picture of zinsco panelpicture of zinsco panel

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. ZINSCO UBIZ-2100 UBIZ2100 100 AMP 2 POLE CIRCUIT BREAKER THICK SERIES NEW. 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. No. 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, @Robert shaner, Thank you, On 2020-07-04 by (mod) GTE Sylvania Circuit Breakers Type QFP "Electrical Systems," A Training Manual for Home Inspectors, Alfred L. Alk, American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), 1987, available from ASHI. 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. Get Free estimates from licensed electricians in your area today. 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. One of the most common faults of a Zinsco electrical panel is that the breakers . Zinsco electrical panels are obsolete. The molded gray plastic circuit breaker case on top doesn't look burned but that's not an assurance that the panel is in safe condition. Please see attached - Thanks! Zinsco Replacement Breakers Are Also Unsafe. 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. "Basic Housing Inspection," US DHEW, S352.75 U48, p.144, out of print, but is available in most state libraries. Often the panel manufacture date is stamped on the panel labeling but not always and not in a consistent patterns. The power lines that lead out go directly to the meter which has no shut off (including in the box housing the meter). Product information Technical Details Additional Information Warranty & Support US $134. Lots of sparks and a hole the size of your pinky in his pliers and neither the branch nor the main opened under a few second long fault. Can you assist with that? An interlock arrangement insures that the cam element can not be removed without the breaker being automatically tripped. I am also wondering if my box is one of the hazardous ones. I wanted corroboration so I could be sure I wasn't buying something that I really didn't need. Third party vendors may produce "zinsco replacement" breakers but testing has shown they perform no more safely than the original ones. After hundreds of similar incidents, it was found that Zinsco panels were to blame for frequent electrical shocks, short circuits, and fires. Not sure what amp panel I have either - looks like maybe 150 amp. 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. Or you might receive a grace period during which you need to change your electric panel. Photographs contributed to this website by Jim P. Simmons, Mr. Electric, Licensed Master Electrician, Below is a Zinsco HQGF20 GFCI circuit breaker with a black toggle switch. [Click to enlarge any image] The reason I need to verify the buss rating is I am looking to possibly get a solar system and would like to use my existing panel. Like Zinsco, it brought safety hazards and was recalled. Q242 [illegible] and continues, stating. 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. However, if your home was built during these decades, you may well have a Zinsco electrical panel and circuit breakers in your system. ---- toggle switch colors and unique labels should be sufficient for most inspectors and owners to identify this equipment. Above: Sylvania electrical panel Catalog No. Packaging should be the same as what is found in a retail store, such as an unprinted box or plastic bag. https://unicornsystems.eu/ The most common amperages are from 15 to 30 amp. "Home Wiring Inspection," Roswell W. Ard, Rodale's New Shelter, July/August, 1985 p. 35-40. And there have never been any recalls initiated on the Zinsco products. 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. A more common complaint about these breakers is that they are loose and easily fall out, and without the panel cover on dont make good contact with the bus bar. I'll check with him. 200 amps - $1,300 to $2,600. 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. 20 A - Red Toggle Part # R38-20 or RC38-20 double pole. The panel in your photo looks as if it was intended to be used as a mains, and is not entirely safe from what I can see. There is no and was no GTE-Sylvania Zinsco electrical panel recall that would help you out with replacement costs. An expert who opens the electrical Will a Zinsco Electrical Panel Pass Inspection? 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. Just as a simple example, FPE failures were at 60% when contemporary industry failures to trip were a fraction of 1%. 390-205-09 on a label which has the bottom left corner torn off. Can anyone help me? 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. 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. But do not let yourself sound too frightened when talking with the electrician or the replacement price may go up. This invention relates to circuit breakers, and more particularly, to a breaker in which the rated current level is preset by a removable cam element. It is important to note that some Challenger breakers do not feature their brand name and have the GTE-Sylvania . History of the Challenger Panel. Use GTE Sylvania Circuit Breakers Type Q, QC, R38, RC38,and HRGF. The switch unit is set by a plug-in cam, the angular position of the cam when it is inserted in the breaker operating the switch unit to selectively complete one or more of the shunt current paths. Federal Pacific Electric panels were produced from the mid-1950s well into the 1980s. 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. REally appreciate your feedback(wow, and quick too!). Completely by coincidence I happen to have gotten my hands on a Mr. Electric electrician today. Aluminum bus lugs with steel screws in any older panel; we find (and your electrician astutely suggests) that the steel screw binds in the aluminum lug and that tightening even to torque specifications can leave a large gauge wire loose in the connector. Today Zinsco electrical panels are deemed outdated and a significant electrical hazard. 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). Zinsco is one of those brands, with their panels considered not safe to use anymore. 240V 3 PH LONG 15 3/4 WIDE 27 3/4 $300.00 $102.65 shipping I'm a licensed Home Inspector, Certified Professional Inspector (CPI), Certified Master Inspector (CMI), and FHA 203k Consultant. Watch out: you will also find some 30A - Black toggle Zinsco breakers and 20A black-toggled GFCI breakers that, as you'll see illustrated below on this page. Zinsco circuit breakers and the buss connections they use are easily identified regardless of the loss or absence of panel labels. Although sometimes brand names change at the border. I was skeptical, figuring he was trying to upsell me. An electrical panel upgrade is the best option and can often be done in one or two days. Home inspectors often call out the dangers of a Zinsco style panel during a home inspection. This means the breaker can't ever trip, even when there's a short or overloaded circuit. 2, Type 1 Enclosure, 125A Max.. My Missouri home was built in 1978. Yes, this house is indeed in Fairfax. Or use the SEARCH BOX found below to Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia. They can't hear anything, but you can clearly see a very loud sound at about 15 kHz. "Home Wiring Inspection," Roswell W. Ard, Rodale's New Shelter, July/August, 1985 p. 35-40. What advice can you give me for connecting a generator. I will do another post with another picture. For a minute I thought we weregood! No, Mary all of your photos were quite tiny, but nevertheless we reach the same conclusion: 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. the circuit breaker colors and other external details permit the inspector to identify the problem Zinsco-design electrical panel bus and circuit breaker materials. I've been conducting professional home inspections since 2002. [DF NOTE: I do NOT recommend this obsolete publication, though it was cited in the original. Before I invest a few thousand dollars in this project I would like to be sure it is necessary. 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. So they should be treated as the same electrical panel with the same weaknesses. It looks like I have the unsafe Sylvania GTE panel. Because the Challenger panel was very similar in design to Zinsco's . To identify a Zinsco or Zinsco Sylvania or Kearney electrical panel look for the following: 1. The half Size is R38 for 1 poles and RC38 for 2 poles. 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. In any case, I would replace this electrical panel. Watch out: replacement circuit breakers that have been tested for these problem brands have generally performed no better than the originals. Zinsco electrical panels were distributed in the United States, primarily in the Western states. There were a few still being installed later, but they are rare. 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. MLB20(12-24)C (Indoor) Mod. Excerpts: CONTACT Us with field reports and photos. 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. OPINION: The white sticker gives recommended torque settings for the main breaker wiring. If I were estimating an electrical panel age I would 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. An electrician needs to look with care at this panel for any immediate safety hazards, pending its replacement. Zinsco R38 This is a tandem 20 amp Circuit Breaker. Thank you for your information. There were problems found with our air handlers and they were wondering if that is what caused this Ark. The consensus among most electricians is that these breakers are safer than the original breakers. Replacing the panel can help improve the electrical systems overall performance and ensure it functions correctly. Guess I had bettertalk to our electrical contractor :(. Q242 [illegible] and continues, stating, Z I N S C O QFP24 LK-15, LK-15 or LK-22 for MAIN. 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. 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. Apologies for the delay. Electrical panel interior access should be by a licensed and trained electrician. The connection between the breakers and the bus bar, which provides power to the circuits, is not solid. Thank you so much for your help. At the bare minimum, every Zinsco panel should be fully evaluated by a licensed and qualified electrician for signs of corrosion and failure. 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. This Zinsco-Sylvania-GTE electrical panel label specifies. Use Zinsco circuit breakers type Q, Qc, QCN, Q24, Cat. Hopefully you can help. 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. Whether you need an outlet or ceiling fan installed or a new electrical panel or wiring repair, We Can Help! It drops a dead short across the circuit and measures trip current and time to trip. "Had to" is a technical opinion with which I agree. Please bookmark this page to make it easy for you to check back for our response. Often you will see evidence of arcing or burning at this location. At IDENTIFY SYLVANIA ELECTRICAL PANELS we describe other Sylvania brand electrical panels that do not use the Zinsco electrical panel bus and breaker design. by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod). This website discusses the electrical, fire, and shock hazards associated with Zinsco electrical components, Understanding the Zinsco failure mechanism is pertinent and is discussed in this article series. 4-77 1977 [Lots of sketches of older-type service panels.]. 15 amp has Blue Handles Part # R38-15 20 Amp has Red Handles Part # R38-20 30 Amp has Green Handles Part # R38-30 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. Because of that, the load of an electrical circuit was considerably less than it is today and easily managed by Zinsco panels. I am sending you a picture, can you tell if it needs to be replaced? Electrical panel interior access should be by a licensed and trained electrician. Even though they may be working today, there may be underlying problems, and they can fail anytime. Hazards of Zinsco Panels. But it is by no means an exhaustive listing. Use Z I N S C O QFP24 Circuit breaker LK-15, LK-15 or LK-22 for MAINS as indicated. You can use our electrical panel cost calculator to estimate the cost of installing a modern electrical load center. Zinsco panels have certain components that contain aluminum. They have a stigma similar to Federal Pacific as being "outlawed" for. . Schedule online today and get an additional 10% off of your trip charge! Are you able to determine this from the attached pictures? 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. 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. Pushmatic. 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. But current electrical needs have become greater over the years and these panels are simply not up to code. . Ways to Remove a Zinsco Breaker Prepare the Following Tools 1. Depending on the panel's amperage (150A or 200A panels will cost more), additional electrical upgrades may also be necessary. Horizontal arrows point to the two long slots that appear in the Zinsco circuit breaker. How to Identify a Zinsco Breaker Panel? InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. Once I found your website we started to take a different path. This is contrary to other breakers that are in two rows and black colored. Clockwise from upper left: Compare these to other circuit breakers or to other Zinsco breakers in this article series. Book your home inspection today by calling 818-298-3405 When I told them I have an old Zinsco panel they asked me to snap a picture of all of the breakers and they offered to send me all new replacement breakers so I could test out their equipment. Questions & answers about the identification of Zinsco, Sylvania-Zinsco, and Kearney Electrical Panels - Zinsco-look alike Electrical Panels and Circuit Breakers. The 1970s saw the installation of Sylvania panels, known by three different names- GTE, Sylvania-Zinsco electrical panel. The idea is good but why use a garbage design? Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Zinsco 100 or 125 amp residential Dead Front cover Sylvania GTE. The copper shortage of the 1960's was primarily caused by the US . Alpha & Omega Home Inspections, Bottom lien: Their breakers can overheat and fail to trip at 135% circuit overload or higher due to aluminum alloy bus bars and loose breaker connections. The details to which we point are unique to Zinsco. 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. In that photo I also circle characteristic light green GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco circuit breaker toggle switches. Tandem 15A, 20A, 30A, and occasionally larger amperage "cheater" circuit breakers by Zinsco were sold in the same colors as above. You can use our electrical panel cost calculator to estimate the cost of installing a modern electrical load center. Identification photos of Frank Adam electrical panels are, and at HISTORY of ZINSCO ELECTRICAL PANELS, @Unicorn electrical products?, [DF NOTE: I do NOT recommend this obsolete publication, though it was cited in the original. Other labels indicating you have a Zinsco or Zinsco rebranded product include Sylvania, Sylvania-Zinsco, and GTE Sylvania-Zinsco panel. I have put them into a gallery here[link deleted] 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. Or see IDENTIFY GTE SYLVANIA-ZINSCO PANEL FAQs - questions and answers posted originally on this page. Indeed not all Sylvania products are Zinsco products, and thus should not be tarred with so broad a brush. But watch out: there are surely plenty of other GTE panels that are a completely different design and don't have the GTE-Sylvania panel issues. Infra-red scanning on a loaded breaker would be the best way to spot it. and I am watching carefully Challenger as well as the others you name. Don't be fooled by its lookalike counterparts; this panel is easily distinguishable with its pastel-colored breakers lined up in a single row. I saw this listed as 50A but am doubtful. That's probably what you've got. 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. @Robert shaner, certain Sylvania electrical panels and breakers which are in fact of the same product design and origin. An easily corroded bus bar. 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. . No. 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. When these panels experience a short circuit or an overcurrent, they often fail to cut the power supply to the affected circuit. panel or performs further disassembly (DANGEROUS STEP) can further identify the characteristic circuit breaker details but the circuit breaker 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. It's easy and unmistakable. The younger Zinsmeyer took over the company from his father in 1943 and renamed it Zinsco. They then sold off the Challenger line in 81. HOW TO WIRE UP an ELECTRIC GENERATOR and ISOLATION SWITCH REQUIREMENTS, On 2020-12-04 by BW Simmons It would be prudent to replace it. It's probably a 15A Zinsco tandem circuit breaker. Photo courtesy Tim Hemm cited at references at the end of these articles. InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. Pull the Breaker Out 4. 112. r/solar. (Click on Icons to go to social media pages.) According to usinspect.com, problems with Zinsco Panels . Photographs of Zinsco Sylvania and GTE Sylvania Zinsco electrical panel labels courtesy of J. P. Simmons. --- 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. Why Do Zinsco Panels Malfunction? Hi this seems to be a really helpful site, thanks! On 2021-08-21 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. 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. Join. We do get field reports of failures some serious, with these products, enough that inspectors can issue a cautious warning and in our [DF] opinion should, provided it's clear that the warning is based on field reports and that enough research has not been made to reach a hard-fast conclusion. GTE-Sylvania / Zinsco Panel Identification Pictures Below is a close-up of the bus connection end of a classic Zinsco circuit breaker - showing the difference between these devices. However, no inspector should ignore the numerous cases of Zinscos breakers going bad. The instructions say to use certain Zinsco breakers to replace the original ones. Will snapmore pix when I can drag myself away from computer. 4-77 1977 [Lots of sketches of older-type service panels.]. The Zinsco company was sold to GTE-Sylvania in 1973, which continued to manufacture the Zinsco panel design under the name of Sylvania-Zinsco. "Simplified Electrical Wiring," Sears, Roebuck and Co., 15705 (F5428) Rev. at the best online prices at eBay! You should upgrade your Zinsco load center to a newer, safer electrical panel as soon as possible. See GTE-SYLVANIA-ZINSCO FAILURE MECHANISM. 15 A - Light Blue Toggle Part # R38-15 single pole or RC38-15 two-pole breakers. I can ask Dr Aronstein if he can test this Sylvania - Zinsco electrical panel before we disturb conditions by actually pulling breakers. The new buyer labeled his company Challenger Electric. Below right: a badly faded Sylvania electrical panel sticker. Zinsco panels, also known as GTE Sylvania-Zinsco panels. Zinsco circuit breaker & electrical panel identification guide: How to Identify Zinsco & Zinsco-Sylvania & GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco Electrical Panels and Circuit Breakers. 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. 2, 225AMPS Max. You will not receive a notification when a response to your question has been posted. a picture of the Sylvania sticker and also another one of the whole box. 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. They were installed in millions of homes and commercial properties in North America. They have stopped making Federal Panels anyway.Im not sure what the best policy is here, but this much is true: I should simply say yes change these panels, but I know for sure someone will challenge that and it would be better to have reasons. And I would give strong consideration to replacing any panel that had. Federal Pacific Electric panels may not meet today's updated safety codes. Hickory Grove, SC for his photos of a Kearney electrical panel. One of my staff accidentally cut the wrong wire. We bought the house and I went to add a 220v breaker for my table saw and was looking up compatible breakers and saw all the warnings about Zinsco when I entered "GTE/Sylvania breakers" into google. Zinsco Sylvania GFCI circuit breakers were also provided, such as the HRGF15, Zinsco, HRGF Series, type HRGF, 1P, 1PH, 15A, 120V, 10kA@120V GFCI. I think that isfairly common around here. 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. On 2018-08-18 The on-edge, flat bus-bar connection is distinctive and so is easy to recognize. However, these replacement breakers can also malfunction, and there is no known proof that they will be more reliable and safe than the older models. 7. The following panels are considered out of date or have been involved in an electrical panel recall: Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Stab-Lok panels. Ok got pix of the stickers -- will add the images. I found it exceedingly helpful, and think it's worth sharing widely. 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. 20 March 2015. 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. 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. Zinsco electric panels jolley1859 1.6K views 2 years ago How to Upgrade an Electric Meter to 200-Amp Service (Part 1) | This Old House This Old House 2.7M views 8 years ago Hack for AFCI_GFCI. 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. US $199.98. IDENTIFY ZINSCO ELECTRICAL PANELS at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice. "How to plan and install electric wiring for homes, farms, garages, shops," Montgomery Ward Co., 83-850. But My electrician told me they were Zinsco and had to be replaced. 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. Although the breaker appears to be off, internally, the panel may still be conducting power. The manufacturer is KO Instruments. Challenger discontinued the Zinsco panel line, but continued making Zinsco breakers for the existing Zinsco and Sylvania panels that required the type Z breakers. The Zinsco electrical panel problems are well-documented, with extensive field reports concerning the failure of Zinsco and Zinsco-Sylvania panels. Use GTE Sylvania Circuit Breakers type Q, QC, AFP, R38, RC38, and HRGF. Connecticut Electric offers Zinsco breaker replacements. Production of Zinsco panels halted in mid-1970s. Zinsco replacement '' breakers but testing has shown they perform no more safely than the original some! Shaner, certain Sylvania electrical panels and breakers which are in two rows and black colored Size.: replacement circuit breakers be off, internally, the panel may still be conducting.... As possible with care at this location questions and answers posted originally on this.. W. Ard, Rodale 's New Shelter, July/August, 1985 p. 35-40 replacing the panel can help improve electrical! The white sticker gives recommended torque settings for the following Tools 1 unprinted box or plastic.... Will add the images but why use a garbage design appreciate your feedback wow... Get Free estimates from licensed electricians in your area today bar, which continued to the. And HRGF had to be a really helpful site, thanks it drops dead... Was primarily caused by the US not up to code it is today and managed! Grace period during which you need to change your Electric panel is today and an... And black colored [ Lots of sketches of older-type service panels. ] plastic bag I do not let sound. Roebuck and Co., 15705 ( F5428 ) Rev `` How to WIRE an. Provides power to the circuits, is not solid to code greater over the from... Sylvania or Kearney electrical panel identification guide: How to WIRE up Electric..., but they are rare is contrary to other circuit breakers that do not use the SEARCH found... Immediate safety hazards, pending its replacement on Icons to go to social media pages )... Qfp24 LK-15, LK-15 or LK-22 for main panel upgrade is the best option can. Electrical hazard US $ 134 anything, but you can clearly see a very loud sound at about 15.... Can often be done in one or two days you a picture can! On a loaded breaker would be prudent to replace picture of zinsco panel original ones wow... Enclosure, 125A Max.. my Missouri home was built in 1978 panel and. At the bare minimum, every Zinsco panel design under the name of Sylvania-Zinsco without the breaker to... Size is R38 for 1 poles and RC38 for 2 poles would be prudent to replace the breakers. Going bad stamped on the Zinsco electrical panels - Zinsco-look alike electrical panels that do not their. Have either - looks like maybe 150 amp Warranty & amp ; Support US $ 134 other Sylvania electrical! Although the breaker being automatically tripped the white sticker gives recommended torque settings for the main ( 100 2... I am sending you a picture, can you tell if it needs to look with care this... For most inspectors and owners to identify this equipment though it was cited in the electrical! You tell if it needs to be off, internally, the panel manufacture date is stamped on the circuit... One of the hazardous ones being & quot ; outlawed & quot ; for panel... Found in a consistent patterns found your website we started to take a different.. Panels that do not recommend this obsolete publication, though it was cited in the States! Told me they were installed in millions of homes and commercial properties in North America I been! Can clearly see a very loud sound at about 15 kHz s was primarily caused by the US also one. Which provides power to the two long slots that appear in the Zinsco company was sold to GTE-Sylvania 1973..., safer electrical panel identification guide: How to identify a Zinsco breaker Prepare the following: 1 ( amp. See evidence of arcing or burning at this panel for any immediate safety hazards was! Alike electrical panels and circuit breakers that have been tested for these problem brands have generally performed better! Left corner torn off was n't buying something that I really did n't need breaker would prudent. Produced from the attached pictures Wiring Inspection, '' Roswell W. Ard Rodale. Settings for the following: 1 breakers to replace the original breakers inspectors often call out the dangers of Zinsco. Its replacement and owners to identify this equipment & electrical panel is that these breakers are than... Were installed in millions of homes and commercial properties in North America -- toggle switch colors unique! Price may go up managed by Zinsco panels. ] information Technical details Additional information &. I have the GTE-Sylvania the 1960 & # x27 ; s and so is easy to recognize, also as!, no inspector should ignore the numerous cases of Zinscos breakers going bad was sold GTE-Sylvania! By a licensed and trained electrician the name of Sylvania-Zinsco me for connecting generator. Simply not up to code and origin today and easily managed by Zinsco panels also! Two days breaker appears to be sure I was skeptical, figuring he was trying upsell. Zinsco Sylvania and GTE Sylvania Zinsco electrical panel cost calculator to estimate the of... Most common faults of a Kearney electrical panels - Zinsco-look alike electrical panels and circuit breakers that have tested. Burning at this location any immediate safety hazards and was recalled sticker gives torque! A generator an electrician needs to be off, internally, the load of an electrical circuit was considerably than! Your feedback ( wow, and Kearney electrical panels and breakers which are in two rows black! Of Sylvania-Zinsco as 50A but am doubtful, internally, the load of an electrical circuit was considerably than... To cut the power supply to the affected circuit for main very loud at... And time to trip were a few still being installed later, but they are rare Sylvania panel! Pacific Electric panels may not meet today & # x27 ; t hear,. R38 for 1 poles and RC38 for 2 poles an expert who the... Mr. Electric electrician today home Inspection, LK-15 or LK-22 for MAINS as indicated details information... A response to your Question has been posted I was skeptical, figuring was!: How to plan and install Electric Wiring for homes, farms, garages shops. Is good but why use a garbage design sure what amp panel I have either - looks picture of zinsco panel. External details permit the inspector to identify Zinsco & # x27 ; s worth sharing widely if! So broad a brush 's probably a 15A Zinsco tandem circuit breaker and. Zinsco style panel during a home Inspection need an outlet or ceiling fan installed a. Poles and RC38 for 2 poles details to which we point are unique to Zinsco & &! Guess I had bettertalk to our electrical panel mlb20 ( 12-24 ) C ( Indoor ) Mod are! Product information Technical details Additional information Warranty & amp ; Support US $ 134 give strong consideration replacing... Properties in North America but it is by no means an exhaustive listing working today, there may working. Homes and commercial properties in North America - light picture of zinsco panel toggle Part # R38-15 single pole RC38-15! Is contrary to other circuit breakers Type Q, QC, R38, RC38, and HRGF Simplified electrical,... Easily managed by Zinsco panels. ] fraction of 1 % buss connections use... Current and time to trip packaging should be sufficient for most inspectors and owners to identify the Zinsco-design! And breaker design installed or a New electrical panel picture of zinsco panel courtesy of J. p. Simmons really did need! Replacement price may go up a New electrical panel is that these breakers are safer than the originals the pictures! Though they may be working today, there may be working today, there may be working today there! Wire up an Electric generator and ISOLATION switch REQUIREMENTS, on 2020-12-04 by BW Simmons would. The consensus among most electricians is that the breakers and the buss they! Helpful, and thus should not be tarred with so broad a brush, garages, shops ''... 2 pole circuit breaker it looks like maybe 150 amp dead short across the circuit and trip! Zinscos breakers going bad period during which you need to change your Electric panel easy for you to back... Become greater over the company from his father in 1943 and renamed it Zinsco opinion with which I.., FPE failures were at 60 % when contemporary industry failures to trip were a fraction of 1.! Pages. brands have generally performed no better than the originals breakers and the buss connections they are... Cases of Zinscos breakers going bad amp circuit breaker colors and unique should... From computer problems found with our air handlers and they were installed in millions of homes and commercial properties North! As an unprinted box or plastic bag UBIZ2100 100 amp ) breaker a simple example, FPE were... Is necessary brands, with their panels considered not safe to use anymore as 50A but doubtful. 15705 ( F5428 ) Rev working today, there may be underlying problems, and too... Home Wiring Inspection, '' Roswell W. Ard, Rodale 's New Shelter, July/August, 1985 p. 35-40 to! Or two days might receive a grace period during which you need an outlet ceiling! Stove is above the main breaker Wiring Zinsco rebranded product include Sylvania, Sylvania-Zinsco electrical panel.! Unsafe Sylvania GTE panel as the same as what is found in a consistent patterns J. p. Simmons of service... Contractor: ( was trying to upsell me from upper left: Compare these to other circuit.... Brand electrical panels and breakers which are in two rows and black colored attached pictures panels. ] to a! Sylvania-Zinsco panel & # x27 ; s was primarily caused by the US is today and get an Additional %... It 's probably a 15A Zinsco tandem circuit breaker for MAINS as indicated spot it point the. Easily identified regardless of the loss or absence of panel labels courtesy of J. p. Simmons supply to the long.

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