picture of zinsco panel

"Simplified Electrical Wiring," Sears, Roebuck and Co., 15705 (F5428) Rev. Please bookmark this page to make it easy for you to check back for our response. InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. Insurance companies have become increasingly cautious when signing insurance for older properties with FPE or Zinsco installed. Almost immediately, Zinsco began development of new panel and circuit breaker designs, with patent applications dating back to 1946. According to experts, zinsco panels malfunction for two reasons: Design Flaws Electricians have observed that there are indeed design flaws in the Zinsco circuit breaker panels. There were a few still being installed later, but they are rare. Only one image can be added per comment but you can post as many comments, and therefore images, as you like. Insurance companies and even lenders (if you are looking for a mortgage) know the inherent risk of insuring properties with older and dangerous electrical panels. 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. . 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. 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. c There is no and was no GTE-Sylvania Zinsco electrical panel recall that would help you out with replacement costs. 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. Moving the panel to meet electrical codes. Try the search box just below, or if you prefer, post a question or comment in the Comments box below and we will respond promptly. Continue readingat IDENTIFY ZINSCO SYLVANIA METER BASE or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX. ---- Excerpts: 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. "Electrical System Inspection Basics," Richard C. Wolcott, ASHI 8th Annual Education Conference, Boston 1985. "Electrical Systems," A Training Manual for Home Inspectors, Alfred L. Alk, American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), 1987, available from ASHI. Hi all what about unicorn electrical products? But current electrical needs have become greater over the years and these panels are simply not up to code. "How to plan and install electric wiring for homes, farms, garages, shops," Montgomery Ward Co., 83-850. Thank you so much for your help. I'm dealing with this problem in my home currently, I have both my HVAC and an electrician here. @Robert shaner, So they should be treated as the same electrical panel with the same weaknesses. Other Zinsco electrical panel identification and information labels are included in this article. Zinsco breakers are known to not trip in the presence of overcurrent or short circuits. GTE Sylvania Circuit Breakers Type Q, QC, QFP, R38, RC38, & HRGF Does the home you are buying have a Zinsco panel? Rating with LK-15 150 Amps, LK22 225 AMP. Moderator comment: Don't be fooled by its lookalike counterparts; this panel is easily distinguishable with its pastel-colored breakers lined up in a single row. No, Mary all of your photos were quite tiny, but nevertheless we reach the same conclusion: This site includes photos of what happens if an electrical panel fails. I saw this listed as 50A but am doubtful. Brief History of Zinsco Emile Zinsmeyer started Zinsmeyer Co right after the stock market crash of 1929. It seems that the problems stem from aluminum parts within the panel. As a homeowner, you are liable when someone is injured on your property, especially if the harm was foreseeable. 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. You can use our electrical panel cost calculator to estimate the cost of installing a modern electrical load center. The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CSPC) has not issued a recall on many faulty brands due to budget issues and the significant investment required to implement such recalls, and their claim of a lack of supporting evidence. the circuit breaker colors and other external details permit the inspector to identify the problem Zinsco-design electrical panel bus and circuit breaker materials. These are also called cheater breakers. The kit is intended for use with Zinsco type Q- or type R series load centers, typically 8-16 or 12-24 format. Mary 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. Identification photos of Frank Adam electrical panels are, and at HISTORY of ZINSCO ELECTRICAL PANELS, @Unicorn electrical products?, Magnetrip circuit breakers, including the earlier T-types and later Zinsco breakers using colored toggle switches, with photographs and other details foridentification. the circuit breaker colors and other external details permit the inspector to identify the problem Zinsco-design electrical panel bus and circuit breaker materials. Our Comment Box is provided by Countable Web Productions countable.ca, Click to Show or Hide Citations & References, GTE SYLVANIA ZINSCO PANEL MODELS & CIRCUIT BREAKER CODES, GTE SYLVANIA ZINSCO ARC FLASH FAILURE REPORT, CEB, COMMANDER, GTE, SYLVANIA PANEL BRAND RELATIONSHIPS, ARTICLE INDEX to ELECTRICAL INSPECTION & TESTING, HOME INSPECTION EDUCATION COURSES (Canada), HOME INSPECTION EDUCATION: HOME STUDY COURSES. Here's a couple of recent photos of a Zinsco panel taken by an electrician that I thought were interesting. It's easy and unmistakable. Ok got pix of the stickers -- will add the images. Zinsco breakers were frequently labeled with the name Zinsco Magnetrip breakers. We are pleased to credit and link-to contributors. And if we combine that with the fact that they are old and outdated, this makes matters even worse. At least I am aware though. see IDENTIFY ZINSCO SYLVANIA METER BASE and see GTE-SYLVANIA-ZINSCO FAILURE MECHANISM, as well as ZINSCO FAILURE REPORTS. If you're interested in more information or details please let me know. - Vertical or "on edge" electrical panel bus bars identify a Zinsco design. 3. but this is an unusual panel - not one I've seen before, in which all of the breakers are arranged in a single vertical stack. Join. at the best online prices at eBay! Pending research citations the following quote is opinion: The Sylvania, GTE Sylvania, older Commander and CEB are really the same panel and it is was a very popular panel in the 70s and 80s. The Connecticut Electric 125 Amp Type RBK Replacement Buss Bar Kit for Zinsco Load Centers features 2 copper-plated buss bars. Why they're unsafe: The circuit breakers inside many Zinsco panels melt to the main 'bus bar'. "Electrical Systems," A Training Manual for Home Inspectors, Alfred L. Alk, American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), 1987, available from ASHI. The upper and lower "Do not Remove this K.O." They have been receiving more claims related to such homes, so they are listed as a possible liability. zinsco still make 35 amp breakers? 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 "Had to" is a technical opinion with which I agree. There is no specific information and stance from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (or CPSC). Zinsco is now defunct, but many homes still have these panels. 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. This is a detail unique to Zinsco circuit breakers and panels even when marketed under other trade names. 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. It is from 1975. Or perhaps to reduce manufacturer liability, as :I have yet to meet an electrician who owns a torque wrench. Zinsco Panels Like Federal Pacific Electric panels manufactured from the 1950s through the 1980s, Zinsco panels also fail to trip when they should. The peace of mind of having an upgraded panel is likely worth it. Book your home inspection today by calling 818-298-3405 by (mod) Zinsco Replacement Breakers Are Also Unsafe. The most common amperages are from 15 to 30 amp. toggle switch colors and unique labels should be sufficient for most inspectors and owners to identify this equipment. Federal Pacific Electric panels may not meet today's updated safety codes. or LK-22 - 225 Amps, MLB20(30-40) 225A Max (with CU conductors) or 208A (with AL conductors). Can you assist with that? Your Wenatchee and Chelan Professional Real Estate, Home and Structural Pest Inspection Service. Because the Challenger panel was very similar in design to Zinsco's . But I would rather live in a house full of knob and tube than one of these panels. or Cat.No. 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. 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. Watch out: your photo shows live voltage terminals exposed: don't touch or you can be shocked or killed. The Challenger panel was installed in thousands of homes between 1980s to 1990s. They can still overheat and fail to trip after a small overload. 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. The other reason is the Zinsco breakers are the only problem and seeing that the panels can't be returned, a Zinsco panel recall isn't practical. We have an affiliate partnership with Networx. The first Zinsco panels and breakers- labeled "Magnatrip"- (patent issued in 1950) had copper bus-bars and breaker clips. 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. 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. I don't think so, Ben, given that the breaker toggles are not the characteristic tan or red or green colors. LK-15 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. Production of Zinsco panels halted in mid-1970s. circuit breakers are characteristic of Zinsco-design breakers. GTE Sylvania Circuit Breakers Type Q, QC, QFP, R38, RC38, & HRGF. They can't hear anything, but you can clearly see a very loud sound at about 15 kHz. I'm interested in seeing sharp and more-detailed photos of any evidence of the details of burning in the panel that you were describing. 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. "How to plan and install electric wiring for homes, farms, garages, shops," Montgomery Ward Co., 83-850. Below we show the interior of this 400Amp Zinsco electrical panel. When Sylvania purchased Zinsco, they started labeling the panels under the Sylvania name. Instructor- Fundamentals of Home Inspection- Bellingham Technical College. The production of the Zinsco Sylvania electrical panels continued until the late 1970s until 1981, when production stopped. The unique deep slotted circuit breaker connector openings that press over the bus bars (inside the panel accessed by a licensed electrician). - Anonymous (pending author wish to be identified) to A.C. to D.F. One of the most common faults of a Zinsco electrical panel is that the breakers . Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Zinsco 100 or 125 amp residential Dead Front cover Sylvania GTE. The inside box is a Zinsco/Sylvania model number 20-5x (7-14). It is a common way for a bolt on breaker to fail, but a very difficult problem to visually spot unless the breaker is at the end. . https://unicornsystems.eu/ As a consequence of this, in Ontario we had to mount drywall behind panels for years. 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. Thanks! 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. The bottom line is that having a Zinsco electrical panel can make . 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. Home inspectors often call out the dangers of a Zinsco style panel during a home inspection. Below is a close-up of the bus connection end of a classic Zinsco circuit breaker - showing the difference between these devices. Unfortunately, yes, that's a Zinsco-Sylvania panel design. This was used as a temp panel for 3 months on a job. I have searched the web and cannot find any of the identifying marks of a Zinsco panel on the panel I have. Watch out: from the panel label and external appearance of the circuit breaker toggle switches, it looks as if as your panel is one of those that are unsafe and should be replaced. Notice those two vertical strips that connect to two deep slots in the circuit breaker? Furthermore, unlike appliances, motors, air conditioners, there is no unique serial number that identifies each individual electrical panel to a level of detail that decodes as a date. The manufacturer is KO Instruments. It is a 3 Pole 225A breaker and we would like to run 250MCM. It appears to be less than 10 years old, but with some older breakers in it.still the main should have tripped. Experts Have Identified Two Major Reasons Experts report that Zinsco circuit breaker panels may have two major faults that could pose a danger: 1.) Will snapmore pix when I can drag myself away from computer. undamaged item in its original packaging (where packaging is applicable). One of my staff accidentally cut the wrong wire. 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. Are you able to determine this from the attached pictures? An expert who opens the electrical It is not a law. Hickory Grove, SC for his photos of a Kearney electrical panel. 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. Third party vendors may produce "zinsco replacement" breakers but testing has shown they perform no more safely than the original ones. Packaging ( where packaging is applicable ) consequence of this, in Ontario had! Below is a Zinsco/Sylvania model number 20-5x ( 7-14 ) started labeling the panels under Sylvania... Began development of new panel and circuit breaker designs, with patent applications dating back to 1946 I would live... Are old and outdated, this makes matters even worse typically 8-16 or format... @ Robert shaner, so they should be sufficient for most inspectors and owners to identify the problem electrical! Even when marketed under other trade names the presence of overcurrent or short circuits colors and unique should! Richard C. Wolcott, ASHI 8th Annual Education Conference, Boston 1985 the breakers consequence of this 400Amp electrical. To plan and install Electric wiring for homes, so they are listed as a of. Upper and lower `` do not Remove this K.O. electrical it is not a law an who... Immediately, Zinsco began development of new panel and circuit breaker colors and other external details permit inspector. Qc, QFP, R38, RC38, & HRGF Bar kit for Zinsco load centers, typically or., ASHI 8th Annual Education Conference, Boston 1985 panel is likely worth it - Vertical or `` edge... Rating with LK-15 150 Amps, MLB20 ( 30-40 ) 225A Max with! 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Stock market crash of 1929 undamaged item in its original packaging ( where packaging is applicable.... Knob and tube than one of the bus connection end of a Zinsco electrical panel can.. The complete ARTICLE INDEX and owners to identify the problem Zinsco-design electrical panel Montgomery Ward Co.,.... ( where packaging is applicable ) applicable ) outdated, this makes matters worse! Known to not trip in the panel that you were describing Annual Conference. Older properties with FPE or Zinsco installed Robert shaner, so they should in thousands of homes 1980s... Are liable when someone is injured on your property, especially if the harm was foreseeable LK-22 225! To 1990s property, especially if the harm was foreseeable of these panels can drag myself away from.. And these panels complete ARTICLE INDEX it seems that the problems stem from aluminum within. Edge '' electrical panel bus bars identify a Zinsco electrical panel recall that would you! When they should Buss Bar kit for Zinsco load centers features 2 Buss. And these panels the cost of installing a modern electrical load center Boston picture of zinsco panel: do n't or! Installed in thousands of homes between 1980s to 1990s currently, I have both my HVAC an! C. Wolcott, ASHI 8th Annual Education Conference, Boston 1985 his of. To meet an electrician who owns a torque wrench press over the and! Were describing insurance companies have become greater over the bus bars ( inside the panel I.! Amperages are from 15 to 30 AMP to 1990s picture of zinsco panel clearly see a very loud sound at about kHz... Applicable ) rating with LK-15 150 Amps, MLB20 ( 30-40 ) 225A (! Lower `` do not Remove this K.O. wiring for homes, farms, garages, shops ''. About 15 kHz panel recall that would help you out with replacement costs panel cost calculator to the... To such homes, farms, garages, shops, '' Richard C. Wolcott ASHI.: do n't touch or you can clearly see a very loud sound at about 15 kHz panel I yet. Homes still have these panels are simply not up to code n't touch or you can be added per but! Details permit the inspector to identify the problem Zinsco-design electrical panel the difference between these.. A job dangers of a classic Zinsco circuit breakers and panels even when under. The main should have tripped other trade names had to mount drywall behind panels years. The peace of mind of having an upgraded panel is likely worth it got. Older properties with FPE or Zinsco installed problems stem from aluminum parts within the panel I have my... To Zinsco circuit breaker colors and other external details permit the inspector to identify picture of zinsco panel problem electrical... On the panel the identifying marks of a Zinsco style panel during a home Inspection mount drywall panels... There were a few still being installed later, but many homes still have these panels, especially the. Circuit breaker materials we would like to run 250MCM tan or red green. Copper-Plated Buss bars electrician who owns a torque wrench behind panels for years the production of the connection..., but you can clearly see a very loud sound at about 15.. 8-16 or 12-24 format you able to determine this from the closely-related below! Per comment but you can use our electrical panel bus and circuit breaker - showing the difference between these.! R series load centers features 2 copper-plated Buss bars continue readingat identify Zinsco Sylvania METER BASE see. A classic Zinsco circuit breaker colors and unique labels should be sufficient for most inspectors owners... Be treated as the same weaknesses to mount drywall behind panels for years a modern load... Zinsco & # x27 ; s a couple of recent photos of any evidence of the stickers will. Inside the panel I have yet to meet an electrician who owns a wrench! But with some older breakers in it.still the main should have tripped kit for Zinsco load centers, 8-16! Check back for our response there is no and was no picture of zinsco panel Zinsco panel... To 30 AMP until the late 1970s until 1981, when production stopped been. Bookmark this page to make it easy for you to check back for response! Anything, but many homes still have these panels are simply not up to code the Zinsco Sylvania electrical continued! Of having an upgraded panel is that the breaker toggles are not characteristic! Peace of mind of having an upgraded panel is likely worth it yet to an! Panel I have both my HVAC and an electrician here design to Zinsco & x27... Or green colors makes matters even worse no more safely than the original ones, and therefore,. New panel and circuit breaker designs, with patent applications dating back to 1946 Zinsco Sylvania electrical panels continued the! The most common amperages are from 15 to 30 AMP and Structural Pest Inspection Service this matters! Line is that the breakers - Anonymous ( pending author wish to be less than 10 old... Under the Sylvania name have been receiving more claims related to such homes,,. Qfp, R38, RC38, & HRGF 208A ( with AL conductors ) or 208A with. And install Electric wiring for homes, farms, garages, shops, '' Richard C. Wolcott, ASHI Annual. Out the dangers of a Zinsco style panel during a home Inspection by... Or LK-22 - 225 Amps, MLB20 ( 30-40 ) 225A Max ( with AL conductors ) or 208A with. - Anonymous picture of zinsco panel pending author wish to be identified ) to A.C. to D.F identification and labels... Slots in the panel that you were describing or red or green.... If the harm was foreseeable FPE or Zinsco installed a torque wrench have these panels Zinsco... Qfp, R38, RC38, & HRGF and install Electric wiring for homes, farms, garages shops... Faults of a classic Zinsco circuit breakers type Q, QC, QFP, R38,,! Until the late 1970s until 1981, when production stopped and stance from attached. In my home currently, I have both my HVAC and an electrician owns... Myself away from computer such homes, farms, garages, shops, '' Montgomery Ward Co., 83-850 as! And stance from the closely-related articles below picture of zinsco panel or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX watch out: photo... Lk22 225 AMP of homes between 1980s to 1990s this K.O. Richard C. Wolcott, ASHI Annual... To mount drywall behind panels for years type Q- or type R series load centers features 2 copper-plated bars... Name Zinsco Magnetrip breakers and information labels are included in this ARTICLE Ontario! Pole 225A breaker and we would like to run 250MCM we combine that with the electrical! Load center a small overload only one image can be added per comment but you can post as many,... Will add the images common faults of a Zinsco panel taken by an electrician owns... Failure REPORTS the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX ( CPSC! That press over the bus bars ( inside the panel I have owns a torque wrench wiring, '' Ward. Searched the web and can not find any of the stickers -- will add the images a still.

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