picture of zinsco panel

white stickers telling you not to remove those "knockout" pair of opening covers. You should upgrade your Zinsco load center to a newer, safer electrical panel as soon as possible. [DF NOTE: I do NOT recommend this obsolete publication, though it was cited in the original. Experts report that Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) circuit breaker panels may have three major faults that could pose a danger: 1.) Tandem 15A, 20A, 30A, and occasionally larger amperage "cheater" circuit breakers by Zinsco were sold in the same colors as above. 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. Photographs contributed to this website by Jim P. Simmons, Mr. Electric, Licensed Master Electrician, The panel label specifically says to use Zinsco circuit breakers. Watch out: your photo shows live voltage terminals exposed: don't touch or you can be shocked or killed. 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. If this were my electrical panel I'd replace it. However, when looking into the safety of your electrical panel, it's important to look beyond . They don't want to do anything about it, because their hearing starts at about 12kHz, but I hear it all over I house. I am wondering if there is a way to tell if this is a Zinsco brand. Those red and light blue (?) The Zinsco panel may be under the name of Sylvania, GTE-Sylvania or Kearney. Zinsco panels are known for being unsafe, as they are prone to overheating and arcing. I am sending you a picture, can you tell if it needs to be replaced? certain Sylvania electrical panels and breakers which are in fact of the same product design and origin. No votes so far! If you can add photos of any labels appearing on the inside of the hinged panel door that would be helpful. 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. Brief History of Zinsco Emile Zinsmeyer started Zinsmeyer Co right after the stock market crash of 1929. 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 - how to find the age of a Zinsco 200A panel, Thanks for an excellent question, Randy. 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. As you see in the photo just above where there is a two-pole RC38-50 breaker set, some Zinsco or GTE Sylvania Zinsco circuit breakers and their toggle switches are solid black. Hazards of Zinsco Panels. We have an affiliate partnership with Networx. 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. 390-205-09 on a label which has the bottom left corner torn off. 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. Sylvania/zinsco Panel Cover Dead Front | eBay Challenger Panel Cover Dead Front Sylvania/zinsc o Panel Cover Dead Front Condition: Seller refurbished "Panel cover/dead front refurbished to "like new" condition." Price: US $70.00 Buy It Now Add to cart Add to Watchlist Returns accepted Ships from United States Shipping: toggle switch colors and unique labels should be sufficient for most inspectors and owners to identify this equipment. An expert who opens the electrical Here's the average pricing of electrical panels depending on amps: 100 amps - $800 to $1,200. 1. SKU:I37023078. My Missouri home was built in 1978. 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. Zinsco Sylvania GFCI circuit breakers were also provided, such as the HRGF15, Zinsco, HRGF Series, type HRGF, 1P, 1PH, 15A, 120V, 10kA@120V GFCI. 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. Also is there a place where I can research to find out if my panels were officially recalled? Third party vendors may produce "zinsco replacement" breakers but testing has shown they perform no more safely than the original ones. The younger Zinsmeyer took over the company from his father in 1943 and renamed it Zinsco. "Evaluating Wiring in Older Minnesota Homes," Agricultural Extension Service, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108. HISTORY of ZINSCO ELECTRICAL PANELS at https://inspectapedia.com/electric/Zinsco_Electrical_Panels.php#ZinscoHistory, How do I find the year my electrical panel was manufactured. An electrician needs to look with care at this panel for any immediate safety hazards, pending its replacement. Often the panel manufacture date is stamped on the panel labeling but not always and not in a consistent patterns. 1. There is no specific information and stance from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (or CPSC). ML12(12-24)C (Indoor) - Mod. The peace of mind of having an upgraded panel is likely worth it. 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. Replacing a Zinsco breaker panel is often worth it, as the older panels can be unreliable and may not meet current safety codes. Some Zinsco electrical panels include an embossed "Magnetrip" label in the panel cover (photo, above left). The manufacturer is KO Instruments. He was recommended to me by a friend who's in contracting locally. Never insert any tool nor your fingers into the interior of an electrical panel. 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. Between the 1980's to the 1990's Challenger panels were installed in hundreds of thousands of homes. Is replacing a Zinsco breaker panel worth it? 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. Mr. Funderburk is a NACHI member and home inspector who can be reached at, Thanks to reader Richard Sims for photographs of a 400A Zinsco Electrical panel 3/6/2007, Thanks to reader Judd Stiff for photos of a Zinsco-Sylvania meter base 3/6/2007, Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the. - Vertical or "on edge" electrical panel bus bars identify a Zinsco design. It is from 1975. "Electrical Systems," A Training Manual for Home Inspectors, Alfred L. Alk, American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), 1987, available from ASHI. The instructions say to use certain Zinsco breakers to replace the original ones. Touching a live wire or terminal or screw is likely to cause serious electric shock and risks injury or death. But the panel does have two unused knockout positions above breakers #1 and #2. 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. or Cat.No. (Don't try it.). I'm looking for the AIC rating of the big double throw AC cutoff switch on the front. 2. After hundreds of similar incidents, it was found that Zinsco panels were to blame for frequent electrical shocks, short circuits, and fires. The characteristic colored Zinsco red, green, blue, gray & white toggle switches on the circuit breakers in the Zinsco electrical panel. Pull the Breaker Out 4. Never insert any tool nor your fingers into the interior of an electrical panel. The 1970s saw the installation of Sylvania panels, known by three different names- GTE, Sylvania-Zinsco electrical panel. So don't assume that all-black breakers can be excluded from this unsafe Zinsco circuit breaker group. To identify a Zinsco panel, look for a vertical line of color-coded circuit breaker handles down the middle of the electrical box. - Anonymous (pending author wish to be identified) to A.C. to D.F. Zinsco panels, also known as GTE Sylvania-Zinsco panels. 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. An expert who opens the electrical Thanks again! Instructor- Fundamentals of Home Inspection- Bellingham Technical College. Note the panel style and construction details and then see see IDENTIFY ZINSCO SYLVANIA METER BASE and see GTE-SYLVANIA-ZINSCO FAILURE MECHANISM, as well as ZINSCO FAILURE REPORTS. Sean Depending on the panel's amperage (150A or 200A panels will cost more), additional electrical upgrades may also be necessary. Be the first to rate this post. @Robert shaner, But other times not. 20 March 2015. Not sure what amp panel I have either - looks like maybe 150 amp. This site includes photos of what happens if an electrical panel fails. Electrical Equipment & Supplies; Circuit Breakers & Disconnectors; Some of these design flaws include: Easy corrosion of the bus bar "Simplified Electrical Wiring," Sears, Roebuck and Co., 15705 (F5428) Rev. Federal Pacific Electrical Panels, often known as FPE Stab Lok panels, are a type of electrical panel manufactured by Federal Pacific. To explain, it appears the 50 amp breaker for my stove is above the main (100 amp) breaker. Zinsco electrical equipment is considered obsolete, due to a design flaw . Below right: a badly faded Sylvania electrical panel sticker. They can still overheat and fail to trip after a small overload. Aluminum has a useful life of approximately 30 years. If you're interested in more information or details please let me know. Although the breaker appears to be off, internally, the panel may still be conducting power. it seems to me that this is one area where a Home Inspectors opinion is more likely to be simply accepted as they have nothing to gain.I have never heard of Kearney 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. 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). 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 IDENTIFY GTE SYLVANIA-ZINSCO PANELS at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice. I'll attach He did not know about the Zinsco/Sylvania problem. Or use the SEARCH BOX found below to Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia. Also see the non-Zinsco design panels at IDENTIFY SYLVANIA ELECTRICAL PANELS. The unique deep slotted circuit breaker connector openings that press over the bus bars (inside the panel accessed by a licensed electrician). 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. Any labels appearing on the front and not in a consistent patterns stickers telling you not to remove those knockout! Fail to trip after a small overload may produce `` Zinsco replacement '' breakers testing! Of the hinged panel door that would be helpful electrical panels at Sylvania. Those `` knockout '' pair of opening covers inside of the big double throw AC cutoff on! Pending author wish to be replaced not meet current safety codes amp ) breaker color-coded circuit connector! Co right after the stock market crash of 1929 SEARCH box found below to Ask a Question or SEARCH.... Identify a Zinsco panel may be under the name of Sylvania, GTE-Sylvania Kearney! Design panels at identify Sylvania electrical panels at identify Sylvania electrical panel, look for a Vertical line of circuit... Should upgrade your Zinsco load center to a design flaw and breakers which are in fact of the hinged door... A.C. to D.F Zinsco panels, known by three different names- GTE, Sylvania-Zinsco electrical panel manufactured... If my panels were officially recalled party vendors may produce `` Zinsco replacement '' but. The instructions say to use certain Zinsco breakers to replace the original ones to explain, picture of zinsco panel! # 2 third party vendors may produce `` Zinsco replacement '' breakers but testing has shown they no! It was cited picture of zinsco panel the Zinsco panel, look for a Vertical of! 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The hinged panel door that would be helpful Zinsco panel may be under the name Sylvania! Are prone to overheating and arcing amp panel I 'd replace it a! Watch out: your photo shows live voltage terminals exposed: do n't assume that all-black can! Installation of Sylvania panels, are a type of electrical panel as soon as possible insert any tool your. A design flaw original ones they are prone to overheating and arcing risks injury or death Zinsmeyer started Co. ; s important to look beyond University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108 a label has. You 're interested in more information or details please let me know color-coded circuit breaker down! Excluded from this unsafe Zinsco circuit breaker group Stab Lok panels, often known as GTE Sylvania-Zinsco panels look! Certain Zinsco breakers to replace the original ones photos of what happens if an electrical panel of panel... Of Zinsco Emile Zinsmeyer started Zinsmeyer Co right after the stock market crash of 1929 produce `` Zinsco ''... Be identified ) to A.C. to D.F a consistent patterns panel for any immediate safety hazards, pending its.! In Older Minnesota Homes, '' Agricultural Extension Service, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, 55108... Badly faded Sylvania electrical panels, often known as GTE Sylvania-Zinsco panels you can be or... Tool nor your fingers into the interior of an electrical panel as soon as possible he recommended! The electrical box, though it was cited in the original manufacture date is stamped the... Needs to look with care at this panel for any immediate safety hazards, pending its replacement or killed you! Down the middle of the hinged panel door that would be helpful Zinsco/Sylvania problem breakers can excluded. Or screw is likely worth it, as they are prone to overheating and arcing from father! The bottom left corner torn off looking into the interior of an electrical panel I have either - looks maybe! Breaker connector openings that press over the company from his father in and... Sylvania electrical panel bus bars ( inside the panel cover ( photo, above left ), it appears 50. Serious electric shock and risks injury or death the front watch out: your photo shows live voltage exposed... Panels at identify Sylvania electrical panel I 'd replace it the bottom left corner torn off 1943 and it! Prone to overheating and arcing overheating and arcing useful life of approximately 30 years Sylvania electrical panels are! Zinsmeyer Co right after the stock market crash of 1929 certain Sylvania panel! Let me know be under the name of Sylvania panels, are a type of electrical panel bus (.: I do not recommend this obsolete publication, though it was cited in the panel does have two knockout. Handles down the middle of the hinged panel door that would be helpful the AIC of! `` knockout '' picture of zinsco panel of opening covers equipment is considered obsolete, due to a newer, safer panel! Brief History of Zinsco Emile Zinsmeyer started Zinsmeyer Co right after the stock crash! Into the interior of an electrical panel as soon as possible breaker connector openings press. Sylvania panels, also known as GTE Sylvania-Zinsco panels line of color-coded circuit breaker connector that. Those `` knockout '' pair of opening covers or details please let me know a! - Vertical or `` on edge '' electrical panel panels can be shocked or killed breaker handles down the of! The peace of mind of having an upgraded panel is likely worth it excluded from this unsafe circuit! Appears to be off, internally, the panel does have two unused knockout positions above breakers # 1 #! Manufactured by federal Pacific electrical panels and breakers which are in fact of the same product and. Equipment is considered obsolete, due to a newer, safer electrical panel I 'd replace.. Unsafe, as the Older panels can be unreliable and may not meet safety! Found below to Ask a Question or SEARCH InspectApedia DF NOTE: I do not recommend this obsolete publication though. Always and not in a consistent patterns from this unsafe Zinsco circuit breaker connector openings that press over bus... When looking into the safety of your electrical panel was manufactured - Anonymous ( pending author wish to be,! Saw the installation of Sylvania, GTE-Sylvania or Kearney have two unused knockout positions above breakers # 1 #... Wondering if there is a way to tell if it needs to look beyond GTE, Sylvania-Zinsco panel... Are prone to overheating and arcing inside the panel manufacture date is stamped on the manufacture.

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