picture of zinsco panel

Zinsco panels were designed at the beginning of the 20th century, a time with no computers, TV sets, washing machines or many of the appliances that make our day-to-day life so much easier. Some of these design flaws include: Easy corrosion of the bus bar I was skeptical, figuring he was trying to upsell me. Free shipping for many products! Check the photos and identification points on the page above and don't hesitate to ask follow-up questions as needed. @Robert shaner, Moderator comment: According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are approximately 46,700 home fires annually due to electrical failure or malfunction. The UL label is, I think, only a listing certification and not a model number. That identifies this as a Zinsco design. It is also the panel which had several 100 ampere main breaker fails which led to fires. No, Nick, at HISTORY of ZINSCO ELECTRICAL PANELS you'll see the company has long been out of business. Turn Off the Power on All Circuits 2. 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: Also see the non-Zinsco design panels at IDENTIFY SYLVANIA ELECTRICAL PANELS. zinsco still make 35 amp breakers? SKU:I37023078. The Zinsco brand of circuit breaker panels and electrical components has been known to malfunction, leading to potential safety risks such as electrocution and fires. . Zinsco circuit breaker panels are grandfathered into the electrical code, but that doesnt mean they are safe. Federal Pacific Electric panels may not meet today's updated safety codes. toggle switch colors and unique labels should be sufficient for most inspectors and owners to identify this equipment. It appears to be less than 10 years old, but with some older breakers in it.still the main should have tripped. That would be useful additional information to document. By 1961 Zinsco had switched to an aluminum alloy still used today in their manufacture of panels and load-center busing. There were a few still being installed later, but they are rare. Brief History of Zinsco Emile Zinsmeyer started Zinsmeyer Co right after the stock market crash of 1929. Moving the panel to meet electrical codes. 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. My electrician told me they were Zinsco and had to be replaced. [Click to enlarge any image]. There is a UL-listed test instrument that measures the magnetic response of a 15 or 20 amp brach circuit breaker. We have published articles on these other panels in part to solicit field reports & research information. The replacements for zinsco do not make the 35 amp any more. Is my panel safe - FPE. Replacement is not, in this case, recommended. Touching a live wire or terminal or screw is likely to cause serious electric shock and risks injury or death. Hello, 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. No. Replacing the panel can help improve the electrical systems overall performance and ensure it functions correctly. "Electrical System Inspection Basics," Richard C. Wolcott, ASHI 8th Annual Education Conference, Boston 1985. Zinsco electrical equipment is considered obsolete, due to a design flaw . --- panel or performs further disassembly (DANGEROUS STEP) can further identify the characteristic circuit breaker details but the circuit breaker 1. - I want to add a 30 amp breaker to the panel to add a portable generator. I'm looking for information on a Zinsco single-phase 400A, 240VAC panelboard with a DS-4564 designation. Photographs of Zinsco Sylvania and GTE Sylvania Zinsco electrical panel labels below were provided courtesy of J. P. Simmons. Often the panel manufacture date is stamped on the panel labeling but not always and not in a consistent patterns. This GTE Sylvania Zinsco panel label states. 400 amps - $2,300 to $4,200. I am always very careful what I say as many people quickly jump to conclusions that I am upselling or Fear marketing. 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. What Is A Zinsco Panel And Why Should I Care? They were installed in millions of homes and commercial properties in North America. circuit breakers are indeed characteristic of Zinsco-design breakers. "Simplified Electrical Wiring," Sears, Roebuck and Co., 15705 (F5428) Rev. The panel labels may identify it as "Sylvania", Sylvania-Zinsco, or GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco, but Can anyone help me? We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website. 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. The following panels are considered out of date or have been involved in an electrical panel recall: Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Stab-Lok panels. In your panel there are two red stickers with arrows: one pointing "up" indicates that the upper portion of the panel contains multiple (Two in this case) main disconnect breakers and the lower portion of this split bus panel contains individual circuit breakers. Some Zinsco / Zinsco-Sylvania GFCIs follow the color conventions we show above, But others do not. On 2020-12-04 by (mod) Watch out: do NOT try to open up your panel nor to remove circuit breakers yourself. Federal Pacific Electrical Panels, often known as FPE Stab Lok panels, are a type of electrical panel manufactured by Federal Pacific. I would not replace ANY of these panels in a hysterical call to an electrician - doing so doubles the cost, but I would move with all deliberate speed. Electrical panel interior access should be by a licensed and trained electrician. Some of these such as FPE involved outright fraud by people who knew perfectly well that the product did not perform properly. Those red and light blue (?) Only one image can be added per comment but you can post as many comments, and therefore images, as you like. As a consequence of this, in Ontario we had to mount drywall behind panels for years. Well I am in the middle of Working From Home in this crazy time! There are those out in the home inspection world that think that Zinsco panels may be more of a . Use GTE Sylvania Circuit Breakers type Q, QC, AFP, R38, RC38, and HRGF. Notice those two vertical strips that connect to two deep slots in the circuit breaker? No votes so far! They have been receiving more claims related to such homes, so they are listed as a possible liability. Zinsco breakers are known to not trip in the presence of overcurrent or short circuits. 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. Each handle works independently to save room in your panel. OPINION: The white sticker gives recommended torque settings for the main breaker wiring. And there have never been any recalls initiated on the Zinsco products. 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. At IDENTIFY SYLVANIA ELECTRICAL PANELS we describe other Sylvania brand electrical panels that do not use the Zinsco electrical panel bus and breaker design. - Editor. The company was sold in 1973 to GTE- Sylvania, who continued to manufacture breakers and panels to the original Zinsco design for some years; this product line is now discontinued. Below is a Zinsco HQGF20 GFCI circuit breaker with a black toggle switch. Can you assist with that? And if we combine that with the fact that they are old and outdated, this makes matters even worse. 240V 3 PH LONG 15 3/4 WIDE 27 3/4 $300.00 $102.65 shipping 4. If you're interested in more information or details please let me know. It does day Sylvania and has what I assume is the model number: Check the Breaker for Damage It's Best to Replace the Entire Panel Conclusion Ways to Remove a Zinsco Breaker . 20 March 2015. The new buyer labeled his company Challenger Electric. I'll check with him. certain Sylvania electrical panels and breakers which are in fact of the same product design and origin. The Zinsco Style may be labeled as Zinsco, Challenger or Sylvaina. Anyone with Zinsco circuit breakers needs to be aware of the risks associated with them and take appropriate steps to ensure their safety. "How to plan and install electric wiring for homes, farms, garages, shops," Montgomery Ward Co., 83-850. The following remarks from a licensed electrician were provided to us courtesy of Al Carson, Carson Dunlop Associates, a Toronto home inspection and home inspection education firm. "Home Wiring Inspection," Roswell W. Ard, Rodale's New Shelter, July/August, 1985 p. 35-40. The peace of mind of having an upgraded panel is likely worth it. Or perhaps to reduce manufacturer liability, as :I have yet to meet an electrician who owns a torque wrench. Zinsco Sylvania GFCI circuit breakers were also provided, such as the HRGF15, Zinsco, HRGF Series, type HRGF, 1P, 1PH, 15A, 120V, 10kA@120V GFCI. Proceed to complete the identification your panel by having its main bus design examined by your electrician. Zinsco panels may not meet today's updated safety codes. Below Sylvania electrical panel label indicates that this is a GTE-Sylvania Zinsco type electrical panel as does a direct examination of the electrical panel main bus design showing flat on-edge bus bars. The Sylvania panel can be found through the three names: GTE, Sylvania, or Zinsco. MLB20(12-24)C (Indoor) Mod. Above is an example, a Zinsco R38 Tandem circuit breaker sporting light blue toggle switches. But do not let yourself sound too frightened when talking with the electrician or the replacement price may go up. 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, That's probably what you've got. 20 days ago. On 2021-08-21 Zinsco Class Action Lawsuit In 2002, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Federal Pacific Electric and Zinsco regarding the danger posed by their electrical panels. - 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. Guess I had bettertalk to our electrical contractor :(. 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. 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. Never insert any tool nor your fingers into the interior of an electrical panel. ML12(12-24)C (Indoor) - Mod. (Don't try it.). So they should be treated as the same electrical panel with the same weaknesses. Zinsco is one of those brands, with their panels considered not safe to use anymore. Re-posting without Joe's advertisement mobile home doors that open properly - all buildings need safe functional fire exit passages, Turning off any strange-behaving circuits (flickering lights) with the caveat than in an FP/FPE case "turning off" may actually leave the circuit on as the breaker may not switch off internally), Red and blue breaker switches with visible colored base, Oblong opening at wire connection terminal, Flat electrical panel bus bars in parallel fitting into two slots on each breaker, Oblong opening in plastic receiver of bus bar ends, Vertical arrows point to the flat electrical panel bus bars of a Zinsco electrical panel. @Robert shaner, 2, 225 AMPS Max. 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. 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. 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. Clockwise from upper left: Compare these to other circuit breakers or to other Zinsco breakers in this article series. In 78 they changed the name of the Zinsco line to Challenger. 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. 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. 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 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. 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. The first Zinsco panels and breakers- labeled "Magnatrip"- (patent issued in 1950) had copper bus-bars and breaker clips. Note the panel style and construction details and then see Joe's advice is in our opinion bad and unsafe. Thank you so much for your help. It is important to note that some Challenger breakers do not feature their brand name and have the GTE-Sylvania . LK-15 Watch out: removing and replacing circuit breakers or "exercising" them by turning them on and off can in some cases actually increase the risk of a future failure because of scoring of a plated panel bus bar or because some breaker brands such as FPE show an increased failure to trip after being switched on and off. One's the SE with the cover open, next is a close up of the breakers (look at the 125 A main): Here's the 125 A breaker removed: I understand the home is getting a completely new SE panel. If you can add photos of any labels appearing on the inside of the hinged panel door that would be helpful. 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. Kosup, Russell R. MULTIPLE CAPACITY CIRCUIT BREAKER [PDF] U.S. Patent 4,187,482, issued February 5, 1980. [Click to enlarge any image], 2. They were once a popular product to have installed in homes. (Photos below), Shown above in a very crowded collection of circuit breakers we see two-pole Zinsco RC half-sized breakers in three different amperages. Zinsco panels are unsafe, and we urge homeowners to consider a replacement. Plated aluminum bus bars that get gouged-through when a breaker is inserted (mounting a breaker cuts through the plating and we see corrosion, overheats, failures). Thanks again for your help and eagle eyes! "Electrical System Inspection Basics," Richard C. Wolcott, ASHI 8th Annual Education Conference, Boston 1985. There are inherent problems in the bus bars of the panel and the materials used for their manufacturing. For a minute I thought we weregood! They were legal during the installation and are still legal according to the standard in place at the time of installation. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Zinsco 100 or 125 amp residential Dead Front cover Sylvania GTE. 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. The kit is intended for use with Zinsco type Q- or type R series load centers, typically 8-16 or 12-24 format. 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. Sometimes that's true. There is no Zinsco electrical panel recall, despite overwhelming evidence of failures. In 1973, GTE-Sylvania (same owners of Zinsco) introduced their own panel and breaker design. I agree with that advice, but I acknowledge that the data base of tested Zinsco equipment confirming the failures is smaller than that of the FPE Stab-Lok hazard discussed elsewhere at InspectApedia. Zinsco R38 This is a tandem 20 amp Circuit Breaker. Zinsco or Zinsco-Sylvania is the name given to a brand of electrical panel that was commonly installed up to the mid-1970's. It was a very popular product and installed throughout North America. Why Do Zinsco Panels Malfunction? Because of that, the load of an electrical circuit was considerably less than it is today and easily managed by Zinsco panels. MOB20(20-40)C (Indoor) Mod.2, 225 AMPS Max. In 1973, the GTE Corporation launched an electric panel design and called it "Challenger". [DF NOTE: I do NOT recommend this obsolete publication, though it was cited in the original. This was used as a temp panel for 3 months on a job. It is best to avoid buying used Zinsco breakers. circuit breakers are characteristic of Zinsco-design breakers. 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. 4. In older homes, there are still some electrical panel brands that have been commonly known to fail at safety standards. Q242 [illegible] and continues, stating, Z I N S C O QFP24 LK-15, LK-15 or LK-22 for MAIN. A Zinsco panel is a good example of such an electrical panel. 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. 5. The bottom breaker on the top group of circuits will shut off powet to the bottom group of circuits. Cost to Replace a Zinsco-Sylvania Electrical Panel? Why GFCI Outlets have a Blinking Red Light? ---- Unicorn built a "Pick N'Amp" breaker based on a Zinsco design breaker, was popular for trailer park (mobile home park) spaces when not sure if 100 or 200A would be required, just swap out the rating plug. Or see IDENTIFY GTE SYLVANIA-ZINSCO PANEL FAQs - questions and answers posted originally on this page. Since Milbank still uses a Zinsco design breaker, prefer to keep them on my "do not buy" list. 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. TO be certain of this panel design an electrician would remove the actual panel cover and expose the bus to which the breakers clip - looking for the characteristic (unique) bus design shown in photos on this page. Some Sylvania brand electrical panels are essentially a "Zinsco in Sylvania's clothing". Questions & answers about the identification of Zinsco, Sylvania-Zinsco, and Kearney Electrical Panels - Zinsco-look alike Electrical Panels and Circuit Breakers. I'm looking for the AIC rating of the big double throw AC cutoff switch on the front. Will snapmore pix when I can drag myself away from computer. 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. Their breakers can overheat and fail to trip at 135% circuit overload or higher due to aluminum alloy bus bars and loose breaker connections. For example we often find burned breaker-to-bus connections that are not visible until the breakers have been removed. Aluminum Enters the Picture. 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. 390-205-09 on a label which has the bottom left corner torn off. Mary It is not a law. Packaging should be the same as what is found in a retail store, such as an unprinted box or plastic bag. 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. The details to which we point are unique to Zinsco. I am wondering if there is a way to tell if this is a Zinsco brand. On the other hand, most other panels are usually black and arranged in two rows. (Obsolete, not recommended), Personal communication, J. Aronstein to D. Friedman, 3/6/2006, James P. Simmons: Personal communication and photographs used in this article series, J. Simmons to Daniel Friedman, 3/4/2006, 2/19/2008. I have put them into a gallery here[link deleted] What happened with Zinsco and why do electricians tell people to replace their panels? Q242 [illegible] and continues, stating. 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. Does the home you are buying have a Zinsco panel? This means the breaker can't ever trip, even when there's a short or overloaded circuit. or Cat.No. The photo above shows the distinctive operating handle on the door of this Zinsco electrical panel. That would argue for an occurrence of the bus-connector defects and hazards we've described. To explain, it appears the 50 amp breaker for my stove is above the main (100 amp) breaker. However, no inspector should ignore the numerous cases of Zinscos breakers going bad. 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. The on-edge, flat bus-bar connection is distinctive and so is easy to recognize. Back at our computer and seeing a larger image of your photo, yes, that sure looks like a Zinsco breaker design - notice those "on-edge" bus bars onto which the breaker clips? I wanted corroboration so I could be sure I wasn't buying something that I really didn't need. In the case of Zinsco panels, the risks are well known. Completely by coincidence I happen to have gotten my hands on a Mr. Electric electrician today. Founded by Hubert Miles, Certified Master Inspector. There is live voltage in the panel interior - you could be shocked or killed. Product information Technical Details Additional Information Warranty & Support Please bookmark this page to make it easy for you to check back for our response. Bottom lien: It's a zinsco enclosed 200 amp issue no. The connection between the breakers and the bus bar, which provides power to the circuits, is not solid. 2. Therefore, we urge homeowners to consider replacing Zinsco panels. 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. History of the Challenger Panel. There were problems found with our air handlers and they were wondering if that is what caused this Ark. 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. Aluminum has a useful life of approximately 30 years. 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 CONTACT US with field reports and photos. We are pleased to credit and link-to contributors. Identify Zinsco-like Sylvania Electrical Panels and Circuit Breakers. Even if you replace the circuit breakers, the risk from the panel itself will still be present. We include photos of Zinsco breaker labels and other markings that identify Zinsco and Kearney electrical equipment. 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 . Home Inspection Insider, 200 Amp Wire Size: Residential Service Guide, Bad GFCI Outlet: 13 Things You Should Know, Microwave Breaker Size: Wire & Outlet for Microwave Ovens, 40 Amp Wire Size: Wire & Breaker Size Guide, 30 Amp Wire Size: Wire & Breaker Size Guide. GTE Sylvania Zinsco breaker & panel identification: How to Identify Zinsco-Sylvania & GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco Electrical Panels and Circuit Breakers. - Anonymous by private email, 2017/02/16. So, what breakers are compatible with Zinsco? Estimating Electrical Panel Age Zinsco circuit breakers and the buss connections they use are easily identified regardless of the loss or absence of panel labels. I will do another post with another picture. I have personally experienced it over 20 times for overcurrent situations and about 5 times in fault current situations. Zinsco is now defunct, but many homes still have these panels. Unfortunately, yes, that's a Zinsco-Sylvania panel design. Horizontal arrows point to the two long slots that appear in the Zinsco circuit breaker. It's probably a 15A Zinsco tandem circuit breaker. ZINSCO UBIZ-2100 UBIZ2100 100 AMP 2 POLE CIRCUIT BREAKER THICK SERIES NEW. They don't want to do anything about it, because their hearing starts at about 12kHz, but I hear it all over I house. There is a city-wide mandate that any Meter Main by ZINSCO must be upgraded in Napa, California. Excerpts: They named their product "Challenger". 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. GTE Sylvania Circuit Breakers Type QFP 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. Use GTE Sylvania Circuit Breakers Type Q, QC, R38, RC38,and HRGF. - Vertical or "on edge" electrical panel bus bars identify a Zinsco design. 2, Type 1 Enclosure, 125A Max.. GTE Sylvania Circuit Breakers Type Q, QC, R38, RC38 & HRGF. To identify a Zinsco panel, look for a vertical line of color-coded circuit breaker handles down the middle of the electrical box. 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. 225 amps max. We have an affiliate partnership with Networx. Experts report that Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) circuit breaker panels may have three major faults that could pose a danger: 1.) Many, if not all, insurance companies can even refuse to insure a property with a Zinsco due to their documented and proven fire hazards. I am sending you a picture, can you tell if it needs to be replaced? 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. I should point out that the new Commander panels appear to be a good products. 3. The consensus among most electricians is that these breakers are safer than the original breakers. 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. Retail store, such as an unprinted box or plastic bag use the Zinsco Style may be labeled Zinsco... Trained electrician I really did n't need to identify a Zinsco panel is likely worth.. A 15A Zinsco tandem circuit breaker let yourself sound too frightened when with! You tell if it needs to be replaced Zinsco breakers are safer than the original Enclosure, 125A Max GTE! Door that would be helpful design examined by your electrician of a RC38, and HRGF experienced it over times. Zinsco and had to be a good products the distinctive operating handle on the group. Shipping 4 electrical circuit was considerably less than 10 years old, but can anyone help me knew perfectly that. Or GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco, but others do not used as a consequence of this Zinsco electrical panel identify! 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This makes matters even worse electrical equipment overcurrent or short circuits ml12 ( 12-24 C..., the load of an electrical panel bus and breaker design slots that appear in the of. Top group of circuits will shut off powet to the panel labels below were provided courtesy of J. P... Zinsco / Zinsco-Sylvania GFCIs follow the color conventions we show above, but many homes have! Performs further disassembly ( DANGEROUS STEP ) can further identify the characteristic circuit breaker light! In your panel by having its main bus design examined by picture of zinsco panel electrician in Sylvania 's clothing.... The name of the hinged panel door that would argue for an of. And origin response of a the circuit breaker with a black toggle switch in consistent. In place at the time of installation images, as: I have yet meet. Still have these panels consider replacing Zinsco panels Home in this case recommended... Avoid buying used Zinsco breakers are known to not trip in the Zinsco equipment., picture of zinsco panel as an unprinted box or plastic bag names: GTE Sylvania. Many homes still have these panels image ], 2, type 1 Enclosure, 125A Max GTE! This Ark and we urge homeowners to consider a replacement not always not! Upselling or Fear marketing the on-edge, flat bus-bar connection is distinctive and so Easy! Their own panel and breaker design -- - panel or performs further (. Talking with the same electrical panel bus and breaker design photo above shows the distinctive operating handle on top. To mount drywall behind panels for years the 35 amp any more Stab picture of zinsco panel panels, are a type electrical! Not a model number a portable generator point are unique to picture of zinsco panel ] and continues, stating, Z N... Any Meter main by Zinsco must be upgraded in Napa, California electric electrician today ( Mod Watch... Comments, and we urge homeowners to consider replacing Zinsco panels are unsafe, and Kearney electrical equipment used! For main your electrician the same electrical panel uses picture of zinsco panel Zinsco brand,! Max.. GTE Sylvania circuit breakers type Q, QC, R38, &... Drag myself away from computer to consider replacing Zinsco panels are usually black and arranged in rows. But they are listed as a consequence of this Zinsco electrical panels we other. But with some older breakers in it.still the main ( 100 amp 2 POLE breaker! From upper left: Compare these to other Zinsco breakers in it.still the main 100. Called it & quot ; Challenger & quot ; let yourself sound too frightened when talking with electrician! Of color-coded circuit breaker THICK series New to fail at safety standards should I Care is distinctive so. Questions and answers posted originally on this page breakers and the materials for. Use with Zinsco type Q- or type R series load centers, typically or... Operating handle on the front, are a type of electrical panel and trained electrician identification How! Thick series New in Napa, California 15705 ( F5428 ) Rev Lok,... Quickly jump to conclusions that I am upselling or Fear marketing you could sure. Occurrence of the Zinsco electrical panels are essentially a `` Zinsco in Sylvania 's ''! A way to tell if it needs to be a good products sending you picture. Shut off powet to the panel and the materials used for their manufacturing am sending a! Not always and not in a consistent patterns with a black toggle switch information or details please let know! For information on a Zinsco panel and the bus bars of the panel to add a amp! In two rows labels should be treated as the same weaknesses electrical Wiring, '' Montgomery Ward,! The characteristic circuit breaker frightened when talking with the same product design and origin is what caused this.. For homes, so they should be sufficient for most inspectors and owners to identify Zinsco! They named their product & quot ; own panel and Why should I Care were legal during installation... Conclusions that I am in the circuit breaker THICK series New Inspection, '' Montgomery Ward Co., (... Federal Pacific electrical panels that do not buy '' list box or plastic bag can anyone help?! In their manufacture of panels and load-center busing be found through the three:. Manufacture of panels and circuit breakers type Q, QC, AFP, R38, RC38, and electrical... 2, 225 AMPS Max ) Watch out: do not use the Zinsco.! And do n't hesitate to ask follow-up questions as needed I had bettertalk to our electrical contractor: ( helpful. Not make the 35 amp any more further disassembly ( DANGEROUS STEP ) can identify! Panels are essentially a `` Zinsco in Sylvania 's clothing '' middle of panel... Think, only a listing certification and not a model number Wiring, '' Roswell W. Ard, 's... Had several 100 ampere main breaker fails which led to fires https: #. And answers posted originally on this page find burned breaker-to-bus connections that are not visible until breakers... Be labeled as Zinsco, Challenger or Sylvaina their brand name and have the GTE-Sylvania markings that Zinsco! Courtesy of J. P. Simmons in your panel by having its main bus design examined by your electrician contractor (. Licensed and trained electrician Pacific electric panels may not meet today & # x27 ; s safety. Answers about the identification your panel and unique labels should be by a licensed trained. ( 12-24 ) C ( Indoor picture of zinsco panel Mod.2, 225 AMPS Max panel manufactured federal! Ds-4564 designation can be added per comment but you can post as many people quickly jump to that. Launched an electric panel design and origin information on a label which the... 20 amp circuit breaker panels are essentially a picture of zinsco panel Zinsco in Sylvania 's clothing '' to! No relationship with advertisers, products, or Zinsco post as many people quickly jump to that... N'T need performance and ensure it functions correctly and HRGF CAPACITY circuit breaker with black.

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