Otis Singleton
The Western Electric 500 telephone series was the standard domestic desk telephone set issued by the Bell System in North America from 1950 until the 1984 Bell System divestiture. The model 500's modular construction simplified its manufacture and repair and allowed for a large number of variants with added features. The model 500 telephone series was very popular and common among North American businesses and households throughout the latter half of the 20th century. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to disassemble the iconic Western Electric 500 telephone.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Design | All operational parts of the phone were mounted on the base plate, and the housing only contained two plungers to activate the hook switch when the handset was lifted from the cradle. |
| Manufacturing | The modular construction of the Western Electric 500 compared to previous types simplified manufacture and repair and facilitated a large number of variants with added features. |
| Variants | The Model 1500, produced from 1963 to 1968, adapted the 500 design for touch-tone dialing with a push-button pad for the digits 0 through 9. The Model 2500, introduced in 1968, added the * and # keys. |
| Robustness | The Western Electric 500 is described as having a "very robust design" and lasting a long time. |
| Compatibility | It is unclear whether the Western Electric 500 is compatible with today's phone systems. |
| Repair | The phone rarely needs repairs, but when it does, it is a "remarkably complex, simple device." Most can be reconfigured with just a screwdriver. |
| Safety | The phone has no safety ground, and the ring voltage is high enough to be considered hazardous. |
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What You'll Learn
Removing the cover
To start, locate the screws that secure the cover to the base of the phone. There should be four screws in total, two on each side of the handset cradle. Using your screwdriver, carefully remove these screws and set them aside in a safe place so they do not get lost.
Once the screws have been removed, you can begin to gently lift the cover away from the base. It is important to be cautious during this step, as there are still some wires connecting the cover to the base that need to be carefully detached. These wires are typically the yellow, red, and green wires that connect to the terminal block. Gently pull these wires free from the terminal block, taking care not to strain or damage them.
With the wires detached, you can now fully separate the cover from the base. Place the cover aside in a safe place, as you will need to reattach it once your repairs or maintenance are complete.
Now that the cover has been successfully removed, you will have access to the internal components of the phone. This includes the terminal block, which is where the wires you detached were connected, as well as the hook switch and other mechanical parts. From here, you can proceed with your desired maintenance or repair tasks. Remember to refer to a qualified technician's guide or seek expert advice if performing any complex repairs or adjustments.
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Disconnecting the wires
To begin the disassembly process, use a screwdriver to open the phone's cover. This will provide access to the internal components, including the wires. Locate the terminal block, which is usually situated near the ringer. The ringer is an important component, and its functionality is often a key reason for disassembly and repair.
Once you have located the terminal block, carefully inspect the wiring. Look for any signs of damage, corrosion, or loose connections. Take note of how the wires are connected to the terminals, as you will need to replicate this during the reassembly process. The yellow wire, for example, is often grounded at the entrance and used as a return for the ringer.
To disconnect the wires, use a small tool such as a precision screwdriver or a pair of thin-nosed pliers. Gently grasp the wire you want to disconnect and carefully pull it away from the terminal. Take care not to damage the wire or the terminal during this process. If the wire is stubborn and difficult to remove, gently wiggle it back and forth while applying gentle tension until it comes loose.
After disconnecting each wire, properly manage and organise them to avoid confusion during reassembly. You may want to take notes or photographs to remember the exact locations of each wire. Additionally, labelling the wires and terminals can be helpful, ensuring a correct and efficient reassembly process.
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Understanding the phone's history
The Western Electric 500 telephone series was the standard domestic desk telephone set issued by the Bell System in North America from 1950 until the 1984 Bell System divestiture. The phone was designed by Henry Dreyfuss and was the successor to the model 302 telephone. The Western Electric 500 improved upon several design features of its predecessor, including mounting all operational parts on the base plate rather than on the housing, which made the phone easier to test and service. The housing only contained two plungers to activate the hook switch when the handset was lifted from the cradle. This design also improved manufacturing efficiency.
The Western Electric 500 series was very popular and common among North American businesses and households throughout the latter half of the 20th century. The phone was known for its simplicity and sturdiness, and it became the iconic image for all telephones. The series began to be replaced in the early 1960s with the introduction of touch-tone service for residential customers, which featured push-button pads for the ten digits. However, the Western Electric 500 series continued to be produced even after the breakup of the AT&T monopoly in 1984.
The Western Electric 500 series was also manufactured under license by other companies, such as ITT Kellogg (now Cortelco), Northern Electric (which became Northern Telecom), and Stromberg-Carlson (now part of Siemens). These companies produced the original rotary design as well as some variants with added features. The Western Electric 500 series and its derivatives were known for their reliability and longevity, with many users recalling their robustness and long lifespans.
The Western Electric 500 series played a significant role in the history of telecommunications, with its impact on the iconic image of telephones and its widespread use in North American households and businesses. Its design and functionality inspired subsequent telephone models, and it remains a memorable part of the evolution of communication technology.
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Repairing the ringer
The Western Electric Model 500 rotary telephone is a robust device with a remarkably simple design. However, if the ringer is not functioning, you may need to disassemble the phone and repair or adjust it.
Firstly, check if the phone is misconfigured for the line you have. If the phone doesn't ring, it may be that the wiring needs to be rearranged. The red and green wires from the phone should be spliced into the red and green on the RJ-11 cord. If there is a wire from the ringer connected to a terminal leading to a yellow wire, move it to the terminal leading to the green wire.
If the above solution doesn't work, the capacitor may be missing or faulty. The capacitor is located inside the network block, towards the back of the phone, and is essential for the bell to work.
Additionally, ensure that the ringer is connected and has not been intentionally disconnected. There is also a slider to adjust the volume of the ringer. If you still cannot get the ringer to work, the solenoid may be bad or disconnected.
It is important to note that the yellow wire has multiple functions. It can be used as a ground, as a separate ring signal on party lines, or with the black wire to power dial lights. However, it is not necessary to hook up the yellow wire for the phone to function.
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Replacing the housing
The Western Electric 500-type telephone was introduced in 1949, and it remained in use until 1984. This model was very popular among North American businesses and households throughout the latter half of the 20th century.
The Western Electric 500 improved upon several design features over earlier telephones. While the 302 had the dial and hook switch mounted directly on the metal or plastic housing, all operational parts of the 500 telephone were mounted on the base plate, and the housing only contained two plungers to activate the hook switch when the handset was lifted from the cradle. This design improved manufacturing and servicing efficiency.
To replace the housing of a Western Electric 500 phone, follow these steps:
- Unplug the phone from the wall jack.
- Remove the handset from the phone by lifting it straight up.
- Using a screwdriver, remove the screws that attach the housing to the base plate. The exact number and location of the screws may vary depending on the version of the Western Electric 500 phone you have.
- Carefully separate the housing from the base plate. You may need to gently pry the two pieces apart using a flat-head screwdriver or a similar tool.
- Obtain a replacement housing that is compatible with the Western Electric 500 model. You may be able to find replacement parts online or through specialty suppliers.
- Fit the new housing onto the base plate, ensuring that it is securely attached and aligned correctly.
- Reattach the screws that secure the housing to the base plate.
- Plug the handset cord back into the appropriate connector on the base plate.
- Reconnect the phone to the wall jack and test the phone to ensure it is functioning properly.
Note: When working on the phone, be gentle with the internal components and avoid touching the metal contacts to prevent any damage.
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Frequently asked questions
Western Electric 500 phones can be reconfigured with just a screwdriver.
Take the cover off the phone and look at the terminal block inside. If there's a wire from the ringer connected to a terminal that leads to a yellow wire, move it to the terminal leading to the green wire.
The green and red wires from the phone should be spliced into the red and green on the RJ-11 cord. The yellow wire is grounded at the entrance and used as a return for the ringer.
