| Name | KS-19425 Indoor-Outdoor Booth Universal II Booth |
| Date | c. 1968 |
| Manufacturer | Aluminum Company of America (Alcoa) |
| Usage | US Phone Booth |
| Further notes |
| Overview & Date of Introduction The KS-19425, also known as the Universal II Booth, is an aluminum-and-glass enclosure designed to replace the earlier KS-16797 model. It is suitable for single, side-by-side, or back-to-back installations, offering flexibility in placement and configuration. Documented in Bell System Practices (BSP), the 509-232-100 Installation Manual (Issue 2, December 1969) provides the official identification and installation details of the KS-19425, indicating its introduction around that time. A separate Maintenance Manual (Section 508-232-300, Issue 3, November 1968) also references the KS-19425, reinforcing that it was designed and in circulation by late 1968. The timeline thus suggests that introduction began in 1968, with formal installation standards established by December 1969. User Configuration: Primarily designed for stand-up service, but also supports a high-position seat approximately 27 inches from the floor for sit-down use, if desired ManualsLib . Door Design: Features a self-closing door made of two vertical sections with safety glass panels. The door folds inward along the right wall and can remain partially open when installed indoors. It incorporates rubber molding on the bottom edge for safety, while spring mechanisms hold the door at a partially open position when released. Lighting & Ventilation: Interior illumination is handled by the KS-19207, List 7 light fixture unit, which lights signage on the booth’s front, sides, and rear. For outdoor installations, a KS-19261, List 1 light control unit may be used. This photocell-controlled device automatically turns lights off during daylight and on during evening hours. In multi-unit rows, up to five booths can share a single control if mounted at the end of the row. Electrical Configuration: Boasting versatile hookups, the booth supports List 26 and List 27 shelf assemblies, a List 3 directory hanger, and a List 25 lower backboard plate/cover assembly. Auxiliary power and control wiring include List 22 cable assemblies to bring power in, plus provisions for interconnecting multiple booths and integrating with circuit breaker boxes. Manufacturer Details Branding & Fabrication: Although the booth was distributed by Western Electric for use throughout the Bell System, specific documentation does not clearly identify the actual fabricator of the KS-19425. Historically, similar aluminum Booth models (e.g., KS-16797, KS-19206) were manufactured by Aluminum Company of America (Alcoa) at their New Kensington, PA plant. It is reasonable to infer that Alcoa—or a similar contractor—likely produced the KS-19425 as well, given the consistent materials, design lineage, and distribution approach. |
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