GEC 746

GEC 746 Table Telephone

The GEC746 table telephone is a new instrument which has evolved from the 706 and 710 range of telephones used by administrations throughout the world for many years.  It retains the virtues of it's predecessors - quality, performance and versatility.

This attractively styled telephone uses tropicalised components throughout and makes use of printed circuit techniques; both these features help to make the GEC746 one of the most advanced telephones of it's type available today.  It is a fine example of the latest developments in telephone engineering.

• Printed-circuit construction
• No exposed switch contacts
• Tropicalised components used throughout
• Attractive styling
• Built-in volume regulator
• Scratch and stain resistant high-impact mouldings
• Clear-vision dial
• Alternative C.B. version.

All components, except the dial, handset, and ringer, are mounted on a single robust printed-circuit unit. The use of miniature components makes this possible without impairing the reliability and ruggedness of the telephone.

There are no exposed switch contacts: the cradle switch is a fully sealed unit and the dial off-normal and pulsing contacts are beneath a clamped-on dust cover.

Tropicalised components are used throughout: this ensures that the telephone will operate reliably under a wide range of adverse climatic conditions.

The smooth, stylish exterior does not harbour dust. The one-piece case moulding incorporates the carrying handle and can be fitted with a single pushbutton when required for shared service, operator-recall or bell on/off operation.

The telephone is available in a wide range of colours: ivory, yellow, dual grey, dual green, red, blue, and black; on dual-tone telephones, the handset, cords and dial surround are the darker shade. The plastic used for the case and handset is virtually impervious to scratching and staining.

The built-in regulator maintains a substantially constant speech level, independent of line length, on lines shorter than 400 ohms; it has virtually no attenuating effect on long lines.

The articulated-trigger dial has a clear plastic finger plate so that the numbers beneath it are always visible - a feature that helps to reduce dialling errors. The black figures are printed on an antique-silver background for greatest clarity.

Other telephones in the GEC74 range include the GEC741 wall-mounting telephone and the GEC740 switching telephone.

Abridged Specification

Catalogue Number
TEN/110000

Exterior
Case and handset moulded in A.B.S. high-impact plastic.
Seven colours available: ivory, yellow, dual grey, dual green, red, blue, black. (In dual-colour telephone, the handset, cords and dial surround are the darker tone).

Cords
PVC-covered cadmium-tinsel-conductor cords. Held in position by grommets which relieve conductors of any stresses.
Line cord, straight: 183 cm (72 in).
Handset cord, coiled: 25 cm (10 in) un-extended, 170 cm (68 in) extended.

Cradle Switch
Sealed microswitch.

Dial
Characters printed black on antique-silver background beneath clear plastic finger plate. Articulated-trigger type and self-compensating action. Projects through self-centring ring on case. No appreciable variations in pulse ratio after 4.5 million impulses.
Speed: 10 p.p.s.
Inter-digit pulse: 240 ms minimum.
Break-to-make ratio: 2 to 1. Other ratios can be supplied.
For C.B. working, a dial-dummy disc replaces the dial.

Receiver inset
Rocking armature, replaceable capsule. Sensitivity: +46 dB relative to 1 dyne/cm2/root mW available power.

Transmitter inset
Carbon granule, replaceable capsule. Sensitivity +30 dB relative to 1 mV/dyne/cm2 at 20 dynes/cm2 input.

Regulator
An automatic volume regulator is fitted to limit speech-signal amplitudes on lines shorter than 400 ohms introduces virtually no attenuation on longer lines.

Ringer
Double-coil, d.c. resistance 1000 ohms; impedance 2000 ohms at 25 Hz, 20 k ohms at 1000 Hz. Accepts ringing currents of between 16 and 30 Hz. Bells, double gong, harmonizing tones.
Extension bell (BE1100 or BE1200 series) can be provided for noisy surroundings.

Environment
Suitable for use in all climates. Protected against entry of insects.

Dimensions and Weight
Complete telephone:
Height: 133 mm (54 in)
Width: 154 mm (10 in) over handset, 140 mm (5.5 in) over case depth, 216 mm (8.5 in) over case
Weight: 1.7 kg (3.75 lb)
Handset: 280 gm (10 oz)


Take from The GEC Catalogue Leaflet STL24A 5mEP1167 (Dated 1967)

GEC 746 with Arabic dial ring

Last revised: August 01, 2025