its size and shape are similar to the Western Electric 551, and both are called "shoeboxes."

It had a major innovation over the 551 with an interrupter that was solid-state, instead of motorized. Unlike the 551, it had space for a dial-selective intercom system. The 551 could hold only a manual intercom which used buttons to activate buzzers.

CLICK for instructions.

501 KSU
This may have been the most popular 1A2 KSU. It could handle up to six lines. Nearly identical models were made by Western Electric, ITT and Stromberg-Carlson. Different versions used internal or external power supplies, and could be wall-mounted or stand on the floor.

512 KSU

The 512 KSU could handle up to 13 lines, and incorporated a 584-type card mounting apparatus. Similar models were made by Western Electric, ITT and Stromberg-Carlson.

584C panel

The 584C (and earlier versions) is not a KSU, but can become one when combined with a power supply and punchdown blocks. It's a "card panel" or "card strip" or "card cage" which can hold up to 13 1A2 line cards, and many panels can be used together to build a huge key system. It is designed to be mounted in a standard 23-inch-wide telecom rack, or mounting bracket. Connections are made via 25-pair Amphenol-type cables. An interrupter is mounted on one end to control the switching on and off of lights and bells. It was used in the 512KSU.

ITT 36A KSU

The ITT 36A KSU was an advanced 1A2 system with capacity of 12 lines and 36 phones. It could be expanded to handle up to 20 lines or to 54 phones. The system was notable for providing two or four private intercom paths. Call Announcing with handsfree answerback was provided with optional equipment.

ITT 76A KSU

The ITT 76A was an advanced 1A2 KSU made in three different versions with capacities of:

7 lines, 18 phones, 2 intercom links
14 lines, 36 phones, 3 intercom links
20 lines, 54 phones, 4 intercom links

Each intercom link appeared under a specific button on the phones. Intercom calls could be announced with tone ringing, or call announcing with handsfree answerback. Handsfree intercom calls were limited to 16 seconds or 32 seconds. Longer conversations used the handset.

25-pair cable color codes

NOTES:
(1) Although the chart shows the color "grey," in the phone business "slate" is more commonly used to avoid having the same abbreviations for green and grey/gray.
(2)The color illustration shows "solid" color wires. It is more common to have striped wires. The first one would be white with a blue stripe, mated with a blue wire that has a white stripe, etc.

ITT 1978 Key Telephone System Guide has valuable info for the vintage telecom fan. CLICK

Stromberg-Carlson's 1979 Key System Catalog has more about 1A2 key systems. CLICK

Bell Systems manuals are packed with help, from 1980.
CLICK for Volume 1

CLICK for Volume 2

ITT-Kellogg 1958 1A1 catalog, pre-1A2, from when Barney installed phones. CLICK

ITT-Kellogg 1959 catalog shows 2-line & 3-line phones in 10 colors. Left-click photo to enlarge.

ITT 1978 Telephone Catalog includes consumer and business telecom products. CLICK

2564 or 2565?

The 564 and 2564 are basic 6-button 1A2 key phones. The 565 and 2565 have additional wiring for connecting an external speakerphone for handsfree conversations.

Line Card Types

model #--function/notes--brand

400B line card basic WECo

400C line card basic WECo

400D line card basic WECo, ITT

400E line card MOH ITT

400F line card WECo

400G line card LED WECo

400H line card slim, LED WECo

401 manual intercom WECo, ITT

401PA paging adapter ITT

403A MOH feeds up to 6 lines ITT

405 privacy for 2 lines ITT

414A private line ringdown WECo, ITT

415A automatic tie line ITT

416A station line circuit for remote phone WECo, ITT

418A short range private line WECo

419A private line 8-inch, 80 contact WECo

416A private line WECo

4200 MOH SanBar

1A2 power supplies

The power supply for a 1A2 phone system can be located in or near the Key Service Unit. It converts the incoming 110 volts AC into various AC and DC voltages which the phone system needs.