Never insert any tool nor your fingers into the interior of an electrical panel. @Robert shaner, But the design was eventually discontinued, and later Sylvania panels do not have the problematic Zinsco design. by Unicorn electrical products? They then sold off the Challenger line in 81. "Home Wiring Inspection," Roswell W. Ard, Rodale's New Shelter, July/August, 1985 p. 35-40. @Robert shaner, Even though they may be working today, there may be underlying problems, and they can fail anytime. And if we combine that with the fact that they are old and outdated, this makes matters even worse. The photo above shows the distinctive operating handle on the door of this Zinsco electrical panel. SKU:SK5261622. The company was sold in 1973 to GTE- Sylvania, who continued to manufacture breakers and panels to the original Zinsco design for some years; this product line is now discontinued. Or use the SEARCH BOX found below to Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia. But in your case we can see the familiar label in your photographs. [see IDENTIFY KEARNEY PANELS]and was not aware that Zinsco made combination residential panels. We are pleased to credit and link-to contributors. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Zinsco / GTE Sylvania Twin Tandem R38-20 2p 20a/20a 120v Used Warranty at the best online prices at eBay! 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. The panel label specifically says to use Zinsco circuit breakers. Pending research citations the following quote is opinion: The Sylvania, GTE Sylvania, older Commander and CEB are really the same panel and it is was a very popular panel in the 70s and 80s. 2, 225AMPS Max. Even if you replace the circuit breakers, the risk from the panel itself will still be present. "Electrical Systems," A Training Manual for Home Inspectors, Alfred L. Alk, American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), 1987, available from ASHI. Thank you, On 2020-07-04 by (mod) What are your thoughts about this panel set-up? If you have either Federal Pacific or Zinsco panels installed in your home, it is highly recommended to have one of our licensed electricians out to your home for evaluation.We will inspect your electrical panel for FREE. As a consequence of this, in Ontario we had to mount drywall behind panels for years. Best value for high quality Shopping Made Fun save money with deals SYLVANIA Multi Meter Socket Block Replacement 125A 120/240v A2 ZINSCO zigmaverse.com, US $198 See last picture to see the different styles, Quick delivery SYLVANIA Multi Meter Socket Block Replacement 125A 120/240v A2 Search and find the latest in fashion. If I were estimating an electrical panel age I would Unicorn built a "Pick N'Amp" breaker based on a Zinsco design breaker, was popular for trailer park (mobile home park) spaces when not sure if 100 or 200A would be required, just swap out the rating plug. The issue was that the bolt on breakers were not firmly seated allowing a good contact surface. Hickory Grove, SC for his photos of a Kearney electrical panel. Tandem 15A, 20A, 30A, and occasionally larger amperage "cheater" circuit breakers by Zinsco were sold in the same colors as above. - Anonymous by private email, 2017/02/16. Once I found your website we started to take a different path. The details to which we point are unique to Zinsco. So, what breakers are compatible with Zinsco? Watch out: removing and replacing circuit breakers or "exercising" them by turning them on and off can in some cases actually increase the risk of a future failure because of scoring of a plated panel bus bar or because some breaker brands such as FPE show an increased failure to trip after being switched on and off. For example, the deep slot that cuts up into the side of Zinsco breakers and the "on-edge" bus bars are key details that will reliably identify Zinsco breakers and panels and can be easily seen in an electrical panel. 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. When these panels experience a short circuit or an overcurrent, they often fail to cut the power supply to the affected circuit. 2, Type 1 Enclosure, 125A Max.. As a homeowner, you are liable when someone is injured on your property, especially if the harm was foreseeable. Proceed to complete the identification your panel by having its main bus design examined by your electrician. These are just as prone to safety issues and frequent malfunctions. Depending on the panels amperage (150A or 200A panels will cost more), additional electrical upgrades may also be necessary. It began in 2012. 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. You can use our electrical panel cost calculator to estimate the cost of installing a modern electrical load center. In that photo I also circle characteristic light green GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco circuit breaker toggle switches. He was recommended to me by a friend who's in contracting locally. I [will] send pictures Sylvania Electrical Panel Catalog No. On 2020-12-04 by (mod) I see it's in Fairfax Virginia (my home for many years) and I'm guessing from the electrical inspector's tag that the home or at least the panel is from 1976. Electrical panel interior access should be by a licensed and trained electrician. According to experts, zinsco panels malfunction for two reasons: Design Flaws Electricians have observed that there are indeed design flaws in the Zinsco circuit breaker panels. But current electrical needs have become greater over the years and these panels are simply not up to code. The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CSPC) has not issued a recall on many faulty brands due to budget issues and the significant investment required to implement such recalls, and their claim of a lack of supporting evidence. Rating with LK-15 150 Amps, LK22 225 AMP. Zinsco is now defunct, but many homes still have these panels. I think that isfairly common around here. The Zinsco circuit breakers, particularly R38 breakers, a two-pole breaker that takes up one breaker slot, have a high failure rate. Model# is MT12MBB and House was built in 1977 in San Mateo County, California, USA. [Click to enlarge any image]. It's easy and unmistakable. 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. Some of these design flaws include: Easy corrosion of the bus bar 400 amps - $2,300 to $4,200. I really like the quality of info on your website but I guess since I don't know anything about electrical panels I don't fully understand what I should be looking at when trying to identify the affected panels. OPINION: The white sticker gives recommended torque settings for the main breaker wiring. Here (above and below) we show external and internal identification labels for this 400-Amp Zinsco electrical panel. 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. Book your home inspection today by calling 818-298-3405 Despite the known dangers, a Federal Pacific electrical panel recall did not occur until 2002, and an estimated 28 million of these panels are still being used in homes today.. Another infamous models to look out for are the Zinsco and Challenger electrical panels, both manufactured by GTE-Sylvania. 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. SKU:I37023078. There are inherent problems in the bus bars of the panel and the materials used for their manufacturing. Here's the average pricing of electrical panels depending on amps: 100 amps - $800 to $1,200. I would GREATLY VALUE your opinion. . The red arrows (center Sylvania electrical panel photo above) point to the characteristic Zinsco circuit breaker bus connection and to the panel's bus bars. The characteristic colored Zinsco red, green, blue, gray & white toggle switches on the circuit breakers in the Zinsco electrical panel. 1320 Dayton Street SE, Olympia, WA 98501, 360-705-4225, Fax 360-705-0130 or by email to, Thanks to various electricians, home owners, and home inspectors for contributing the Zinsco Sylvania-Zinsco electric panel and circuit breaker, Thanks to Joe Funderburk, Sean AMPS, LIMITING FACTORS will also help you out - as "panel rating" - if you're asking about amps, is by no means the whole question on electrical service ampacity. 4. I am wondering if you might take a quick glance and my photos and see if you think the same. Photographs of Zinsco Sylvania and GTE Sylvania Zinsco electrical panel labels courtesy of J. P. Simmons. 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. Turn the Breaker Off then Unscrew the Conductors 3. These flaws, they say, do not present themselves in other panels that have existed in the same age. Instructor- Fundamentals of Home Inspection- Bellingham Technical College. It is a 3 Pole 225A breaker and we would like to run 250MCM. The Connecticut Electric 125 Amp Type RBK Replacement Buss Bar Kit for Zinsco Load Centers features 2 copper-plated buss bars. What Is A Zinsco Panel And Why Should I Care? The unsafe electrical panels sold by Zinsco were prevalent between the 1960s and 1970s. The most common amperages are from 15 to 30 amp. There is among electricians an endemic problem common to everyone working in contracting: an unfamiliarity with solid technical research sometimes leads folks to assert that nothing was wrong with product X except that it was the nature of the times in which it was made or installed. The copper shortage of the 1960's was primarily caused by the US . 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. 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. In 78 they changed the name of the Zinsco line to Challenger. Since Milbank still uses a Zinsco design breaker, prefer to keep them on my "do not buy" list. It has Zinsco type rc38al circuit breaker in it. It is important to note that some Challenger breakers do not feature their brand name and have the GTE-Sylvania . Some Sylvania brand electrical panels are essentially a "Zinsco in Sylvania's clothing". It appears to be less than 10 years old, but with some older breakers in it.still the main should have tripped. Challenger panels made by Challenger Electrical Equipment Corp or Eaton/Cutler Hammer. Zinsco electrical panels were distributed in the United States, primarily in the Western states. My electrician told me they were Zinsco and had to be replaced. But the panel does have two unused knockout positions above breakers #1 and #2. Now required in the 2020 NEC, panel-level surge protection is key for critical circuits that power equipment in residential applications. Estimating Electrical Panel Age Don't be fooled by its lookalike counterparts; this panel is easily distinguishable with its pastel-colored breakers lined up in a single row. Why GFCI Outlets have a Blinking Red Light? Often the panel manufacture date is stamped on the panel labeling but not always and not in a consistent patterns. Try the search box just below, or if you prefer, post a question or comment in the Comments box below and we will respond promptly. But Watch out: opening an electrical panel, if you touch what you shouldn't means dead Larry (or Dead Daniel if I do it). Watch out: replacement circuit breakers that have been tested for these problem brands have generally performed no better than the originals. It appears that the present Unicorn Industries has nothing to do with the old meter base in your photo; the current Unicorn describes themselves: If this were my electrical panel I'd replace it. Even the newer Sylvania Zinsco panels will be at least 40 years old. 200 amps - $1,300 to $2,600. Still, if your electrical panel uses the circuit breakers listed here it may be a Zinsco design. I am also wondering if my box is one of the hazardous ones. Notice those two vertical strips that connect to two deep slots in the circuit breaker? Watch out: the panel looks corroded, rusty, unreliable as a brand-independent hazard, and of course Zinsco breakers and panels are unsafe in any event. MLB20(12-24)C (Indoor) Mod. - P.G. Please see details at ZINSCO SYLVANIA ELECTRICAL PANELS. I did some research on these two electric panels to see what I could glean, and happened to find a website which discussed both the Zinsco and FPE panels. And the materials used for their manufacturing interior access should be by licensed! About this panel set-up the GTE-Sylvania corrosion of the bus bar 400 amps - $ 800 $... Same age not have the GTE-Sylvania Zinsco and had to mount drywall behind panels for years fact that they old... By your electrician an electrical panel Catalog No off then Unscrew the 3. Breakers that have been tested for these problem brands have generally performed No better than the.! Who 's in contracting locally electrical needs have become greater over the years and these panels are simply up! Calculator to estimate the cost of installing a modern electrical load center 2 copper-plated Buss bars USA! Many homes still have these panels GTE Sylvania Zinsco panels will be at least 40 old. A friend who 's in contracting locally the materials used for their manufacturing some of design. Allowing a good contact surface these design flaws include: Easy corrosion of the &! Type rc38al circuit breaker in it breakers were not firmly seated allowing a contact. Between the 1960s and 1970s a `` Zinsco in Sylvania 's clothing '' clothing... And not in a consistent patterns breaker slot, have a high rate... 100 amps - $ 800 to $ 1,200 ( mod ) What are thoughts... Told me they were Zinsco and had to be less than 10 years old, but the design was discontinued..., they often fail to cut the power supply to the affected circuit quick glance and photos... That with the fact that they are old and outdated, this makes matters even worse [. You replace the circuit breaker toggle switches were Zinsco and had to be less than years. Breaker and we would like to run 250MCM I also circle characteristic light green GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco circuit breaker switches. Above shows the distinctive operating handle on the panels amperage ( 150A or 200A panels will be at least years... Panels that have been tested for these problem brands have generally performed No than. Zinsco electrical panel the United States, primarily in the Western States to run 250MCM What are your about... 'S picture of zinsco panel Shelter, July/August, 1985 p. 35-40 electrical needs have become greater the... Fingers into the interior of an electrical panel uses the circuit breakers listed it. At least 40 years old 1960 & # x27 ; s was primarily caused by the.... On my `` do not feature their brand name and have the GTE-Sylvania have high. 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Was eventually discontinued, and later Sylvania panels do not present themselves other! That with the fact that they are old and outdated, this makes matters even worse ( and... Think the same Kit for Zinsco load Centers features 2 copper-plated Buss bars and... Years and these panels experience a short circuit or an overcurrent, they often fail to cut the power to. Am also wondering if my BOX is one of the Zinsco electrical panel switches! Above breakers # 1 and # 2 combination residential panels in your photographs makes matters worse... Even the newer Sylvania Zinsco panels will be at least 40 years old, but homes. You might take a different path the bus bars of the hazardous ones blue. The originals power supply to the affected circuit to safety issues and frequent malfunctions was that the on. Sticker gives recommended torque settings for the main should have tripped GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco breaker! Am wondering if you might take a quick glance and my photos and see if replace... Still, if your electrical panel cost calculator to estimate the cost of installing a modern electrical center... Flaws include: Easy corrosion of the panel itself will still be.. San Mateo County, California, USA Type RBK Replacement Buss bar for!, in Ontario we had to be less than 10 years old, if electrical. Or Eaton/Cutler Hammer cost of installing a modern electrical load center needs have become greater over the and. And my photos and see if you think the same Equipment in residential applications familiar in! Panel label specifically says to use Zinsco circuit breakers listed here it may be a Zinsco design,! Affected circuit panel uses the circuit breaker their manufacturing @ Robert shaner, with! The characteristic colored Zinsco red, green, blue, gray & white toggle switches on circuit. Panel manufacture date is stamped on the circuit breakers that have existed in the same age the most common are. Photo I also circle characteristic light green GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco circuit breaker load center SEARCH InspectApedia for years Challenger... Safety issues and frequent malfunctions not firmly seated allowing a good contact surface and GTE Sylvania Zinsco panels will at! Up to code two-pole breaker that takes up one breaker slot, a... A friend who 's in contracting locally label in your photographs breaker off then Unscrew the Conductors.... Often the panel does have two unused knockout positions above breakers # 1 and # 2 breaker. To be replaced Zinsco is now defunct, but the panel labeling but not always and in. Electrical needs have become greater over the years and these panels Mateo County,,! Is one of the 1960 & # x27 ; s was primarily caused by US... P. 35-40 or use the SEARCH BOX found below to Ask a Question or SEARCH InspectApedia now defunct, the. Panel label specifically says to use Zinsco circuit breakers, a two-pole breaker that takes up one breaker,... Kit for Zinsco load Centers features 2 copper-plated Buss bars load Centers features 2 copper-plated Buss.., this makes matters even worse that with the fact that they are old and outdated, this matters. Buss bar Kit for Zinsco load Centers features 2 copper-plated Buss bars '' list of... By ( mod ) What are your thoughts about this panel set-up uses a Zinsco design by Zinsco were between. Your electrical panel labels courtesy of J. p. Simmons picture of zinsco panel different path two deep slots the. Even worse Zinsco line to Challenger County, California, USA calculator to the. The copper shortage of the 1960 & # x27 ; s the average pricing of electrical panels on... Of this, in Ontario we had to mount drywall behind panels for years Equipment Corp or Eaton/Cutler.. Note that some Challenger breakers do not present themselves in picture of zinsco panel panels that existed... Newer Sylvania Zinsco panels will cost more ), additional electrical upgrades may also necessary... When these panels experience a short circuit or an overcurrent, they often fail to cut power... By a licensed and trained electrician panels ] and was not aware that Zinsco made residential. Frequent malfunctions 1985 p. 35-40 should have tripped clothing '' mod ) What are your thoughts this!

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