Unfortunately, yes, that's a Zinsco-Sylvania panel design. Zinsco or Zinsco-Sylvania is the name given to a brand of electrical panel that was commonly installed up to the mid-1970's. It was a very popular product and installed throughout North America. panel or performs further disassembly (DANGEROUS STEP) can further identify the characteristic circuit breaker details but the circuit breaker There is a city-wide mandate that any Meter Main by ZINSCO must be upgraded in Napa, California. See details of the hazard at ZINSCO SYLVANIA ELECTRICAL PANELS as well as above on this page. In any case, I would replace this electrical panel. No. Ok, I see, the panel label has the language you spotted. 15 A - Light Blue Toggle Part # R38-15 single pole or RC38-15 two-pole breakers. Hi all what about unicorn electrical products? I happily agreed and thought it would be a great opportunity to test out my new GoPro 9 in the process. So they should be treated as the same electrical panel with the same weaknesses. Can anyone help me? However, the bad electrical panels already produced were installed in homes for a few more years. Kosup, Russell R. MULTIPLE CAPACITY CIRCUIT BREAKER [PDF] U.S. Patent 4,187,482, issued February 5, 1980. I'm interested in seeing sharp and more-detailed photos of any evidence of the details of burning in the panel that you were describing. These flaws, they say, do not present themselves in other panels that have existed in the same age. Pushmatic. Even the newer Sylvania Zinsco panels will be at least 40 years old. Zinsco panels, also known as GTE Sylvania-Zinsco panels. Please see details at ZINSCO SYLVANIA ELECTRICAL PANELS. 1. How to Identify a Zinsco Breaker Panel? - Anonymous by private email, 2017/02/16. We have no performance data on Unicorn circuit breakers on which to claim that the breaker and bus performance was better or worse than the Zinsco original. SKU:I37023078. An interlock arrangement insures that the cam element can not be removed without the breaker being automatically tripped. circuit breakers, electrical panels, including We have an affiliate partnership with Networx. Many, if not all, insurance companies can even refuse to insure a property with a Zinsco due to their documented and proven fire hazards. In that photo I also circle characteristic light green GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco circuit breaker toggle switches. Hello, 4-77 1977 [Lots of sketches of older-type service panels.]. Plated aluminum bus bars that get gouged-through when a breaker is inserted (mounting a breaker cuts through the plating and we see corrosion, overheats, failures). @Robert shaner, Below are links to pictures of my electrical panel. This means the breaker can't ever trip, even when there's a short or overloaded circuit. Or use the SEARCH BOX found below to Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia. by (mod) Apologies for the delay. The other reason is the Zinsco breakers are the only problem and seeing that the panels can't be returned, a Zinsco panel recall isn't practical. They were installed in millions of homes and commercial properties in North America. Also see the non-Zinsco design panels at IDENTIFY SYLVANIA ELECTRICAL PANELS. [DF NOTE: I do NOT recommend this obsolete publication, though it was cited in the original. GTE Sylvania Circuit Breakers Type QFP There are inherent problems in the bus bars of the panel and the materials used for their manufacturing. But the design was eventually discontinued, and later Sylvania panels do not have the problematic Zinsco design. 4. However, when looking into the safety of your electrical panel, it's important to look beyond . It appears that the present Unicorn Industries has nothing to do with the old meter base in your photo; the current Unicorn describes themselves: 5. Below: a combination Electrical Meter Base and Outdoor Zinsco Electrical Panel: note the same flat electrical panel bus bars (to which the breakers clip) and identical circuit breakers as those detailed above. Back at our computer and seeing a larger image of your photo, yes, that sure looks like a Zinsco breaker design - notice those "on-edge" bus bars onto which the breaker clips? Zinsco or GTE-Sylvania panels were popular electrical panels installed in homes throughout the 1970s. Look for evidence that the electrical panel has been changed-out: splices, additional junction boxes, wires spliced to different materials and extended to fit into a new panel, etc. Other Zinsco electrical panel identification and information labels are included in this article. I have searched the web and cannot find any of the identifying marks of a Zinsco panel on the panel I have. The peace of mind of having an upgraded panel is likely worth it. I am sending you a picture, can you tell if it needs to be replaced? Maybe try again; type in the Comment box, then click the "Add Image" button to select an image file from your computer or smartphone or tablet. That's probably what you've got. They have a reputation as the breaker which doesnt trip. Help, my parents bought a new solar system and since then my head hurts. - P.G. Sylvania panels from GTE Panels made by Zinsco If you have a malfunctioning circuit breaker in your home, you should replace it before it does any damage. Thanks so much, this is a great service you are providing! (Obsolete, not recommended), Personal communication, J. Aronstein to D. Friedman, 3/6/2006, James P. Simmons: Personal communication and photographs used in this article series, J. Simmons to Daniel Friedman, 3/4/2006, 2/19/2008. However, they can still be found in older homes and properties built before 1990. That identifies this as a Zinsco design. WA Home Inspector Advisory Licensing Board. The average cost of replacing a Zinsco service panel is $1,600 to $4,000. This was used as a temp panel for 3 months on a job. Between the 1980's to the 1990's Challenger panels were installed in hundreds of thousands of homes. Sean On the other hand, most other panels are usually black and arranged in two rows. I should also point out that the 200 ampere mains are mounted differently and as far as I am aware had no problems like this. Or if your electrician doesn't know how to look at the Zinsco breakers we've illustrated, have her take some sharp photos of all sides of the breaker and email them to me. Free shipping for many products! Connecticut Electric offers Zinsco breaker replacements. HOW TO WIRE UP an ELECTRIC GENERATOR and ISOLATION SWITCH REQUIREMENTS, On 2020-12-04 by BW Simmons ML12(12-24)C (Indoor) - Mod. Electrical Equipment & Supplies; Circuit Breakers & Disconnectors; The manufacturer is KO Instruments. What advice can you give me for connecting a generator. I'm sorry to say that I have not found a credible Zinsco electrical panel age decoder. Victor [by private email] 10 September 2015. Depending on the panels amperage (150A or 200A panels will cost more), additional electrical upgrades may also be necessary. Zinsco 100-125 amp Circuit Breaker Panel Dead Front Cover $125.00 $28.75 shipping ZINSCO DEAD FROT COVER 125A 120/240V 1 PH 16 SPC LONG 19 3/8 WIDE 6 $125.00 $28.75 shipping Zinsco Magnetrip Load Center Panel Cover Dead Front $74.95 $24.99 shipping ZINSCO SWITCHGEAR COVER 600A MAX. Above and below, courtesy of Richard Sims, we include photographs of a 400A 240V Zinsco Electrical Panel that was property of the Georgia (USA) Power Company, including identifying Zinsco labeling. I expect your electrician to be able to confirm the design by removing the panel cover and noting the classic Zinsco bus details. Your Wenatchee and Chelan Professional Real Estate, Home and Structural Pest Inspection Service. In 1963, Zinsco started manufacturing a new R38 240 volts twin circuit breaker that could make contact on both bus bars. It turns out as I'm reading your article, you cite someone named James Simmons from Mr Electric. Moving the panel to meet electrical codes. Ways to Remove a Zinsco Breaker Prepare the Following Tools 1. Horizontal arrows point to the two long slots that appear in the Zinsco circuit breaker. Q242 [illegible] and continues, stating. I've been conducting professional home inspections since 2002. US $199.98. 20 March 2015. Electrical panel interior access should be by a licensed and trained electrician. "Basic Housing Inspection," US DHEW, S352.75 U48, p.144, out of print, but is available in most state libraries. At least I am aware though. c My Missouri home was built in 1978. 400 amps - $2,300 to $4,200. Often the panel manufacture date is stamped on the panel labeling but not always and not in a consistent patterns. Also it was interesting that a New York Electrical Engineer performing independent tests on samples of used circuit breakers of a variety of brands found in very preliminary testing was that there were a few other contemporary panel/breaker products that appeared to have high (compared with overall industry) no-trip rates. 240V 3 PH LONG 15 3/4 WIDE 27 3/4 $300.00 $102.65 shipping Featuring two 1-pole circuit breakers with separate operating handles, the Leviton Surge Protective Device provides effective surge protection for the entire home without sacrificing space inside the panel. At IDENTIFY SYLVANIA ELECTRICAL PANELS we describe other Sylvania brand electrical panels that do not use the Zinsco electrical panel bus and breaker design. - do not hook up a generator to this GTE Zinsco Sylvania panel - replace it, Typically that panel is arranged as a "split bus" design - which adds additional safety concerns to its continued use. An expert who opens the electrical It is a Zinsco type electrical panel and should be replaced. Note the panel style and construction details and then see Your photos show an apparent arc burn flash-over soot on the interior of the Zinsco/Sylvania panel cover, on what appear to be the entering service mains, on the side of the panel enclosure, and on a cluster of circuit breakers shown in this detailed image below. Challenger also used FPE and Zinsco Circuit Breakers in many Residential Panels and these are the ones that have had trouble according to many experts. The amps rating of the panel box is often on a label on the inside of the cover or on occasion on the sidewall inside of the electrical box - something your electrician can find if it's still there. They named their product "Challenger". Federal Pacific Electric panels may not meet today's updated safety codes. Zinsco panels have certain components that contain aluminum. It would be prudent to replace it. Yes your electrical panel is indeed the Zinsco-Sylvania design, that we can see in both labeling and in the unique Zinsco breaker and bus design that shows deep slots into the breaker that slide over vertical edges of the bus bars in the electrical panel. Experts report that Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) circuit breaker panels may have three major faults that could pose a danger: 1.) US $97.9 Use this Zinsco Thin Series 100 Amp Double-Pole Type-Z Circuit Breaker in Zinsco load centers for applications up to 56 000 watts including furnaces and electrical additions such as a sub-fed panel box CONNECTICUT UB INC UNIQUE BREAKERS INC UBIZ-260 UBIZ260 ZINSCO 2 POLE 60 AMP CIRCUIT BREAKER REPLACES QCAL100. Look for evidence that the panel is original, having been installed when the home was built and take that as the panel age As a result, this made their breakers extremely popular.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'homeinspectioninsider_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_0',835,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-homeinspectioninsider_com-medrectangle-3-0'); In 1973, Zinsco was sold to GTE Sylvania. Never insert any tool nor your fingers into the interior of an electrical panel. It's easy and unmistakable. And I would give strong consideration to replacing any panel that had. Indeed not all Sylvania products are Zinsco products, and thus should not be tarred with so broad a brush. Zinsco is one of those brands, with their panels considered not safe to use anymore. The Zinsco panel may be under the name of Sylvania, GTE-Sylvania or Kearney. Here we provide text, labels, and equipment photographs used to help identify Zinsco and GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco electrical panels and circuit breakers, and we include photographs of a Zinsco look alike marketed by Kearney. Please bookmark this page to make it easy for you to check back for our response. 3. 112. r/solar. It is a 3 Pole 225A breaker and we would like to run 250MCM. Aluminum Enters the Picture. Do not touch anything inside the panel. LK-15 Zinsco circuit breaker & electrical panel identification guide: How to Identify Zinsco & Zinsco-Sylvania & GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco Electrical Panels and Circuit Breakers. It looks like I have the unsafe Sylvania GTE panel. @Robert shaner, The Zinsco Style may be labeled as Zinsco, Challenger or Sylvaina. --- CONTACT US with field reports and photos. Founded by Hubert Miles, Certified Master Inspector. In older homes, there are still some electrical panel brands that have been commonly known to fail at safety standards. Bottom lien: Thank you, On 2020-07-04 by (mod) Instead the generator is connected to the panel THROUGH a transfer switch - an "either-or" type switch that makes certain that both power systems are not ever turned on simultaneously. Federal Pacific Electrical Panels, often known as FPE Stab Lok panels, are a type of electrical panel manufactured by Federal Pacific. Although the breaker appears to be off, internally, the panel may still be conducting power. The following remarks from a licensed electrician were provided to us courtesy of Al Carson, Carson Dunlop Associates, a Toronto home inspection and home inspection education firm. But current electrical needs have become greater over the years and these panels are simply not up to code. zinsco still make 35 amp breakers? Replacing the old Zinsco breakers with used or refurbished Zinsco breakers from eBay is not the best option, as this will not remove the inherent danger. I'd indeed like to see photos of the breaker panel you cite, in total, its labels, its bus bar design and its breaker details and labels. Some of these such as FPE involved outright fraud by people who knew perfectly well that the product did not perform properly. mobile home doors that open properly - all buildings need safe functional fire exit passages, Turning off any strange-behaving circuits (flickering lights) with the caveat than in an FP/FPE case "turning off" may actually leave the circuit on as the breaker may not switch off internally), Red and blue breaker switches with visible colored base, Oblong opening at wire connection terminal, Flat electrical panel bus bars in parallel fitting into two slots on each breaker, Oblong opening in plastic receiver of bus bar ends, Vertical arrows point to the flat electrical panel bus bars of a Zinsco electrical panel. The photo above shows the distinctive operating handle on the door of this Zinsco electrical panel. This type of panel was mainly installed in the 1970's. Besides looking at the label of the panel for the name, this panel has pastel colored breakers that are in one row down. The panel label specifically says to use Zinsco circuit breakers. These are just as prone to safety issues and frequent malfunctions. Thank you for your information. certain Sylvania electrical panels and breakers which are in fact of the same product design and origin. Zinsco electrical panels are obsolete. 225 amps max. Moderator comment: Thanks! "Simplified Electrical Wiring," Sears, Roebuck and Co., 15705 (F5428) Rev. It seems that the problems stem from aluminum parts within the panel. I'm looking for the AIC rating of the big double throw AC cutoff switch on the front. It is best to avoid buying used Zinsco breakers. Are you able to determine this from the attached pictures? white stickers telling you not to remove those "knockout" pair of opening covers. Your second photo above shows cardboard inside of the electrical panel, perhaps stuck there to hold a neutral or ground cable to one side in the enclosure. For people who are too poor to make their homes safer by replacing questionable electrical equipment we suggest some initial or temporary hazard reduction measures: I was reading information on your website about Zinsco panels but I can't determine if my main panel and sub-panel inside the house are the affected panels. Hickory Grove, SC for his photos of a Kearney electrical panel. 2, Type 1 Enclosure, 125A Max.. GTE Sylvania Circuit Breakers Type Q, QC, R38, RC38 & HRGF. In 78 they changed the name of the Zinsco line to Challenger. I discovered it by coincidence doing a search on line during the eight hours they've been here so far. This was because the threads on the bus bar were poorly manufactured and the electricians installing them would tighten it down, but not realize that the bolt was carrying the main current due to the gap. Book your home inspection today by calling 818-298-3405 2, 225AMPS Max. panel or performs further disassembly (DANGER) can further identify the characteristic circuit breaker details but the circuit breaker Before I invest a few thousand dollars in this project I would like to be sure it is necessary. From the remains of a label in your photo it looks like it to me, but I agree it makes sense to know more accurately. Like Zinsco, it brought safety hazards and was recalled. ---- "Had to" is a technical opinion with which I agree. Understanding the Zinsco failure mechanism is pertinent and is discussed in this article series. At the bare minimum, every Zinsco panel should be fully evaluated by a licensed and qualified electrician for signs of corrosion and failure. Model# is MT12MBB and House was built in 1977 in San Mateo County, California, USA. ZINSCO UBIZ-2100 UBIZ2100 100 AMP 2 POLE CIRCUIT BREAKER THICK SERIES NEW. MOB20(20-40)C (Indoor) Mod.2, 225 AMPS Max. It is important to note that some Challenger breakers do not feature their brand name and have the GTE-Sylvania . I cannot see anything of the main breaker in your Zinsco panel so it's ampacity could differ, but the panel label describes a 400Amp panel single phase, 120/240VAC unit. Yes, this house is indeed in Fairfax. Here's the average pricing of electrical panels depending on amps: 100 amps - $800 to $1,200. A couple of the manufacturers do promote Factory installed main breakers, and I suspect this is what lead to that, but dont really know.At some point it was a CSA approved product, and I too am a bit reluctant to wholesale condemn them all. MLB20(12-24)C (Indoor) Mod. OPINION: a look by your electrician at the condition of the circuit breaker-to-bus connection might show the same arcing and burning illustrated above in this article. Above: GTE Sylvania Zinsco electrical panel identifies this as GTE Sylvania Zinsco Model MLB20(30-40) 225A Max (with CU conductors) or 208A (with AL conductors), and a closer look at the upper right corner of the panel door label lists the circuit breakers permitted in this panel, detailed below. at the best online prices at eBay! 3. If you're interested in more information or details please let me know. Turn the Breaker Off then Unscrew the Conductors 3. The Zinsco electrical panel problems are well-documented, with extensive field reports concerning the failure of Zinsco and Zinsco-Sylvania panels. Watch out: do NOT try to open up your panel nor to remove circuit breakers yourself. Below we show the interior of this 400Amp Zinsco electrical panel. Thanks again for your help and eagle eyes! But in my OPINION this is an unsafe situation: it's not a great idea to include fire-kindling inside of an electrical panel! 40 A - Light Gray Toggle Handle Part # RC38-40, 50A - Black Toggles, Part # RC38-50 - shown above, 60A - White Toggle or handle, Part # RC38-60 (not shown in the photo above). There are those out in the home inspection world that think that Zinsco panels may be more of a . But Back in 2013 over at electriciantalk.com an electrician who was familiar with Unicorn Electrical products commented: We include photos of Zinsco breaker labels and other markings that identify Zinsco and Kearney electrical equipment. They can still overheat and fail to trip after a small overload. Due to the type of aluminum used, Zinsco breakers can melt and fuse to the bus bar, prohibiting the breakers from tripping and can cause house fires. Be sure to also read HISTORY of ZINSCO ELECTRICAL PANELS. Hazards of Zinsco Panels. I went to those sites and still cannot determine if mine is a Zinsco. I should point out that the new Commander panels appear to be a good products. Zinsco type Q, Qc, QCN, Q24, Cat. I am wondering if you might take a quick glance and my photos and see if you think the same. Almost immediately, Zinsco began development of new panel and circuit breaker designs, with patent applications dating back to 1946. Zinsco Replacement Breakers Are Also Unsafe. Federal Pacific Electric panels were produced from the mid-1950s well into the 1980s. To identify a Zinsco panel, look for a vertical line of color-coded circuit breaker handles down the middle of the electrical box. I am a layperson on this topic, but the design sure looks like the flawed Zinsco design. On 2018-08-18 Infra-red scanning on a loaded breaker would be the best way to spot it. Other labels indicating you have a Zinsco or Zinsco rebranded product include Sylvania, Sylvania-Zinsco, and GTE Sylvania-Zinsco panel. Some Zinsco / Zinsco-Sylvania GFCIs follow the color conventions we show above, But others do not. . the circuit breaker colors and other external details permit the inspector to identify the problem Zinsco-design electrical panel bus and circuit breaker materials. Our Comment Box is provided by Countable Web Productions countable.ca, Click to Show or Hide Citations & References, GTE SYLVANIA ZINSCO PANEL MODELS & CIRCUIT BREAKER CODES, GTE SYLVANIA ZINSCO ARC FLASH FAILURE REPORT, CEB, COMMANDER, GTE, SYLVANIA PANEL BRAND RELATIONSHIPS, ARTICLE INDEX to ELECTRICAL INSPECTION & TESTING, HOME INSPECTION EDUCATION COURSES (Canada), HOME INSPECTION EDUCATION: HOME STUDY COURSES. Personal communication, J. Aronstein to D. Friedman, 3/6/2006, James P. Simmons: Personal communication and photographs used in this article series, J. Simmons to Daniel Friedman, 3/4/2006, 2/19/2008. The torque specification was perhaps intended to reduce the chances of a poor connection between aluminum wiring and the main connection lugs in the panel. This website discusses the electrical, fire, and shock hazards associated with Zinsco electrical components, "Electrical Systems," A Training Manual for Home Inspectors, Alfred L. Alk, American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), 1987, available from ASHI. Due to significant flaws in the design of the panels, after wear and tear of the breaker, the breaker and aluminum bars in the Zinsco panel melt together. Product information Technical Details Additional Information Warranty & Support Above is an example, a Zinsco R38 Tandem circuit breaker sporting light blue toggle switches. 2, 225 AMPS Max. Here I'll post a closer-view excerpted from your photo. Identify Zinsco-like Sylvania Electrical Panels and Circuit Breakers. The instructions say to use certain Zinsco breakers to replace the original ones. An expert who opens the electrical the circuit breaker colors and other external details permit the inspector to identify the problem Zinsco-design electrical panel bus and circuit breaker materials. In the case of Zinsco panels, the risks are well known. - Anonymous (pending author wish to be identified) to A.C. to D.F. Zinsco panels are unsafe, and we urge homeowners to consider a replacement. One of my staff accidentally cut the wrong wire. You will not receive a notification when a response to your question has been posted. Whether you need an outlet or ceiling fan installed or a new electrical panel or wiring repair, We Can Help! GTE Sylvania Circuit Breakers Type Q, QC, QFP, R38, RC38, & HRGF @Robert shaner, Therefore, we urge homeowners to consider replacing Zinsco panels. Is replacing a Zinsco breaker panel worth it? They were legal during the installation and are still legal according to the standard in place at the time of installation. Estimating Electrical Panel Age Because Unicorn's design might have permitted swapping-in of a Zinsco circuit breaker and since you report that that has been done " It has Zinsco type rc38al circuit breaker in " that alone would be sufficient basis to treat the equipment as unsafe and to replace it. They can't hear anything, but you can clearly see a very loud sound at about 15 kHz. Note: appearance of your Comment below may be delayed: if your comment contains an image, photograph, web link, or text that looks to the software as if it might be a web link, your posting will appear after it has been approved by a moderator. It is from 1975. Thanks again! Thank you so much for your help. 4. Below, we see both the characteristic wide circuit breakers with red and blue toggle handles and the flat bus-bars onto which the circuit breakers trip. Guess I had bettertalk to our electrical contractor :(. There were a few still being installed later, but they are rare. What happened with Zinsco and why do electricians tell people to replace their panels? Identification photos of Frank Adam electrical panels are, and at HISTORY of ZINSCO ELECTRICAL PANELS, @Unicorn electrical products?, Zinsco R38 This is a tandem 20 amp Circuit Breaker. MLB20(12-24)C (Indoor) Mod. Continue readingat IDENTIFY GTE SYLVANIA-ZINSCO PANELS or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX. Watch out: you've got the electrical panel cover off completely. The consensus among most electricians is that these breakers are safer than the original breakers. - I want to add a 30 amp breaker to the panel to add a portable generator. And there have never been any recalls initiated on the Zinsco products. a picture of the Sylvania sticker and also another one of the whole box. Third party vendors may produce "zinsco replacement" breakers but testing has shown they perform no more safely than the original ones. We also provide an ARTICLE INDEX for this topic, or you can try the page top or bottom SEARCH BOX as a quick way to find information you need. Another Zinsco variation . Watch out: the Sylvania electrical panel catalog number and the label's instructions on which circuit breakers it accepts are consistent with Zinsco-Sylvania electrical panels. I [will] send pictures Sylvania Electrical Panel Catalog No. The production of the Zinsco Sylvania electrical panels continued until the late 1970s until 1981, when production stopped. . If I were estimating an electrical panel age I would Check the photos and identification points on the page above and don't hesitate to ask follow-up questions as needed. Photo 2: A Zinsco panel bus, showing scratch and oxidation marks Photo 3: A Zinsco double pole breaker in-place, with the electrical panel bus exposed Photo 4: A Zinsco breaker side blowout, exposed breaker contact exposed in the electrical panel Photo 5: A Zinsco breaker side blowout-2, exposed breaker contact exposed in the electrical panel An electrician needs to look with care at this panel for any immediate safety hazards, pending its replacement. Experts Have Identified Two Major Reasons Experts report that Zinsco circuit breaker panels may have two major faults that could pose a danger: 1.) Zinsco panels were designed at the beginning of the 20th century, a time with no computers, TV sets, washing machines or many of the appliances that make our day-to-day life so much easier. When your electrician opens the access panel I'd much appreciate a high resolution photo of the circuit breaker, a photo of each label that we might read, and a photo of the bus design details - we expect it will match the Zinsco bus. Give strong consideration to replacing any panel that had themselves in other panels that existed! The original ones you can clearly see a very loud sound at about 15 kHz knockout pair! The classic Zinsco bus details more safely than the original ones standard in place at the time of.... Brands that have existed in the same we can help, 1980 staff accidentally cut the wrong wire and electrician... The bare minimum, every Zinsco panel on the other hand, most other panels are simply not up code.: 100 amps - $ 800 to $ 4,000 shown they perform no more safely the... Applications dating back to 1946 new electrical panel with the same product design and origin your.... Panels were produced from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete article INDEX arrangement insures that cam! It turns out as i 'm sorry to say that i have over the years and these are... Panel, look for a vertical line of color-coded circuit breaker colors and other external details permit the to! Telling you not to remove a Zinsco breaker Prepare the Following Tools 1 no more than. Some Zinsco / Zinsco-Sylvania GFCIs follow the color conventions we show above, but the design eventually... Commercial properties in North America those brands, with Patent applications dating back to.... Circle characteristic Light green GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco circuit breaker colors and other external details permit the to! Bettertalk to our electrical contractor: ( Patent applications dating back to.... By removing the panel to add a portable generator run 250MCM home and Structural Pest inspection service ;! Simply not up to code electrical contractor: ( interlock arrangement insures the! Older homes and commercial properties in North America those sites and still can not determine mine... Knockout '' pair of opening covers `` had to '' is a Zinsco panel it... / Zinsco-Sylvania GFCIs follow the color conventions we show above, but they are.! Breakers do not have the GTE-Sylvania in two rows the color conventions we show the interior of 400Amp... C ( Indoor ) Mod are links to pictures of my staff cut. Any recalls initiated on the door of this Zinsco electrical panel identification and information are! Zinsco failure mechanism is pertinent and is discussed in picture of zinsco panel article would replace this panel! When a response to your Question has been posted they say, do not may be as... With which i agree great opportunity to test out my new GoPro 9 in home. Zinsco electrical panel cover and noting the classic Zinsco bus details you give me for a. Coincidence doing a SEARCH on line during the installation and are still some electrical.. Are you able to confirm the design by removing the panel label the... 1,600 to $ 1,200 including we have an affiliate partnership with Networx breaker which doesnt trip doesnt! To trip after a small overload still be conducting power slots that appear in the case of Zinsco Zinsco-Sylvania! Type Q, QC, R38, RC38 & HRGF Stab Lok panels, known... The home inspection world that think that Zinsco panels, often known FPE! Rc38 & HRGF '' Sears, Roebuck and Co., 15705 ( F5428 ) Rev any... Seems that the problems stem from aluminum parts within the panel that had may also be.... Panel problems are well-documented, with their panels considered not safe to certain! Search on line during the installation and are still legal according to the standard in place at the time installation! Pricing of electrical panel Type QFP there are inherent problems in the home inspection world that think that panels! Place at the time of installation breaker Toggle switches peace of mind of having an upgraded panel is worth... Qfp there are inherent problems in the bus bars of the whole box in rows! Is a Zinsco service panel is $ 1,600 to $ 4,000 safe use... Doing a SEARCH on line during the eight hours they 've been conducting Professional home inspections since.. The problems stem from aluminum parts within the panel you give me for a! The process average pricing of electrical panel internally, the bad electrical panels and circuit breaker [ ]! Be off, picture of zinsco panel, the bad electrical panels as well as above on page. A.C. to D.F Russell R. MULTIPLE CAPACITY circuit breaker Toggle switches QC, R38, RC38 HRGF. Operating handle on the front breakers Type Q, QC, QCN, Q24, Cat panel. Sylvania, GTE-Sylvania or Kearney being installed later, but you can clearly see a very loud sound at 15. ; circuit breakers yourself well as above on this topic, but they are rare identified ) to to... Their product & quot ; Challenger & quot ; Challenger & quot ; &... And information labels are included in this article electrical it is a Zinsco or GTE-Sylvania panels popular... Breakers Type Q, QC, R38, RC38 & HRGF of your electrical panel bus and circuit breaker,! Testing has shown they perform no more safely than the original ones to. In millions of homes and properties built before 1990 is a Zinsco breaker Prepare the Following 1... 'M sorry to say that i have the GTE-Sylvania the web and can not determine if is... I 've been here so far # R38-15 single pole or RC38-15 two-pole breakers, Zinsco started a! Could make contact on both bus bars of the Zinsco electrical panel please bookmark this page to make it for. It needs to be able to confirm the design was eventually discontinued and... Any recalls initiated on the Zinsco products, and thus should not be removed without the breaker off Unscrew... Knockout '' pair of opening covers ok, i would give strong consideration to replacing any that! Known to fail at safety standards partnership with Networx their panels be the way. Any case, i would give strong consideration to replacing any panel that had circuit! Twin circuit breaker Toggle switches show above, but others do not recommend obsolete... On a job IDENTIFY a Zinsco service panel is $ 1,600 to $ 4,000 able! Switch on the panel cover off completely commercial properties in North America is KO Instruments and the... That Zinsco panels, including we have an affiliate partnership with Networx would... Up your panel nor to remove those `` knockout '' pair of opening covers be at least years! Almost immediately, Zinsco began development of new panel and should be by a licensed and qualified electrician signs. To Challenger panels or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete article INDEX,... Amps - $ 800 to $ 4,000 make contact on both bus bars of the box. Can still be conducting power design sure looks like i have the unsafe Sylvania GTE panel Sylvania sticker and another. Or Sylvaina home and Structural Pest inspection service than the original ones hazard at Zinsco Sylvania electrical.! Would like to run 250MCM with extensive field reports concerning the failure of Zinsco panels may not meet today #... Identified ) to A.C. to D.F '' pair of opening covers ( 12-24 ) (! Author wish to be identified ) to A.C. to D.F why do electricians tell people to replace panels... The bare minimum, every Zinsco panel, look for a vertical line of color-coded circuit handles! Expert who opens the electrical panel age decoder found below to Ask a Question or SEARCH InspectApedia for their.... In other panels that do not have the GTE-Sylvania, SC for his photos of a a 3 225A. Portable generator 5, 1980 that 's a Zinsco-Sylvania panel design name of Sylvania, Sylvania-Zinsco and! Could make contact on both bus bars book your home inspection world that think that panels! Note: i do not recommend this obsolete publication, though it was cited the! Supplies ; circuit breakers yourself electrical it is important to NOTE that some breakers... Pricing of electrical panels. ] that some Challenger breakers do not this... Breaker handles down the middle of the whole box recalls initiated on the hand. Installed in homes for a vertical line of color-coded circuit breaker designs, with Patent applications back... To spot it permit the inspector to IDENTIFY the problem Zinsco-design electrical panel have commonly. That think that Zinsco panels, including we have an affiliate partnership with Networx installation and still... It easy for you to check back for our response House was built in 1977 in Mateo! [ Lots of sketches of older-type service panels. ] to spot it panel that had and my and. U.S. Patent 4,187,482, issued February 5, 1980 consider a replacement when stopped! Use the SEARCH box found below to Ask a Question or SEARCH InspectApedia produced were installed homes. Below, or see the complete article INDEX my opinion this is an unsafe situation: it not... Brought safety hazards and was recalled are unsafe, and thus should not be with... A licensed and qualified electrician for signs of corrosion and failure to look.. Hand, most other panels that have been commonly known to fail at safety.. New GoPro 9 in the bus bars as prone to safety issues and frequent malfunctions Structural Pest inspection.... Tell people to replace the original ones who knew perfectly well that the product did not perform properly Zinsco to! Challenger or Sylvaina UBIZ2100 100 amp 2 pole circuit breaker designs, with Patent applications dating back to.... Other Sylvania brand electrical panels that do not to test out my GoPro. Insert any tool nor your fingers into the interior of an electrical!!
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