But I would rather live in a house full of knob and tube than one of these panels. "Simplified Electrical Wiring," Sears, Roebuck and Co., 15705 (F5428) Rev. I would GREATLY VALUE your opinion. Even the newer Sylvania Zinsco panels will be at least 40 years old. 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! I have only had 2 Federal Pioneer (FP or FPE) breakers not trip, but one was actually yesterday. Thank you for all the information - I don't think this is a Zinsco panel, but would you be able to confirm? 20 A - Red Toggle Part # R38-20 or RC38-20 double pole. Excerpts: An interlock arrangement insures that the cam element can not be removed without the breaker being automatically tripped. Hickory Grove, SC for his photos of a Kearney electrical panel. The production of the Zinsco Sylvania electrical panels continued until the late 1970s until 1981, when production stopped. Does the home you are buying have a Zinsco panel? My Missouri home was built in 1978. QC60 Zinsco Sylvania UBIZ260 2p 60a 120/240v Circuit Breaker NEW 1yr Warranty. I want to add a 30 amp breaker to the panel to add a portable generator but what I don't understand the order in which the double pole breakers at the top are arranged on the bus. 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. If the panel you describe is of the classic Zinsco design described in these pages there is risk of breaker-bus arcing and the other hazards described for Zinsco. If your electrician pulls the breaker you'll be able to compare its breaker-to-bus connection with the identification photos above on this page. Above: Sylvania electrical panel Catalog No. The panel labels may identify it as "Sylvania", Sylvania-Zinsco, or GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco. Home Inspection Insider, 200 Amp Wire Size: Residential Service Guide, Bad GFCI Outlet: 13 Things You Should Know, Microwave Breaker Size: Wire & Outlet for Microwave Ovens, 40 Amp Wire Size: Wire & Breaker Size Guide, 30 Amp Wire Size: Wire & Breaker Size Guide. Production was halted when design flaws were discovered. The average cost of replacing a Zinsco service panel is $1,600 to $4,000. Apologies for the delay. Watch out: do NOT try to open up your panel nor to remove circuit breakers yourself. zinsco still make 35 amp breakers? The photo above shows the distinctive operating handle on the door of this Zinsco electrical panel. And if we combine that with the fact that they are old and outdated, this makes matters even worse. Or perhaps to reduce manufacturer liability, as :I have yet to meet an electrician who owns a torque wrench. 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. Check the Breaker for Damage It's Best to Replace the Entire Panel Conclusion Ways to Remove a Zinsco Breaker There were a few still being installed later, but they are rare. This site includes photos of what happens if an electrical panel fails. Depending on the panel's amperage (150A or 200A panels will cost more), additional electrical upgrades may also be necessary. I discovered it by coincidence doing a search on line during the eight hours they've been here so far. Some other factors that will affect the price for replacing a Zinsco panel are: Depending on these and other factors, even newer wiring might need to be installed. Notice those two vertical strips that connect to two deep slots in the circuit breaker? Just below, the photo of a recent GTE Sylvania Zinsco circuit breaker burn-up is shown here courtesy of Jeff Weissman and observed, he reports, in a GTE-Sylvania electrical panel. The first Zinsco panels and breakers- labeled "Magnatrip"- (patent issued in 1950) had copper bus-bars and breaker clips. I am a layperson on this topic, but the design sure looks like the flawed Zinsco design. However, when looking into the safety of your electrical panel, it's important to look beyond . I'm looking for the AIC rating of the big double throw AC cutoff switch on the front. 5. Your first photo (above # 1 of 3) shows that the main breaker and circuit breakers are in a panel adjacent to what's probably also a GTE-Sylvania meter base. The unique deep slotted circuit breaker connector openings that press over the bus bars (inside the panel accessed by a licensed electrician). Never insert any tool nor your fingers into the interior of an electrical panel. as providing "information systems for the European energy industry and utilities. " The Zinsco electrical panel problems are well-documented, with extensive field reports concerning the failure of Zinsco and Zinsco-Sylvania panels. No, Nick, at HISTORY of ZINSCO ELECTRICAL PANELS you'll see the company has long been out of business. We include photos of Zinsco breaker labels and other markings that identify Zinsco and Kearney electrical equipment. A split bus uses one or more of the double pole higher amp breakers in the panel top to feed a lower panel bus to which the rest of the breakers are connected. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website. The unique vertical thin-edged bus bars (aluminum, plated aluminum, or in older Zinsco panels copper bus bars (inside the panel accessed by a licensed electrician). 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. So they should be treated as the same electrical panel with the same weaknesses. Tandem 15A, 20A, 30A, and occasionally larger amperage "cheater" circuit breakers by Zinsco were sold in the same colors as above. Zinsco electrical panels were distributed in the United States, primarily in the Western states. 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? I can't see enough to be sure; take a look at the Zinsco breakers and other Zinsco panel ID clues above on this page. Other Zinsco electrical panel identification and information labels are included in this article. Why GFCI Outlets have a Blinking Red Light? Mary Another Zinsco variation . Moderator comment: I expect your electrician to be able to confirm the design by removing the panel cover and noting the classic Zinsco bus details. Zinsco is now defunct, but many homes still have these panels. Experts report that Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) circuit breaker panels may have three major faults that could pose a danger: 1.) There were problems found with our air handlers and they were wondering if that is what caused this Ark. Both FPE and Zinsco can be stealth failures: damage is often already present but not visible without disassembly - which should NOT be recommended as the hazards are only increased by messing with the equipment. I'm looking to upgrade to 200A with solar system in future but trying to decide if I should replace it now if it's unsafe. Challenger discontinued the Zinsco panel line, but continued making Zinsco breakers for the existing Zinsco and Sylvania panels that required the type Z breakers. Use GTE Sylvania Circuit Breakers type Q, QC, AFP, R38, RC38, and HRGF. In any case, I would replace this electrical panel. Q242 [illegible] and continues, stating. We are pleased to credit and link-to contributors. I am preparing to install solar and our solar rep looked at our electrical panel and recommended it be replaced, saying that the design was unsafe. Experts Have Identified Two Major Reasons Experts report that Zinsco circuit breaker panels may have two major faults that could pose a danger: 1.) 3. It appears that the present Unicorn Industries has nothing to do with the old meter base in your photo; the current Unicorn describes themselves: Hickory Grove, SC for his photos of a Kearney electrical panel. ZINSCO UBIZ-2100 UBIZ2100 100 AMP 2 POLE CIRCUIT BREAKER THICK SERIES NEW. Other labels indicating you have a Zinsco or Zinsco rebranded product include Sylvania, Sylvania-Zinsco, and GTE Sylvania-Zinsco panel. On 2021-08-25 by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod). 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. 3. Is this 100 amp breaker from 1965 a zinsco breaker? 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. Some of these such as FPE involved outright fraud by people who knew perfectly well that the product did not perform properly. It is a Zinsco type electrical panel and should be replaced. I should point out that the new Commander panels appear to be a good products. It seems that the problems stem from aluminum parts within the panel. Challenger panels made by Challenger Electrical Equipment Corp or Eaton/Cutler Hammer. It's probably a 15A Zinsco tandem circuit breaker. However, if your home was built during these decades, you may well have a Zinsco electrical panel and circuit breakers in your system. IDENTIFY GTE SYLVANIA-ZINSCO PANELS at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice. The UL label is, I think, only a listing certification and not a model number. They named their product "Challenger". Aluminum has a useful life of approximately 30 years. They were legal during the installation and are still legal according to the standard in place at the time of installation. Many, if not all, insurance companies can even refuse to insure a property with a Zinsco due to their documented and proven fire hazards. But Discussed: GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco Electrical Panels that used Zinsco circuit breakers and bus design & may involve similar electrical panel failures and safety concerns as Zinsco. And in the cases where the insurance company decides to write the insurance, the owner might be charged a higher premium due to the higher risk of electrical fires and damages. Those red and light blue (?) Adjustable Zinsco Sylvania Electric Panel Retrofit Kits produced by Eaton Corp., Cutler Hammer Products are a patented design new electric panel interior designed to replace aging electrical panels in residential and light commercial applications. Electrical panel interior access should be by a licensed and trained electrician. An electrician needs to look with care at this panel for any immediate safety hazards, pending its replacement. However, the bad electrical panels already produced were installed in homes for a few more years. . Your photos confirm that this is a 225A Sylvania-branded Zinsco-design electrical panel of the type that we discuss and at risk of breaker to bus arcing, overheating, damage. The instructions say to use certain Zinsco breakers to replace the original ones. 30 A - Light Green Toggle Part # R38-30 single pole or RC38-30 wo-pole half-width brakers in a closer view in the photo just below. ML12(12-24)C (Indoor) - Mod. Joe's advice is in our opinion bad and unsafe. The panel label specifically says to use Zinsco circuit breakers. "Basic Housing Inspection," US DHEW, S352.75 U48, p.144, out of print, but is available in most state libraries. The most common amperages are from 15 to 30 amp. 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. 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. Between the 1980's to the 1990's Challenger panels were installed in hundreds of thousands of homes. History of the Challenger Panel. Zinsco is one of those brands, with their panels considered not safe to use anymore. What advice can you give me for connecting a generator. And there have never been any recalls initiated on the Zinsco products. 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. They don't want to do anything about it, because their hearing starts at about 12kHz, but I hear it all over I house. Estimating Electrical Panel Age It looks as if some, but not all of these Zinsco RC38 breakers have their toggles tied together/, These Zinsco circuit breaker toggle or "handle" colors identify the ampacity of the individual circuit breakers as follows. Home inspectors often call out the dangers of a Zinsco style panel during a home inspection. Understanding the Zinsco failure mechanism is pertinent and is discussed in this article series. This gray circuit breaker may have been installed in a GTE-Sylvania electrical panel but is breaker did not use the Zinsco-design circuit breakers and/or may be of a different brand or manufacture. The Zinsco panel may be under the name of Sylvania, GTE-Sylvania or Kearney. 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. If you can add photos of any labels appearing on the inside of the hinged panel door that would be helpful. The capacity of the breaker unit can be changed at any time by either replacing the cam element or removing and rotating the cam element to any one of a plurality of angular positions and reinserting the cam element in the breaker. 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. 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. Watch out: while the cardboard might feed an electrical fire in this panel you can't just have it removed: if a neutral or ground wire touches something it shouldn't that could cause an electrical arc explosion. Even though they may be working today, there may be underlying problems, and they can fail anytime. This is a detail unique to Zinsco circuit breakers and panels even when marketed under other trade names. Use Zinsco circuit breakers type Q, Qc, QCN, Q24, Cat. Pushmatic. You will not receive a notification when a response to your question has been posted. SKU:SK5261622. 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. 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. The Sylvania panel can be found through the three names: GTE, Sylvania, or Zinsco. CONTACT US with field reports and photos. Zinsco electrical panels were distributed in the United States, primarily in the Western states. How to Identify a Zinsco Breaker Panel? The copper shortage of the 1960's was primarily caused by the US . Ok, I see, the panel label has the language you spotted. There are those out in the home inspection world that think that Zinsco panels may be more of a . The kit is intended for use with Zinsco type Q- or type R series load centers, typically 8-16 or 12-24 format. Watch out: your photo shows live voltage terminals exposed: don't touch or you can be shocked or killed. Zinsco R38 This is a tandem 20 amp Circuit Breaker. At the bare minimum, every Zinsco panel should be fully evaluated by a licensed and qualified electrician for signs of corrosion and failure. Here's a picture of the instructions / panel: picture 1 picture 2 I would like to replace the 40A breaker shown with a 30A GFCI breaker. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website. See details of the hazard at ZINSCO SYLVANIA ELECTRICAL PANELS as well as above on this page. 2, Type 1 Enclosure, 125A Max.. GTE Sylvania Circuit Breakers Type Q, QC, R38, RC38 & HRGF. Research is underway. Once I found your website we started to take a different path. Zinsco type Q, Qc, QCN, Q24, Cat. Square D panel with following breakers 100A main breaker, 100A breaker, 50A 2 pole, 3 - 20 A single pole, 2- GFCI outlets attached to side. One of the most common faults of a Zinsco electrical panel is that the breakers . Continue readingat IDENTIFY GTE SYLVANIA-ZINSCO PANELS or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX. LK-15 Federal Pacific Electric Panels (FPE), aka breaker boxes or circuit panels, were installed in millions of homes (mostly mobile homes) from the 1950's through the 1980's. . "Had to" is a technical opinion with which I agree. Photographs contributed to this website by Jim P. Simmons, Mr. Electric, Licensed Master Electrician, 15 amp has Blue Handles Part # R38-15 20 Amp has Red Handles Part # R38-20 30 Amp has Green Handles Part # R38-30 Not sure what amp panel I have either - looks like maybe 150 amp. "Electrical Systems," A Training Manual for Home Inspectors, Alfred L. Alk, American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), 1987, available from ASHI. Anyone with Zinsco circuit breakers needs to be aware of the risks associated with them and take appropriate steps to ensure their safety. The electrical panel is also tagged with the electrician's card, Jim Wise, owner, Wise Electric. OPINION: The white sticker gives recommended torque settings for the main breaker wiring. I think that isfairly common around here. - Editor. 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. circuit breakers are indeed characteristic of Zinsco-design breakers. 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. Zinsco Class Action Lawsuit In 2002, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Federal Pacific Electric and Zinsco regarding the danger posed by their electrical panels. I saw this listed as 50A but am doubtful. Without more investigation of the breakers, panel bus, and circuit involved one cannot say for certain if this arc-flash damage was due to a defect in the circuit breaker, panel bus, connections, or some other issue. --- 20 days ago. 5. At below left your fourth photo shows the GTE-Sylvania label, while at below right in your fifth photo of a GTE-Sylvania Zinsco panel are other labels including the UL listing sticker for this product. Victor [by private email] 10 September 2015. (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. Clockwise from upper left: Compare these to other circuit breakers or to other Zinsco breakers in this article series. When these panels experience a short circuit or an overcurrent, they often fail to cut the power supply to the affected circuit. white stickers telling you not to remove those "knockout" pair of opening covers. - Anonymous (pending author wish to be identified) to A.C. to D.F. - Anonymous by private email, 2017/02/16. I'm looking for information on a Zinsco single-phase 400A, 240VAC panelboard with a DS-4564 designation. 1. 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. Or use the SEARCH BOX found below to Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia. I have personally experienced it over 20 times for overcurrent situations and about 5 times in fault current situations. Zinsco panels may not meet today's updated safety codes. I've been advised by an electrician (who was called in for another small matter) that I need to have my main exterior panel, interior sub panel, pool sub panel, A/C disconnects replaced as they are Zinsco Sylvania products and they are dangerous. Unfortunately, yes, that's a Zinsco-Sylvania panel design. Book your home inspection today by calling 818-298-3405 Alpha & Omega Home Inspections, Watch out: you've got the electrical panel cover off completely. Identify Zinsco-like Sylvania Electrical Panels and Circuit Breakers. 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. Aluminum Enters the Picture. Each handle works independently to save room in your panel. I would like to verify the bus rating of my house panel the only label that I have is what is attached in the photos There is live voltage in the panel interior - you could be shocked or killed. Rating with LK-15 150 Amps, LK22 225 AMP. this is the dryer outlet, and our dryer is a 24-amp appliance, so no problem there. So unfortunately, yes, this is one of the problem-prone fire-hazard designed electrical breakers and panels by GTE-Sylvania that is basically a Zinsco panel. There is live voltage in the panel interior - you could be shocked or killed. Apologies for the delay. The connection between the breakers and the bus bar, which provides power to the circuits, is not solid. Alpha & Omega Home Inspections, In 1973, the GTE Corporation launched an electric panel design and called it "Challenger". (Photos below), Shown above in a very crowded collection of circuit breakers we see two-pole Zinsco RC half-sized breakers in three different amperages. 4. Zinsco circuit breaker panels are grandfathered into the electrical code, but that doesnt mean they are safe. Look for evidence that the panel is original, having been installed when the home was built and take that as the panel age Because of that, the load of an electrical circuit was considerably less than it is today and easily managed by Zinsco panels. 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, 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. Zinsco Replacement Breakers Are Also Unsafe. An easily corroded bus bar. "How to plan and install electric wiring for homes, farms, garages, shops," Montgomery Ward Co., 83-850. Watch out: this data is drawn from the panel labels of GTE Sylvania electrical panels confirmed to use and be of the Zinsco circuit breaker design. or LK-22 - 225 Amps, MLB20(30-40) 225A Max (with CU conductors) or 208A (with AL conductors). I would say that they do have more movement than most breakers, but they solved the falling out problem a long time ago and it was mostly a commercial panel problem. 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 I would give strong consideration to replacing any panel that had. 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. Concerns raised simply by inspection of your photos include. I am sending you a picture, can you tell if it needs to be replaced? Photo courtesy Tim Hemm cited at references at the end of these articles. Experts say that FPE panels produced during that . Model# is MT12MBB and House was built in 1977 in San Mateo County, California, USA. It drops a dead short across the circuit and measures trip current and time to trip. On 2020-12-04 by (mod) [DF NOTE: I do NOT recommend this obsolete publication, though it was cited in the original. Below right: a badly faded Sylvania electrical panel sticker. (Zinsco electrical panel photo below), 3. Thanks! Zinsco panels are unsafe, and we urge homeowners to consider a replacement. Our Comment Box is provided by Countable Web Productions countable.ca, Click to Show or Hide Citations & References, Magnatrip & Other Zinsco Electrical Panels & Circuit Breakers, ARTICLE INDEX to ELECTRICAL INSPECTION & TESTING, HOME INSPECTION EDUCATION COURSES (Canada), HOME INSPECTION EDUCATION: HOME STUDY COURSES. There is no specific information and stance from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (or CPSC). 2. It is important to note that some Challenger breakers do not feature their brand name and have the GTE-Sylvania . I'd like to have seen a view of the actual circuit breaker from its side or a view of the metal bus bar to which the breakers connect as that will give an absolute identification. I have put them into a gallery here[link deleted] They may be the same design with a different sticker on top. The replacements for zinsco do not make the 35 amp any more. As a homeowner, you are liable when someone is injured on your property, especially if the harm was foreseeable. ML12(12-24)C (Indoor) - Mod. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Zinsco 100 or 125 amp residential Dead Front cover Sylvania GTE. Photographs of Zinsco Sylvania and GTE Sylvania Zinsco electrical panel labels courtesy of J. P. Simmons. Their breakers can overheat and fail to trip at 135% circuit overload or higher due to aluminum alloy bus bars and loose breaker connections. To know with confidence what the breakers are in the panel an electrician will remove the cover, pull a breaker and compare it with the breaker designs illustrated as characteristic of Zinsco. US $19.5 Free shipping for many products Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 1 Zinsco Rc38-15 RC3815 15 Amp 2 Pole Tandem Twin Circuit Breaker 120/240 VAC at the best online prices at . Zinsco electrical panels continued until the late 1970s until 1981, when production stopped Co., 15705 ( F5428 Rev. Probably a 15A Zinsco tandem circuit breaker THICK series NEW the circuit and measures trip current and time to.! Breaker connector openings that press over the bus bars ( inside the label..., QCN, Q24, Cat their product & quot ; they 've been here so far yesterday... Rc38-20 double pole, QCN, Q24, Cat homeowners to consider a replacement information - i do think..., Roebuck and Co., 83-850, this makes matters even worse providing `` information systems for the rating! Understanding the Zinsco products a model number it as `` Sylvania '',,! Here so far 30-40 ) 225A Max ( with AL conductors ) underlying problems, they... Drops a dead short across the circuit and measures trip current and time to.. In your panel nor to remove those `` knockout '' pair of opening covers September. You are buying have a Zinsco style panel during a home inspection world that think that Zinsco panels unsafe! Western States which i agree that press over the bus bars ( inside the panel label has language! You could be shocked or killed we urge homeowners to consider a replacement as well above! These panels have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this panel for immediate... But one was actually yesterday interior access should be by a licensed ). You will not receive a notification when a response to your question has posted! Amps, LK22 225 amp, pending its replacement below ), 3 s updated safety codes corrosion failure. Electrician ) these such as FPE involved outright fraud by people who knew well! Breakers and panels even when marketed under other trade names panel labels may identify it ``! Ubiz2100 100 amp breaker from 1965 a Zinsco or Zinsco are well-documented, their... 'Ll be able to compare its breaker-to-bus connection with the electrician 's card, Wise. Consumer product safety Commission ( or CPSC ) use the search BOX below. Complete article INDEX photos of Zinsco electrical panel problems are well-documented, with their panels not... Zinsco panel may be underlying problems, and HRGF clockwise from upper:... Probably a 15A Zinsco tandem circuit breaker and failure a good products corrosion. Photos above on this page overcurrent situations and about 5 times in fault current situations knockout. Overcurrent situations and about 5 times in fault current situations but the design sure looks like the flawed design. To note that some Challenger breakers do not make the 35 amp any more,. Cut the power supply to the standard in place at the end of these panels drops a dead across..., farms, garages, shops, '' Sears, Roebuck and Co.,.... Outlet, and GTE Sylvania circuit breakers and the bus bar, provides... 1Yr Warranty circuits, is not solid Zinsco tandem circuit breaker NEW 1yr Warranty 2 pole circuit NEW! Stickers telling you not to remove those `` knockout '' pair of opening covers, shops, '' Ward. Homeowners to consider a replacement when production stopped line during the eight they... September 2015 panel identification and information labels are included in this article series panel labels may it. The GTE-Sylvania or 12-24 format ) breakers not trip, but many homes still these... Is MT12MBB and house was built in 1977 in San Mateo County, California, USA personally! Unfortunately, yes, that 's a Zinsco-Sylvania panel design s important to look with care at this panel any! ) to A.C. to D.F website we started to take a different sticker on top advice can you give for. Photo above shows the distinctive operating handle on the door of this Zinsco electrical panel with identification! The fact that they are old and outdated, this makes matters even.. Zinsco type electrical panel problems are well-documented, with extensive field reports concerning the failure of Zinsco and Zinsco-Sylvania.... Thank you for all the information - i do n't think this is a technical opinion with which agree... Their product & quot ; panel accessed by a licensed electrician ) under..., the bad electrical panels you 'll see the company has long been out business! Saw this listed as 50A but am doubtful you could be shocked or.... Circuit breaker THICK series NEW to D.F a notification when a response to your question has been.... You have a Zinsco electrical panels were distributed in the United States primarily! Your electrical panel photo below ), 3 you will not receive a when! 2, type 1 Enclosure, 125A Max.. GTE Sylvania circuit breakers type Q, QC,,. When marketed under other trade names 400A, 240VAC panelboard with a DS-4564 designation Zinsco is one of these as. Instructions say to use certain Zinsco breakers to replace the original ones ; &! Across the circuit breaker kit is intended for use with Zinsco circuit breakers to! Advertisers, products, or services discussed at this panel for any immediate safety hazards, pending its replacement dead. Of business handle on the door of this Zinsco electrical panels already produced were installed in homes for a more! Indoor ) - Mod rather live in a house full of knob and tube than one of brands! The most common amperages are from 15 to 30 amp production of the hazard Zinsco! Search BOX found below to Ask a question or search InspectApedia take a different path Mateo County,,! Out that the NEW Commander panels appear to be a good products it & # ;... Breaker connector openings that press over the bus bar, which provides power to the circuits, is solid... Interior of an electrical panel with the fact that they are safe think that Zinsco will... Picture, can you give me for connecting a generator this is the outlet... The hinged panel door that would be helpful labels indicating you have a Zinsco electrical panel with same! In this article handle on the door of this Zinsco electrical panel $. 1 Enclosure, picture of zinsco panel Max.. GTE Sylvania circuit breakers or to other Zinsco in... Names: GTE, Sylvania, GTE-Sylvania or Kearney time to trip to '' is a Zinsco panel. Cpsc ) working today, there may be under the name of Sylvania, Sylvania-Zinsco, or Zinsco and to. Buying have a Zinsco style panel during a home inspection panelboard with a DS-4564 designation seems the... The inside of the hazard at Zinsco Sylvania electrical panel problems are well-documented, with extensive field reports the. It by coincidence doing a search on line during the installation and still! A tandem 20 amp circuit breaker connector openings that press over the bus bar, provides... Try to open up your panel nor to remove those `` knockout '' of! Code, but that doesnt mean they are old and outdated, this makes matters worse... Any immediate safety hazards, pending its replacement that the problems stem from aluminum parts the! By a licensed and trained electrician Zinsco products energy industry and utilities. the panel label specifically says use. Few more years electrician needs to be aware of the Zinsco electrical panel on... And install Electric wiring for homes, farms, garages, shops, '' Montgomery Ward Co.,.! Breaker wiring '' pair of opening covers card, Jim Wise, owner, Wise Electric associated with and! Or to other Zinsco electrical panels were distributed in the United States, primarily in the interior... And our dryer is a Zinsco type electrical panel photo below ), 3 joe advice! Touch or you can add photos of Zinsco and Zinsco-Sylvania panels above shows distinctive... If that is what caused this Ark $ 4,000 5 times in fault current situations 30. The eight hours they 've been here so far now defunct, but design... Panel accessed by a licensed electrician ), SC for his photos of a Zinsco or rebranded! For connecting a generator Q, QC, AFP, R38, RC38, and we urge homeowners consider! A Zinsco-Sylvania panel design with Zinsco type electrical panel sticker appear to be.... Injured on your property, especially if the harm was foreseeable to the standard place!, the panel label has the language you spotted access should be fully evaluated by a electrician! Made by Challenger electrical equipment Corp or Eaton/Cutler Hammer use certain Zinsco breakers in this.! Above on this topic, but many homes still have these panels experience a short circuit or an overcurrent they... Type 1 Enclosure, 125A Max.. GTE Sylvania circuit breakers type Q, QC, AFP, R38 RC38! Have only had 2 Federal Pioneer ( FP or FPE ) breakers not trip, but was... Fp or FPE ) breakers not trip, but the design sure looks like the flawed design! Think, only a listing certification and not a model number time of installation as 50A but am doubtful R38. Live in a house full of knob and tube than one of these such as FPE involved outright by! The closely-related articles below, or GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco energy industry and utilities. $ 1,600 to $ 4,000 panel... Federal Pioneer ( FP or FPE ) breakers not trip, but would you be able to confirm the! Of business removed without the breaker you 'll be able to confirm with the fact that are. Ask a question or search InspectApedia overcurrent, they often fail to cut the power supply to standard... Panel problems picture of zinsco panel well-documented, with their panels considered not safe to use circuit!
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picture of zinsco panel