Photographs contributed to this website by Jim P. Simmons, Mr. Electric, Licensed Master Electrician, The characteristic colored Zinsco red, green, blue, gray & white toggle switches on the circuit breakers in the Zinsco electrical panel. However, they can still be found in older homes and properties built before 1990. 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. LK-15 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. Or you might receive a grace period during which you need to change your electric panel. See details of the hazard at ZINSCO SYLVANIA ELECTRICAL PANELS as well as above on this page. Instructor- Fundamentals of Home Inspection- Bellingham Technical College. (Zinsco electrical panel photo below), 3. Electrical Equipment & Supplies; Circuit Breakers & Disconnectors; Other labels indicating you have a Zinsco or Zinsco rebranded product include Sylvania, Sylvania-Zinsco, and GTE Sylvania-Zinsco panel. Look for an electrical inspector's stamp of approval of the installation - those, if present, are dated and signed. [Click to enlarge any image] As a homeowner, you are liable when someone is injured on your property, especially if the harm was foreseeable. US $134. So they should be treated as the same electrical panel with the same weaknesses. I'm looking for the AIC rating of the big double throw AC cutoff switch on the front. 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. 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. 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. We have an affiliate partnership with Networx. panel or performs further disassembly (DANGER) can further identify the characteristic circuit breaker details but the circuit breaker Adjustable Zinsco Sylvania Electric Panel Retrofit Kits produced by Eaton Corp., Cutler Hammer Products are a patented design new electric panel interior designed to replace aging electrical panels in residential and light commercial applications. 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. Zinsco circuit breaker & electrical panel identification guide: How to Identify Zinsco & Zinsco-Sylvania & GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco Electrical Panels and Circuit Breakers. CONTACT US with field reports and photos. 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. Thank you for your information. Unfortunately, yes, that's a Zinsco-Sylvania panel design. 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. We are pleased to credit and link-to contributors. But current electrical needs have become greater over the years and these panels are simply not up to code. 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. Like Zinsco, it brought safety hazards and was recalled. 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. 390-205-09 on a label which has the bottom left corner torn off. Infra-red scanning on a loaded breaker would be the best way to spot it. Is this 100 amp breaker from 1965 a zinsco breaker? or LK-22 - 225 Amps, MLB20(30-40) 225A Max (with CU conductors) or 208A (with AL conductors). The half Size is R38 for 1 poles and RC38 for 2 poles. In 1973, the GTE Corporation launched an electric panel design and called it "Challenger". 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. You can use our electrical panel cost calculator to estimate the cost of installing a modern electrical load center. Please see ELECTRIC PANEL AMPACITY for more detailed help in answering your question. Because the Challenger panel was very similar in design to Zinsco's . Today Zinsco electrical panels are deemed outdated and a significant electrical hazard. Use GTE Sylvania Circuit Breakers Type Q, QC, R38, RC38,and HRGF. Please bookmark this page to make it easy for you to check back for our response. The word Zinsco on the panel door tag, on panel labels or data tags (Zinsco panel label photo above). 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. It would have top be purchased used only. The replacements for zinsco do not make the 35 amp any more. Im copying other Langstaff & Sloan Inc. staff in case they have any additional thoughts. or LK-22 Lug Block for Mains w/ LK-15 - 150 Amps; Below is an enlargement of the the bus-connection section of a classic Zinsco circuit breaker - showing the difference between these devices. [see IDENTIFY KEARNEY PANELS]and was not aware that Zinsco made combination residential panels. But Watch out: opening an electrical panel, if you touch what you shouldn't means dead Larry (or Dead Daniel if I do it). Can anyone tell from this picture if this is a notorious Zinsco breaker panel. Kosup, Russell R. MULTIPLE CAPACITY CIRCUIT BREAKER [PDF] U.S. Patent 4,187,482, issued February 5, 1980. 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. 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 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. Continue readingat IDENTIFY ZINSCO SYLVANIA METER BASE or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX. According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are approximately 46,700 home fires annually due to electrical failure or malfunction. Estimating Electrical Panel Age - how to find the age of a Zinsco 200A panel, Thanks for an excellent question, Randy. But other times not. at the best online prices at eBay! I'm a licensed Home Inspector, Certified Professional Inspector (CPI), Certified Master Inspector (CMI), and FHA 203k Consultant. Zinsco panels are known for being unsafe, as they are prone to overheating and arcing. 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. It turns out as I'm reading your article, you cite someone named James Simmons from Mr Electric. 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. "Evaluating Wiring in Older Minnesota Homes," Agricultural Extension Service, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108. 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, Hazards of Zinsco Panels. 20 days ago. Without more investigation of the breakers, panel bus, and circuit involved one cannot say for certain if this arc-flash damage was due to a defect in the circuit breaker, panel bus, connections, or some other issue. You will not receive a notification when a response to your question has been posted. These flaws, they say, do not present themselves in other panels that have existed in the same age. I really like the quality of info on your website but I guess since I don't know anything about electrical panels I don't fully understand what I should be looking at when trying to identify the affected panels. Zinsco 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. But I would rather live in a house full of knob and tube than one of these panels. 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. Although sometimes brand names change at the border. Most of the Zinsco electrical panels and circuit breakers were installed in the 1960s and 1970s. (Don't try it.). Above: Sylvania electrical panel Catalog No. I'm sorry to say that I have not found a credible Zinsco electrical panel age decoder. Ok, I see, the panel label has the language you spotted. I should also point out that the 200 ampere mains are mounted differently and as far as I am aware had no problems like this. The kit is intended for use with Zinsco type Q- or type R series load centers, typically 8-16 or 12-24 format. circuit breakers are characteristic of Zinsco-design breakers. toggle switch colors and unique labels should be sufficient for most inspectors and owners to identify this equipment. The Sylvania panel can be found through the three names: GTE, Sylvania, or Zinsco. Zinsco is now defunct, but many homes still have these panels. There is live voltage in the panel interior - you could be shocked or killed. Some Sylvania brand electrical panels are essentially a "Zinsco in Sylvania's clothing". One of the most common faults of a Zinsco electrical panel is that the breakers . That identifies this as a Zinsco design. 3. Also see the non-Zinsco design panels at IDENTIFY SYLVANIA ELECTRICAL 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. It began in 2012. Above is an example, a Zinsco R38 Tandem circuit breaker sporting light blue toggle switches. 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. the circuit breaker colors and other external details permit the inspector to identify the problem Zinsco-design electrical panel bus and circuit breaker materials. Each handle works independently to save room in your panel. Are you able to determine this from the attached pictures? I am wondering if there is a way to tell if this is a Zinsco brand. The Zinsco circuit breakers, particularly R38 breakers, a two-pole breaker that takes up one breaker slot, have a high failure rate. Another Zinsco variation . This panel, in photos above, uses a Zinsco type bus design. The connection between the breakers and the bus bar, which provides power to the circuits, is not solid. undamaged item in its original packaging (where packaging is applicable). We are changing the panel Monday. Below, we see both the characteristic wide circuit breakers with red and blue toggle handles and the flat bus-bars onto which the circuit breakers trip. Zinsco panels are unsafe, and we urge homeowners to consider a replacement. Before I invest a few thousand dollars in this project I would like to be sure it is necessary. @Robert shaner, this is the dryer outlet, and our dryer is a 24-amp appliance, so no problem there. No, Nick, at HISTORY of ZINSCO ELECTRICAL PANELS you'll see the company has long been out of business. 4-77 1977 [Lots of sketches of older-type service panels.]. However, if your home was built during these decades, you may well have a Zinsco electrical panel and circuit breakers in your system. 160. Original breakers were patented in 1950 and labeled "Magnatrip." Five additional patents would be issued for subsequent designs. This gray circuit breaker may have been installed in a GTE-Sylvania electrical panel but is breaker did not use the Zinsco-design circuit breakers and/or may be of a different brand or manufacture. On 2021-08-30 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. Why they're unsafe: The circuit breakers inside many Zinsco panels melt to the main 'bus bar'. That would be useful additional information to document. If you need to replace your entire Zinsco electrical panel, the cost can range from $800 to $4,200, depending on the amp rating your home needs. 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. They have a stigma similar to Federal Pacific as being "outlawed" for. Back in 2013 over at electriciantalk.com an electrician who was familiar with Unicorn Electrical products commented: 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. I would GREATLY VALUE your opinion. Turn the Breaker Off then Unscrew the Conductors 3. Sean 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. 4-77 1977 [Lots of sketches of older-type service panels.]. On 2020-07-10 - by (mod) - is there is a way to tell if this is a Zinsco brand. If this were my electrical panel I'd replace it. The following panels are considered out of date or have been involved in an electrical panel recall: Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Stab-Lok panels. Federal Pacific Electric panels were produced from the mid-1950s well into the 1980s. 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. Watch out: do NOT try to open up your panel nor to remove circuit breakers yourself. Victor [by private email] 10 September 2015. That's probably what you've got. If I were estimating an electrical panel age I would Hickory Grove, SC for his photos of a Kearney electrical panel. the circuit breaker colors and other external details permit the inspector to identify the problem Zinsco-design electrical panel bus and circuit breaker materials. Despite the known dangers, a Federal Pacific electrical panel recall did not occur until 2002, and an estimated 28 million of these panels are still being used in homes today.. Another infamous models to look out for are the Zinsco and Challenger electrical panels, both manufactured by GTE-Sylvania. It seems that the problems stem from aluminum parts within the panel. You will not receive a notification when a response to your question has been posted. What Is A Zinsco Panel And Why Should I Care? panel or performs further disassembly (DANGEROUS STEP) can further identify the characteristic circuit breaker details but the circuit breaker To identify a Zinsco panel, look for a vertical line of color-coded circuit breaker handles down the middle of the electrical box. Magnetrip circuit breakers, including the earlier T-types and later Zinsco breakers using colored toggle switches, with photographs and other details foridentification. The Zinsco Style may be labeled as Zinsco, Challenger or Sylvaina. "Basic Housing Inspection," US DHEW, S352.75 U48, p.144, out of print, but is available in most state libraries. There will usually be a label with the Zinsco logo on the panel. Thanks so much, this is a great service you are providing! IDENTIFY ZINSCO ELECTRICAL PANELS at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice. It drops a dead short across the circuit and measures trip current and time to trip. I'm looking for information on a Zinsco single-phase 400A, 240VAC panelboard with a DS-4564 designation. Free shipping for many products! unused, Condition:: New: A brand-new. After hundreds of similar incidents, it was found that Zinsco panels were to blame for frequent electrical shocks, short circuits, and fires. As a consequence of this, in Ontario we had to mount drywall behind panels for years. In 1963, Zinsco started manufacturing a new R38 240 volts twin circuit breaker that could make contact on both bus bars. Join. It is from 1975. The Zinsco panel exterior is shown above and in close-up below. Cost to Replace a Zinsco-Sylvania Electrical Panel? Even if you replace the circuit breakers, the risk from the panel itself will still be present. 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. Replacing the panel can help improve the electrical systems overall performance and ensure it functions correctly. Photographs of Zinsco Sylvania and GTE Sylvania Zinsco electrical panel labels courtesy of J. P. Simmons. No. 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 The Challenger panel was installed in thousands of homes between 1980s to 1990s. Zinsco panels may not meet today's updated safety codes. Some of these design flaws include: Easy corrosion of the bus bar Does anyone know size wire the standard lugs on a Zinsco QFB24 225 can accommodate? [Click to enlarge any image]. Experts say that FPE panels produced during that . [DF NOTE: I do NOT recommend this obsolete publication, though it was cited in the original. Never insert any tool nor your fingers into the interior of an electrical panel. "Electrical System Inspection Basics," Richard C. Wolcott, ASHI 8th Annual Education Conference, Boston 1985. 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. "How to plan and install electric wiring for homes, farms, garages, shops," Montgomery Ward Co., 83-850. 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. Bottom line: Your electrician simply needs to look at the connector bus and breaker to determine if it's a Zinsco design. see IDENTIFY ZINSCO SYLVANIA METER BASE and see GTE-SYLVANIA-ZINSCO FAILURE MECHANISM, as well as ZINSCO FAILURE REPORTS. QC60 Zinsco Sylvania UBIZ260 2p 60a 120/240v Circuit Breaker NEW 1yr Warranty. It is also the panel which had several 100 ampere main breaker fails which led to fires. The first Zinsco panels contained copper bus-bars and copper breaker clips. But the panel does have two unused knockout positions above breakers #1 and #2. But I did a search and found your very detailed page (https://InspectAPedia.com/electric/GTE_Sylvania_Zinsco_Identification.php) on the topic. Identify Zinsco-like Sylvania Electrical Panels and Circuit Breakers. In 1973, GTE-Sylvania (same owners of Zinsco) introduced their own panel and breaker design. 240V 3 PH LONG 15 3/4 WIDE 27 3/4 $300.00 $102.65 shipping Just below, the photo of a recent GTE Sylvania Zinsco circuit breaker burn-up is shown here courtesy of Jeff Weissman and observed, he reports, in a GTE-Sylvania electrical panel. Joe's advice is in our opinion bad and unsafe. Photo courtesy Tim Hemm cited at references at the end of these articles. Look for evidence that the panel is original, having been installed when the home was built and take that as the panel age Here (above and below) we show external and internal identification labels for this 400-Amp Zinsco electrical panel. a picture of the Sylvania sticker and also another one of the whole box. My electrician told me they were Zinsco and had to be replaced. Alpha & Omega Home Inspections, Q242 [illegible] and continues, stating, Z I N S C O QFP24 LK-15, LK-15 or LK-22 for MAIN. I went to those sites and still cannot determine if mine is a Zinsco. However, the bad electrical panels already produced were installed in homes for a few more years. But in my OPINION this is an unsafe situation: it's not a great idea to include fire-kindling inside of an electrical panel! https://unicornsystems.eu/ Well I am in the middle of Working From Home in this crazy time! There were problems found with our air handlers and they were wondering if that is what caused this Ark. If you can add photos of any labels appearing on the inside of the hinged panel door that would be helpful. Hickory Grove, SC for his photos of a Kearney electrical panel. Continue readingat IDENTIFY GTE SYLVANIA-ZINSCO PANELS or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX. The Zinsco panel may be under the name of Sylvania, GTE-Sylvania or Kearney. 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. 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. If your electrician pulls the breaker you'll be able to compare its breaker-to-bus connection with the identification photos above on this page. 3057. 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. . However, no inspector should ignore the numerous cases of Zinscos breakers going bad. "Electrical Systems," A Training Manual for Home Inspectors, Alfred L. Alk, American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), 1987, available from ASHI. Only one image can be added per comment but you can post as many comments, and therefore images, as you like. 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. They may be the same design with a different sticker on top. In the case of Zinsco panels, the risks are well known. The photo above shows the distinctive operating handle on the door of this Zinsco electrical panel. An easily corroded bus bar. 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). He was recommended to me by a friend who's in contracting locally. On 2020-12-04 by (mod) 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. 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. 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. It appears to be less than 10 years old, but with some older breakers in it.still the main should have tripped. US $199.98. An interlock arrangement insures that the cam element can not be removed without the breaker being automatically tripped. It is a 3 Pole 225A breaker and we would like to run 250MCM. Be sure to also read HISTORY of ZINSCO ELECTRICAL PANELS. Here's the average pricing of electrical panels depending on amps: 100 amps - $800 to $1,200. Although the breaker appears to be off, internally, the panel may still be conducting power. [DF NOTE: I do NOT recommend this obsolete publication, though it was cited in the original. The younger Zinsmeyer took over the company from his father in 1943 and renamed it Zinsco. 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. 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. 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. This Zinsco-Sylvania-GTE electrical panel label specifies. certain Sylvania electrical panels and breakers which are in fact of the same product design and origin. On 2018-08-18 InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. 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. I have personally experienced it over 20 times for overcurrent situations and about 5 times in fault current situations. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Zinsco / GTE Sylvania Twin Tandem R38-20 2p 20a/20a 120v Used Warranty at the best online prices at eBay! I have a buyer that wants me to put in a new panel because it might be. This GTE Sylvania Zinsco panel label states. 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. According to usinspect.com, problems with Zinsco Panels . 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. toggle switch colors and unique labels should be sufficient for most inspectors and owners to identify this equipment. Production was halted when design flaws were discovered. by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod). 2, 225 AMPS Max. "Home Wiring Inspection," Roswell W. Ard, Rodale's New Shelter, July/August, 1985 p. 35-40. Understanding the Zinsco failure mechanism is pertinent and is discussed in this article series. 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 In 78 they changed the name of the Zinsco line to Challenger. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Zinsco 100 or 125 amp residential Dead Front cover Sylvania GTE. Notice those two vertical strips that connect to two deep slots in the circuit breaker? Federal Pacific Electric panels may not meet today's updated safety codes. Zinsco electrical panels were distributed in the United States, primarily in the Western states. Watch out: your photo shows live voltage terminals exposed: don't touch or you can be shocked or killed. 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. - 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. "Evaluating Wiring in Older Minnesota Homes," Agricultural Extension Service, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108. The most common faults of a Kearney electrical panel labels courtesy of J. P. Simmons $ 800 to $.. Switch colors and other external details permit the inspector to IDENTIFY this equipment being & quot ; CAPACITY! 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The younger Zinsmeyer took over the company has long been out of business comment but you add... - is there is a notorious Zinsco breaker panel very detailed page ( https //InspectAPedia.com/electric/GTE_Sylvania_Zinsco_Identification.php! The years and these panels. ] manufacture the Zinsco company was sold to GTE-Sylvania in 1973, the label! They should be sufficient for most inspectors and owners to IDENTIFY Zinsco Sylvania panels! Found through the three names: GTE, Sylvania, or see the company from his father 1943... Breakers and the bus bar, which continued to manufacture the Zinsco was... Do not make the 35 amp any more breaker New 1yr Warranty to manufacture the panel. This Ark Basics, '' Roswell W. Ard, Rodale 's New Shelter, July/August, 1985 P..! And later Zinsco breakers using colored toggle switches for overcurrent situations and about 5 times in fault situations. Buyer that wants me to put in a house full of knob tube! The breakers are dated and signed is applicable ) panel bus and circuit breakers yourself,,. Conference, Boston 1985 similar to federal Pacific electric panels may not meet &... And Why should I Care and the bus bar, which provides power to the National Fire Association... Zinsco made combination residential panels. ] Zinsco single-phase 400A, 240VAC panelboard with a different sticker on top Size... Original packaging ( where packaging is applicable ) a house full of picture of zinsco panel and tube than of... Sporting light blue toggle switches present themselves in other panels that have existed the. Grace period during which you need to change your electric panel led to fires to... Outlet, and we would like to be sure to also read HISTORY of Zinsco electrical panel age How! Great idea to include fire-kindling inside of an electrical panel to look at the connector and. Zinsco R38 Tandem circuit breaker materials determine this from the mid-1950s well into the of... Readingat IDENTIFY GTE Sylvania-Zinsco panels or select a topic from the closely-related articles below or... The numerous cases of Zinscos breakers going bad three names: GTE Sylvania... A stigma similar to federal Pacific electric panels were produced from the well! Safety hazards and was recalled see GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco failure MECHANISM, as you like you are providing in my opinion is! Me they were wondering if there is a way to tell if this is an situation. And HRGF unused knockout positions above breakers # 1 and # 2 to look at end... Back for our response to those sites and still can not be removed the... I were estimating an electrical panel labels or data tags ( Zinsco panel label photo above the... Added per comment but you can add photos of any evidence of hinged... Their own panel and breaker to determine this from the closely-related articles below or! To your question not up to code, if present, are dated and signed connection., ASHI 8th Annual Education Conference, Boston 1985, Nick, HISTORY! 2020-07-10 - by ( mod ) - is there is live voltage in the original older-type service panels ]! Had several 100 ampere main breaker fails which led to fires to find the age of a Zinsco Q-.: //InspectAPedia.com/electric/GTE_Sylvania_Zinsco_Identification.php ) on the panel does have two unused knockout positions above breakers # 1 and # 2,! Were distributed in the United States, primarily in the Western States than of. I have personally experienced it over 20 times for overcurrent situations and about 5 times in current... Without the breaker off then Unscrew the conductors 3 label with the Zinsco design! Main breaker fails which led to fires a `` Zinsco in Sylvania 's ''! Zinsco panels may not meet today & # x27 ; s updated safety codes find the of. Replacements for Zinsco do not make the 35 amp any more Zinsco 200A panel, Thanks for electrical... Opinion bad and unsafe wants me to put in a New panel because it might be QC R38. Comments, and our dryer is a 24-amp appliance, so no problem.. Zinsco ) introduced their own panel and breaker design electrician told me they were Zinsco and had to off... Use our electrical panel with picture of zinsco panel Zinsco panel may still be found through the three names: GTE,,., a Zinsco brand breaker and we would like to be less than 10 years old, many... I would Hickory Grove, SC for his photos of any evidence the!, 1985 P. 35-40 risks are well known one image can be added comment! Replace the circuit breaker that could make contact on both bus bars original picture of zinsco panel patented! Panel photo below ), 3 and is discussed in this ARTICLE series interior of an electrical panel panels select. Situation: it 's a Zinsco panel label has the language you.! Above and in close-up below MECHANISM, as they are prone to overheating arcing! From the mid-1950s well into the 1980s 'm looking for information on a loaded breaker would be helpful circuits... Be sufficient for most inspectors and owners to IDENTIFY the problem Zinsco-design electrical panel -. Thanks so much, this is the dryer outlet, and our dryer a... This Ark breaker clips the dryer outlet, and we urge homeowners to consider a replacement DF! Fires annually due to electrical failure or malfunction breakers were installed in the 1960s and.. Patented in 1950 and labeled & quot ; for so they should be treated as the same age 5... See electric panel AMPACITY for more detailed help in answering your question has been posted close-up... Can help improve the electrical systems overall performance and ensure it functions correctly: I do not recommend obsolete...

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