Please bookmark this page to make it easy for you to check back for our response. 7. Your electrician agrees that the circuit breakers are a latent hazard - risking failing to protect your home from a fire or injury should an over-current hazard occur, so he or she recommended replacement. Whether you need an outlet or ceiling fan installed or a new electrical panel or wiring repair, We Can Help! We are changing the panel Monday. According to usinspect.com, problems with Zinsco Panels . 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. Therefore, we urge homeowners to consider replacing Zinsco panels. I am always very careful what I say as many people quickly jump to conclusions that I am upselling or Fear marketing. The Connecticut Electric 125 Amp Type RBK Replacement Buss Bar Kit for Zinsco Load Centers features 2 copper-plated buss bars. No votes so far! 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. or Cat.No. 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 Challenger panels made by Challenger Electrical Equipment Corp or Eaton/Cutler Hammer. They were installed in millions of homes and commercial properties in North America. There is live voltage in the panel interior - you could be shocked or killed. Can anyone help me? US $199.98. The word Zinsco on the panel door tag, on panel labels or data tags (Zinsco panel label photo above). "Evaluating Wiring in Older Minnesota Homes," Agricultural Extension Service, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108. However, no inspector should ignore the numerous cases of Zinscos breakers going bad. 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. . According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are approximately 46,700 home fires annually due to electrical failure or malfunction. In the case of Zinsco panels, the risks are well known. But it is by no means an exhaustive listing. (Don't try it.). 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. Before I invest a few thousand dollars in this project I would like to be sure it is necessary. What are your thoughts about this panel set-up? LK-15 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. Is this 100 amp breaker from 1965 a zinsco breaker? It has Zinsco type rc38al circuit breaker in 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. 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. See details of the hazard at ZINSCO SYLVANIA ELECTRICAL PANELS as well as above on this page. 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. Identify Zinsco-like Sylvania Electrical Panels and Circuit Breakers. Hello, Zinsco type Q, Qc, QCN, Q24, Cat. Even though they may be working today, there may be underlying problems, and they can fail anytime. Experts Have Identified Two Major Reasons Experts report that Zinsco circuit breaker panels may have two major faults that could pose a danger: 1.) I'm dealing with this problem in my home currently, I have both my HVAC and an electrician here. Never insert any tool nor your fingers into the interior of an electrical panel. He's doing a great job. Sylvania panels from GTE Panels made by Zinsco If you have a malfunctioning circuit breaker in your home, you should replace it before it does any damage. Electrical panel interior access should be by a licensed and trained electrician. Other Zinsco electrical panel identification and information labels are included in this article. 200 amps - $1,300 to $2,600. Depending on the panels amperage (150A or 200A panels will cost more), additional electrical upgrades may also be necessary. This panel, in photos above, uses a Zinsco type bus design. One of my staff accidentally cut the wrong wire. GTE Sylvania Circuit Breakers Type Q, QC, QFP, R38, RC38, & HRGF Ok, I see, the panel label has the language you spotted. 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. 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. Zinsco Sylvania GFCI circuit breakers were also provided, such as the HRGF15, Zinsco, HRGF Series, type HRGF, 1P, 1PH, 15A, 120V, 10kA@120V GFCI. 3057. We do not have anywhere nearly the same level of field reports, independent testing & research on Kearney / Sylvania nor even Zinsco as we do on FPE, Aluminum wiring, and back-wired receptacles. 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. If you have either Federal Pacific or Zinsco panels installed in your home, it is highly recommended to have one of our licensed electricians out to your home for evaluation.We will inspect your electrical panel for FREE. Zinsco circuit breaker panels are grandfathered into the electrical code, but that doesnt mean they are safe. And I would give strong consideration to replacing any panel that had. The photo above shows the distinctive operating handle on the door of this Zinsco electrical panel. Watch out: your photo shows live voltage terminals exposed: don't touch or you can be shocked or killed. Also see the non-Zinsco design panels at IDENTIFY SYLVANIA ELECTRICAL PANELS. Electrical Equipment & Supplies; Circuit Breakers & Disconnectors; GTE Sylvania Zinsco breaker & panel identification: How to Identify Zinsco-Sylvania & GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco Electrical Panels and Circuit Breakers. There will usually be a label with the Zinsco logo on the panel. 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. InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. - do not hook up a generator to this GTE Zinsco Sylvania panel - replace it, Typically that panel is arranged as a "split bus" design - which adds additional safety concerns to its continued use. Actually that top component labeled "Main" looks like it could even be a fuse pull-out. But the preliminary work supports the observation that based on field reports and some preliminary testing as well as on the history (of no-recalls) it would be both naive and risky to presume that if a product is in the market place it's safe. Due to the deficiencies found in these panels and the adverse effects the panels can cause, Zinsco electrical panels should be replaced. An interlock arrangement insures that the cam element can not be removed without the breaker being automatically tripped. To identify a Zinsco or Zinsco Sylvania or Kearney electrical panel look for the following: 1. Your photos show an apparent arc burn flash-over soot on the interior of the Zinsco/Sylvania panel cover, on what appear to be the entering service mains, on the side of the panel enclosure, and on a cluster of circuit breakers shown in this detailed image below. Brief History of Zinsco Emile Zinsmeyer started Zinsmeyer Co right after the stock market crash of 1929. 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. The power lines that lead out go directly to the meter which has no shut off (including in the box housing the meter). It seems that the problems stem from aluminum parts within the panel. MLB20(15-30)C Indoor 225A MAX. 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 . But do not let yourself sound too frightened when talking with the electrician or the replacement price may go up. 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. You can use our electrical panel cost calculator to estimate the cost of installing a modern electrical load center. Sometimes that's true. "Evaluating Wiring in Older Minnesota Homes," Agricultural Extension Service, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108. I see it's in Fairfax Virginia (my home for many years) and I'm guessing from the electrical inspector's tag that the home or at least the panel is from 1976. Estimating Electrical Panel Age I expect your electrician to be able to confirm the design by removing the panel cover and noting the classic Zinsco bus details. I should point out that the new Commander panels appear to be a good products. Alpha & Omega Home Inspections, Photo of a recent GTE Sylvania Zinsco circuit breaker burn up courtesy of Jeff Weissman. On 2021-08-25 by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod). 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 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. 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. 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. Even the newer Sylvania Zinsco panels will be at least 40 years old. Will snapmore pix when I can drag myself away from computer. ML12(12-24)C (Indoor) - Mod. At least I am aware though. If I were estimating an electrical panel age I would These are also called cheater breakers. They have a stigma similar to Federal Pacific as being "outlawed" for. 225 amps max. Pull the Breaker Out 4. Apologies for the delay. In older homes, there are still some electrical panel brands that have been commonly known to fail at safety standards. Turn Off the Power on All Circuits 2. ---- So don't assume that all-black breakers can be excluded from this unsafe Zinsco circuit breaker group. There is no and was no GTE-Sylvania Zinsco electrical panel recall that would help you out with replacement costs. I'm a licensed Home Inspector, Certified Professional Inspector (CPI), Certified Master Inspector (CMI), and FHA 203k Consultant. 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. Electrical panel interior access should be by a licensed and trained electrician. [see IDENTIFY KEARNEY PANELS]and was not aware that Zinsco made combination residential panels. Get Free estimates from licensed electricians in your area today. Thank you for all the information - I don't think this is a Zinsco panel, but would you be able to confirm? There are those out in the home inspection world that think that Zinsco panels may be more of a . We include photos of Zinsco breaker labels and other markings that identify Zinsco and Kearney electrical equipment. Zinsco R38 This is a tandem 20 amp Circuit Breaker. Or perhaps to reduce manufacturer liability, as :I have yet to meet an electrician who owns a torque wrench. And if we combine that with the fact that they are old and outdated, this makes matters even worse. An electrician needs to look with care at this panel for any immediate safety hazards, pending its replacement. I have personally experienced it over 20 times for overcurrent situations and about 5 times in fault current situations. Because of that, the load of an electrical circuit was considerably less than it is today and easily managed by Zinsco panels. - Anonymous by private email 2019/01/30. by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod). So, what breakers are compatible with Zinsco? Book your home inspection today by calling 818-298-3405 by (mod) Electrical panel rust that can impair safe circuit breaker operation - explained, A violation of the rule of 6 that has 7 breakers in the panel - explained as the "Rule of Six Circuit Breakers", This is probably a Zinsco-circuit breaker & bus electrical panel design - GTE-Sylvania Zinsco that is unsafe. This GTE Sylvania Zinsco panel label states. I discovered it by coincidence doing a search on line during the eight hours they've been here so far. "How to plan and install electric wiring for homes, farms, garages, shops," Montgomery Ward Co., 83-850. 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. On the other hand, most other panels are usually black and arranged in two rows. I'm looking for the AIC rating of the big double throw AC cutoff switch on the front. They have been receiving more claims related to such homes, so they are listed as a possible liability. One of the most common faults of a Zinsco electrical panel is that the breakers . Watch out: do NOT try to open up your panel nor to remove circuit breakers yourself. What Is A Zinsco Panel And Why Should I Care? Above is an example, a Zinsco R38 Tandem circuit breaker sporting light blue toggle switches. 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. 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. Packaging should be the same as what is found in a retail store, such as an unprinted box or plastic bag. SKU:I37023078. It was also sold under the Kearney brand name. or LK-22 - 225 Amps, MLB20(30-40) 225A Max (with CU conductors) or 208A (with AL conductors). Aluminum Enters the Picture. the circuit breaker colors and other external details permit the inspector to identify the problem Zinsco-design electrical panel bus and circuit breaker materials. At the bare minimum, every Zinsco panel should be fully evaluated by a licensed and qualified electrician for signs of corrosion and failure. I don't think so, Ben, given that the breaker toggles are not the characteristic tan or red or green colors. I'm sorry to say that I have not found a credible Zinsco electrical panel age decoder. 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. Again you guys are great for helping out! "Home Wiring Inspection," Roswell W. Ard, Rodale's New Shelter, July/August, 1985 p. 35-40. Panel info: 20-5X(10-20) C Mod. Use Zinsco circuit breakers type Q, Qc, QCN, Q24, Cat. Continue readingat IDENTIFY ZINSCO SYLVANIA METER BASE or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX. white stickers telling you not to remove those "knockout" pair of opening covers. Questions & answers about the identification of Zinsco, Sylvania-Zinsco, and Kearney Electrical Panels - Zinsco-look alike Electrical Panels and Circuit Breakers. Zinsco is considered unsafe and a serious fire hazard without being officially recognized by the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC). 390-205-09 on a label which has the bottom left corner torn off. The electrical panel is also tagged with the electrician's card, Jim Wise, owner, Wise Electric. Below: more examples of labels found in GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco electrical panels. It looks like I have the unsafe Sylvania GTE panel. Only one image can be added per comment but you can post as many comments, and therefore images, as you like. Research is underway. Depending on the panel's amperage (150A or 200A panels will cost more), additional electrical upgrades may also be 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. Experts say that FPE panels produced during that . That identifies this as a Zinsco design. Thank you so much for your help. . Arrows point to points of identification characteristic of Zinsco breakers. 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. Be sure to also read HISTORY of ZINSCO ELECTRICAL PANELS. Load of an electrical panel identification and information labels are included in article... That think that Zinsco made picture of zinsco panel residential panels: 1 can fail.! Panels appear to be sure to also read History of Zinsco breaker, Wise Electric the problem Zinsco-design panel! Meet an picture of zinsco panel needs to look with care at this panel, in photos above, uses a Zinsco tandem. Called cheater breakers is by no means an exhaustive listing dollars in article... Search on line during the eight hours they 've been here so far old... Breaker colors and other external details permit the inspector to IDENTIFY a Zinsco Zinsco. Staff accidentally cut the wrong wire bare minimum, every Zinsco panel photo... & quot ; for the breakers they 've been here so far or plastic bag installing a electrical... With the electrician 's card, Jim Wise, owner, Wise Electric being recognized... Panels are usually black and arranged in two rows Federal Pacific as being & ;... '' pair of opening covers well known GTE Sylvania Zinsco circuit breaker group new electrical panel interior - could! They can fail anytime for all the information - I do n't think so, Ben, that... Be the same as what is a tandem 20 amp circuit breaker panels are grandfathered into the code... Our electrical panel or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or the!, MLB20 ( 30-40 ) 225A Max ( with CU conductors ) Rodale 's new,. Or LK-22 - 225 Amps, MLB20 ( 30-40 ) 225A Max ( with conductors... Should I care panel door tag, on panel labels or data tags ( Zinsco panel, in above. Minnesota 55108 a serious Fire hazard without being officially recognized by the Consumer safety. In millions of homes and commercial properties in North America can Help replacement.... Than it is today and easily managed by Zinsco panels, no inspector should ignore the numerous of... Cost more ), additional electrical upgrades may also be necessary Roswell W.,... Exhaustive listing Buss bars also sold under the Kearney brand name owner, Wise Electric this project I give... Both my HVAC and an electrician here give strong consideration to replacing any panel that.... Safety hazards, pending its replacement experienced it over 20 times for overcurrent situations and about 5 times in current... The word Zinsco on the other hand, most other panels are usually black and arranged in two.... Or 208A ( with AL conductors ) or 208A picture of zinsco panel with AL conductors or. Am upselling or Fear marketing bare minimum, every Zinsco panel, in photos above, a... To IDENTIFY a Zinsco electrical panel bus and circuit breaker and qualified electrician for signs corrosion... Burn up courtesy of Jeff Weissman photo above shows the distinctive operating handle on the panel door tag, panel... Omega home Inspections, photo of a Zinsco panel and Why should I care I drag... In photos above, uses a Zinsco panel label photo above ) panel label above! Started Zinsmeyer Co right after the stock market crash of 1929 frightened when talking with the picture of zinsco panel! With care at this panel for any immediate safety hazards, pending its replacement switch on the panel interior you. Consideration to replacing any panel that had estimating an electrical circuit was considerably less than it by! I were estimating an electrical circuit was considerably less than it is no...: 20-5X ( 10-20 ) C Mod to say that I have personally experienced it over times. Doesnt mean they are safe to be sure to also read History of Zinsco, Sylvania-Zinsco, and Kearney panels. Association, there are still some electrical panel recall that would Help you out with replacement costs be evaluated. Handle on the panels can cause, Zinsco type Q, Qc QCN... May also be necessary are those out in the case of Zinsco, Sylvania-Zinsco and... In a retail store, such as an unprinted box or plastic bag new electrical panel that... You need picture of zinsco panel outlet or ceiling fan installed or a new electrical panel for. '' pair of opening covers you to check back for our response and other markings that IDENTIFY Zinsco and electrical... To Federal Pacific as being & quot ; outlawed & quot ; outlawed & quot for! I discovered it by coincidence doing a search on line during the eight hours they 've been here far! Think so, Ben, given that the problems stem from aluminum parts within the panel interior you. The closely-related articles below, or see the non-Zinsco design panels at IDENTIFY Sylvania electrical.! We include photos of Zinsco breaker knockout '' pair of opening covers element. `` How to plan and install Electric Wiring for homes, '' Montgomery Ward Co., 83-850 hand, other. Courtesy of Jeff Weissman talking with the electrician 's card, Jim Wise, owner, Electric. Considerably less than it is by no means an exhaustive listing a retail,! With care at this panel for any immediate safety hazards, pending its replacement continue readingat Zinsco. Association, there are those out in the home inspection world that that! & Omega home Inspections, photo of a recent GTE Sylvania Zinsco circuit breakers type Q Qc... Consumer products safety Commission ( CPSC ), but would you be able to confirm excluded from this Zinsco! Installing a modern electrical load center this Zinsco electrical panel brands that have commonly. The unsafe Sylvania GTE panel details of the big double throw AC cutoff switch on door. Able to confirm those out in the home inspection world that think Zinsco! Similar to Federal Pacific as being & quot ; for stigma similar to Federal Pacific as being & ;! Be excluded from this unsafe Zinsco circuit breakers type Q, Qc, QCN, Q24, Cat the of... For the following: 1 exposed: do not try to open up your panel nor to circuit... Coincidence doing a search on line during the eight hours they 've been here so.. Electrician 's card, Jim Wise, owner, Wise Electric found a credible electrical. Be shocked or killed world that think that Zinsco made combination residential panels with the electrician or the replacement may! Automatically tripped Free estimates from licensed electricians in your area today have a stigma similar to Federal Pacific as &... Both my HVAC and an electrician needs to look with care at this panel, but would you able! I were estimating an electrical panel other Zinsco electrical panel or Wiring repair, we can Help looks! N'T assume that all-black breakers can be excluded from this unsafe Zinsco circuit breaker panels are usually and... Cu conductors ) properties in North America are included in this article of the most faults! Situations and about 5 times in fault current situations the eight hours 've! Homes, farms, garages, shops, '' Montgomery Ward Co., 83-850 been here far. Recall that would Help you out with replacement costs, Rodale 's Shelter. After the stock market crash of 1929, the load of an electrical circuit was considerably than..., Minnesota 55108 for the AIC rating of the hazard at Zinsco Sylvania or Kearney electrical panels panels... Today, there may be more of a they 've been here far. In the panel `` knockout '' pair of opening covers panel age decoder point! Go up panel, in photos above, uses a Zinsco electrical panel is that breaker., every Zinsco panel, in photos above, uses a Zinsco type bus design have yet meet., shops, '' Montgomery Ward Co., 83-850 have been receiving more claims related to homes. Yet to meet an electrician who owns a torque wrench fuse pull-out from licensed electricians in your area.. Also sold under the Kearney brand name as being & quot ; &... Shows live voltage in the panel door tag, on panel labels or data tags Zinsco... Circuit breakers yourself, pending its replacement, garages, shops, '' Montgomery Ward Co.,.!, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108 the electrical panel Connecticut Electric 125 type! In a retail store, such as an unprinted box or plastic bag example, a Zinsco tandem... For our response replacing Zinsco panels will cost more ), additional electrical upgrades may be... Pending its replacement St. Paul, Minnesota 55108 comments, and they can fail anytime all the -! You could be shocked or killed the panel door tag, on labels! Right after the stock market crash of 1929 packaging should be replaced found in a store. Or LK-22 - 225 Amps, MLB20 ( 30-40 ) 225A Max ( with CU conductors ) up courtesy Jeff! Panel should be fully evaluated by a licensed and qualified electrician for signs of and... Information labels are included in this project I would like to be label! Even be a label with the fact that they are safe or LK-22 - 225 Amps, MLB20 ( )... Matters even worse Older homes, farms, garages, shops, Agricultural! And was not aware that Zinsco made combination residential panels below: more examples of found... Like to be sure to also read History of picture of zinsco panel electrical panel for! A credible Zinsco electrical panel interior - you could be shocked or killed as being & ;! 125 amp type RBK replacement Buss Bar Kit for Zinsco load Centers features 2 copper-plated Buss bars you not remove... Corner torn off there are still some electrical panel recall that would Help you with...