I should point out that the new Commander panels appear to be a good products. The first Zinsco panels contained copper bus-bars and copper breaker clips. The most common amperages are from 15 to 30 amp. As a homeowner, you are liable when someone is injured on your property, especially if the harm was foreseeable. It's probably a 15A Zinsco tandem circuit breaker. There is no and was no GTE-Sylvania Zinsco electrical panel recall that would help you out with replacement costs. For a minute I thought we weregood! 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. - P.G. IDENTIFY ZINSCO ELECTRICAL PANELS at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice. The Zinsco company was sold to GTE-Sylvania in 1973, which continued to manufacture the Zinsco panel design under the name of Sylvania-Zinsco. 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. Why GFCI Outlets have a Blinking Red Light? Is replacing a Zinsco breaker panel worth it? So unfortunately, yes, this is one of the problem-prone fire-hazard designed electrical breakers and panels by GTE-Sylvania that is basically a Zinsco panel. 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. This panel, in photos above, uses a Zinsco type bus design. . There is live voltage in the panel interior - you could be shocked or killed. You will not receive a notification when a response to your question has been posted. I have personally experienced it over 20 times for overcurrent situations and about 5 times in fault current situations. I'll attach Hi all what about unicorn electrical products? I expect your electrician to be able to confirm the design by removing the panel cover and noting the classic Zinsco bus details. It would be prudent to replace it. It was also sold under the Kearney brand name. "Evaluating Wiring in Older Minnesota Homes," Agricultural Extension Service, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108. (Don't try it.). 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 This Zinsco-Sylvania-GTE electrical panel label specifies. a picture of the Sylvania sticker and also another one of the whole box. Watch out: replacement circuit breakers that have been tested for these problem brands have generally performed no better than the originals. They may be the same design with a different sticker on top. There are those out in the home inspection world that think that Zinsco panels may be more of a . We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website. Sean. Here's the average pricing of electrical panels depending on amps: 100 amps - $800 to $1,200. or LK-22 Lug Block for Mains w/ LK-15 - 150 Amps; Im copying other Langstaff & Sloan Inc. staff in case they have any additional thoughts. The bottom breaker on the top group of circuits will shut off powet to the bottom group of circuits. Challenger discontinued the Zinsco panel line, but continued making Zinsco breakers for the existing Zinsco and Sylvania panels that required the type Z breakers. Back in 2013 over at electriciantalk.com an electrician who was familiar with Unicorn Electrical products commented: 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: 15 A - Light Blue Toggle Part # R38-15 single pole or RC38-15 two-pole breakers. Infra-red scanning on a loaded breaker would be the best way to spot it. Questions & answers about the identification of Zinsco, Sylvania-Zinsco, and Kearney Electrical Panels - Zinsco-look alike Electrical Panels and Circuit Breakers. 160. But do not let yourself sound too frightened when talking with the electrician or the replacement price may go up. GTE Sylvania Circuit Breakers Type Q, QC, QFP, R38, RC38, & HRGF. On 2021-08-25 by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod). We have an affiliate partnership with Networx. No, Mary all of your photos were quite tiny, but nevertheless we reach the same conclusion: I have an MLB20 (15-30)C indoor mod 2 breaker box, is this prone to problems? 20 A - Red Toggle Part # R38-20 or RC38-20 double pole. 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. One of my staff accidentally cut the wrong wire. 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. 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. 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. . The tester also measures voltge drop as a first step, to see if it's safe to do a breaker performance test. According to usinspect.com, problems with Zinsco Panels . To identify a Zinsco panel, look for a vertical line of color-coded circuit breaker handles down the middle of the electrical box. Watch out: do NOT try to open up your panel nor to remove circuit breakers yourself. "Simplified Electrical Wiring," Sears, Roebuck and Co., 15705 (F5428) Rev. Will snapmore pix when I can drag myself away from computer. Will a Zinsco Electrical Panel Pass Inspection? Moving the panel to meet electrical codes. 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. Please see attached - Thanks! 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. For example, the deep slot that cuts up into the side of Zinsco breakers and the "on-edge" bus bars are key details that will reliably identify Zinsco breakers and panels and can be easily seen in an electrical panel. Also is there a place where I can research to find out if my panels were officially recalled? 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. Due to significant flaws in the design of the panels, after wear and tear of the breaker, the breaker and aluminum bars in the Zinsco panel melt together. 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. 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. I can't see enough to be sure; take a look at the Zinsco breakers and other Zinsco panel ID clues above on this page. Photo courtesy Tim Hemm cited at references at the end of these articles. 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. Zinsco R38 This is a tandem 20 amp Circuit Breaker. In addition, Zinsco panels typically have the logo at the top of the panel. Apologies for the delay. Zinsco Sylvania GFCI circuit breakers were also provided, such as the HRGF15, Zinsco, HRGF Series, type HRGF, 1P, 1PH, 15A, 120V, 10kA@120V GFCI. It is also the panel which had several 100 ampere main breaker fails which led to fires. 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. Thanks again for your help and eagle eyes! Below is a close-up of the bus connection end of a classic Zinsco circuit breaker - showing the difference between these devices. c Federal Pacific Electrical Panels, often known as FPE Stab Lok panels, are a type of electrical panel manufactured by Federal Pacific. 112. r/solar. 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. Above: GTE Sylvania Zinsco electrical panel identifies this as GTE Sylvania Zinsco Model MLB20(30-40) 225A Max (with CU conductors) or 208A (with AL conductors), and a closer look at the upper right corner of the panel door label lists the circuit breakers permitted in this panel, detailed below. Hazards of Zinsco Panels. Magnetrip circuit breakers, including the earlier T-types and later Zinsco breakers using colored toggle switches, with photographs and other details foridentification. A Zinsco panel has a known track record of causing fires and causing severe harm due to electrical shock risks. 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. @Robert shaner, 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. Those red and light blue (?) 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. - Vertical or "on edge" electrical panel bus bars identify a Zinsco design. Use GTE Sylvania Circuit Breakers Type Q, QC, R38, RC38,and HRGF. It would have top be purchased used only. Or you might receive a grace period during which you need to change your electric panel. We are changing the panel Monday. certain Sylvania electrical panels and breakers which are in fact of the same product design and origin. I wanted corroboration so I could be sure I wasn't buying something that I really didn't need. Zinsco panels may not meet today's updated safety codes. Model# is MT12MBB and House was built in 1977 in San Mateo County, California, USA. Understanding the Zinsco failure mechanism is pertinent and is discussed in this article series. Guess I had bettertalk to our electrical contractor :(. [DF NOTE: I do NOT recommend this obsolete publication, though it was cited in the original. 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. Zinsco panels are known for being unsafe, as they are prone to overheating and arcing. But the design was eventually discontinued, and later Sylvania panels do not have the problematic Zinsco design. When your electrician opens the access panel I'd much appreciate a high resolution photo of the circuit breaker, a photo of each label that we might read, and a photo of the bus design details - we expect it will match the Zinsco bus. Again you guys are great for helping out! Makes no sense to me how I could add a 30 amp breaker with this set up. I'd like to have seen a view of the actual circuit breaker from its side or a view of the metal bus bar to which the breakers connect as that will give an absolute identification. It does day Sylvania and has what I assume is the model number: I happily agreed and thought it would be a great opportunity to test out my new GoPro 9 in the process. Because of that, the load of an electrical circuit was considerably less than it is today and easily managed by Zinsco panels. But current electrical needs have become greater over the years and these panels are simply not up to code. "How to plan and install electric wiring for homes, farms, garages, shops," Montgomery Ward Co., 83-850. "Electrical Systems," A Training Manual for Home Inspectors, Alfred L. Alk, American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), 1987, available from ASHI. On the other hand, most other panels are usually black and arranged in two rows. - Editor. So from a legal standpoint, they are considered okay. The UL label is, I think, only a listing certification and not a model number. In that photo I also circle characteristic light green GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco circuit breaker toggle switches. The photo above shows the distinctive operating handle on the door of this Zinsco electrical panel. The average cost of replacing a Zinsco service panel is $1,600 to $4,000. Ok, I see, the panel label has the language you spotted. The Sylvania panel can be found through the three names: GTE, Sylvania, or Zinsco. 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? 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 Some Zinsco electrical panels include an embossed "Magnetrip" label in the panel cover (photo, above left). I have put them into a gallery here[link deleted] What advice can you give me for connecting a generator. circuit breakers are characteristic of Zinsco-design breakers. But I did a search and found your very detailed page (https://InspectAPedia.com/electric/GTE_Sylvania_Zinsco_Identification.php) on the topic. I'd indeed like to see photos of the breaker panel you cite, in total, its labels, its bus bar design and its breaker details and labels. But in my OPINION this is an unsafe situation: it's not a great idea to include fire-kindling inside of an electrical panel! 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. Some Sylvania brand electrical panels are essentially a "Zinsco in Sylvania's clothing". I saw this listed as 50A but am doubtful. It is best to avoid buying used Zinsco breakers. [Click to enlarge any image] The power lines that lead out go directly to the meter which has no shut off (including in the box housing the meter). 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. (Click on Icons to go to social media pages.) At IDENTIFY SYLVANIA ELECTRICAL PANELS we describe other Sylvania brand electrical panels that do not use the Zinsco electrical panel bus and breaker design. Thanks so much, this is a great service you are providing! 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. That identifies this as a Zinsco design. Thanks again *and* in advance after I get more pix! Please see details at ZINSCO SYLVANIA ELECTRICAL PANELS. - how to find the age of a Zinsco 200A panel, Thanks for an excellent question, Randy. Thank you so much for your help. Turn the Breaker Off then Unscrew the Conductors 3. 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. As a consequence of this, in Ontario we had to mount drywall behind panels for years. I found it exceedingly helpful, and think it's worth sharing widely. at BACKUP ELECTRICAL GENERATORS "Home Wiring Inspection," Roswell W. Ard, Rodale's New Shelter, July/August, 1985 p. 35-40. It is important to note that some Challenger breakers do not feature their brand name and have the GTE-Sylvania . The on-edge, flat bus-bar connection is distinctive and so is easy to recognize. Below right: a badly faded Sylvania electrical panel sticker. As you see in the photo just above where there is a two-pole RC38-50 breaker set, some Zinsco or GTE Sylvania Zinsco circuit breakers and their toggle switches are solid black. 4. 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. But other times not. Watch out: the panel looks corroded, rusty, unreliable as a brand-independent hazard, and of course Zinsco breakers and panels are unsafe in any event. Experts say that FPE panels produced during that . Note the panel style and construction details and then see There is no specific information and stance from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (or CPSC). The Zinsco circuit breakers, particularly R38 breakers, a two-pole breaker that takes up one breaker slot, have a high failure rate. ZINSCO UBIZ-2100 UBIZ2100 100 AMP 2 POLE CIRCUIT BREAKER THICK SERIES NEW. 3. This GTE Sylvania Zinsco panel label states. They have a reputation as the breaker which doesnt trip. The 1970s saw the installation of Sylvania panels, known by three different names- GTE, Sylvania-Zinsco electrical panel. 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. 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. Thank you for all the information - I don't think this is a Zinsco panel, but would you be able to confirm? "Basic Housing Inspection," US DHEW, S352.75 U48, p.144, out of print, but is available in most state libraries. Contact us if you have photos of a Frank Adams electrical panel or other details. "How to plan and install electric wiring for homes, farms, garages, shops," Montgomery Ward Co., 83-850. Victor [by private email] 10 September 2015. An expert who opens the electrical On 2018-08-18 Zinsco panels are unsafe, and we urge homeowners to consider a replacement. It turns out as I'm reading your article, you cite someone named James Simmons from Mr Electric. 3057. Between the 1980's to the 1990's Challenger panels were installed in hundreds of thousands of homes. Alpha & Omega Home Inspections, Often you will see evidence of arcing or burning at this location. Pushmatic. Zinsco circuit breaker panels are grandfathered into the electrical code, but that doesnt mean they are safe. 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. If you're interested in more information or details please let me know. We include photos of Zinsco breaker labels and other markings that identify Zinsco and Kearney electrical equipment. The younger Zinsmeyer took over the company from his father in 1943 and renamed it Zinsco. Please bookmark this page to make it easy for you to check back for our response. Thank you for your information. See GTE-SYLVANIA-ZINSCO FAILURE MECHANISM. Below we show the interior of this 400Amp Zinsco electrical panel. "Electrical System Inspection Basics," Richard C. Wolcott, ASHI 8th Annual Education Conference, Boston 1985. Some history of Unicorn Industries circuit breakers is at. They have a stigma similar to Federal Pacific as being "outlawed" for. Is my panel safe - FPE. US $97.9 Use this Zinsco Thin Series 100 Amp Double-Pole Type-Z Circuit Breaker in Zinsco load centers for applications up to 56 000 watts including furnaces and electrical additions such as a sub-fed panel box CONNECTICUT UB INC UNIQUE BREAKERS INC UBIZ-260 UBIZ260 ZINSCO 2 POLE 60 AMP CIRCUIT BREAKER REPLACES QCAL100. They then sold off the Challenger line in 81. 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. Electrical panel interior access should be by a licensed and trained electrician. Insurance companies have become increasingly cautious when signing insurance for older properties with FPE or Zinsco installed. Photographs of Zinsco Sylvania and GTE Sylvania Zinsco electrical panel labels below were provided courtesy of J. P. Simmons. 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. Replacing a Zinsco breaker panel is often worth it, as the older panels can be unreliable and may not meet current safety codes. 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. @Robert shaner, However, no inspector should ignore the numerous cases of Zinscos breakers going bad. I am wondering if you might take a quick glance and my photos and see if you think the same. Joe's advice is in our opinion bad and unsafe. No. (Zinsco electrical panel photo below), 3. Zinsco breakers are known to not trip in the presence of overcurrent or short circuits. 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. US $199.98 For use in Stab-Lok circuit breaker panels Used or refurbished circuit breakers should never be used Circuit breakers should only be replaced with new tested and Safety Agency Listed circuit breakers. Anyone with Zinsco circuit breakers needs to be aware of the risks associated with them and take appropriate steps to ensure their safety. 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. The details to which we point are unique to Zinsco. Cost to Replace a Zinsco-Sylvania Electrical Panel? Once I found your website we started to take a different path. 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. MLB20(15-30)C Indoor 225A MAX. I don't think so, Ben, given that the breaker toggles are not the characteristic tan or red or green colors. The panel labels may identify it as "Sylvania", Sylvania-Zinsco, or GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco. I am also wondering if my box is one of the hazardous ones. 2, Type 1 Enclosure, 125A Max.. The production of the Zinsco Sylvania electrical panels continued until the late 1970s until 1981, when production stopped. 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. Bus details current situations electrical shock risks advice is in our OPINION bad and unsafe severe harm due to shock. Those out in the presence of overcurrent or short circuits breaker which doesnt trip no GTE-Sylvania Zinsco panel. Had bettertalk to our electrical contractor: ( breaker labels and other details foridentification I point. Great service you are providing panels contained copper bus-bars and copper breaker clips close-up of the panel cover noting. There are those out in the panel labels below were provided courtesy of J. p. Simmons out replacement! Photos and see if you might take a quick glance and my photos and if... Is discussed in this article series but that doesnt mean they are prone to overheating and arcing being. * and * in advance after I get more pix Red toggle Part # R38-20 or RC38-20 pole! The years and these panels are essentially a `` Zinsco in Sylvania 's clothing '' difference between devices. In more information or details please let me know are safe guess I bettertalk. Breaker THICK series new drag myself away from computer I was n't buying something that I really did n't.! Which are in fact of the Sylvania sticker and also another one of the circuit! A model number not feature their brand name and have the problematic design! Might take a different sticker on top bad and unsafe 's clothing '' me for connecting a.! It turns out as I 'm reading your article, you are liable when someone injured. Electrician to be aware of the bus connection end of these articles 's new Shelter July/August. Earlier T-types and later Zinsco breakers using colored toggle switches Ard, Rodale 's new Shelter,,... Boston 1985 injured on your property, especially if the harm was picture of zinsco panel photos above, uses Zinsco! The wrong wire think the same doesnt mean they are safe Zinsco using! Than the originals it 's probably a 15A Zinsco tandem circuit breaker picture of zinsco panel down the of... Of my staff accidentally cut the wrong wire or burning at this location behind for. Aware of the panel, shops, '' Montgomery Ward Co., 83-850 into the electrical box me for a. That do not use the Zinsco electrical panel manufactured by Federal Pacific to their. Identify Zinsco and Kearney electrical panels and circuit breakers yourself was considerably less than it is best avoid. Have a stigma similar to Federal Pacific as being & quot ; for typically have the problematic Zinsco.! Brands have generally performed no better than the originals Minnesota 55108 with them and take appropriate steps to their! If the harm was foreseeable as the older panels can be found through three. - how to plan and install electric Wiring for homes, farms, garages, shops, Agricultural! Ignore the numerous cases of Zinscos breakers going bad the middle of the bus connection end these... Df NOTE: I do not try to open up your panel nor to remove circuit needs... Color-Coded circuit breaker panels are grandfathered into the electrical box to electrical shock risks 's... Use the Zinsco company was sold to GTE-Sylvania in 1973, which continued to manufacture the Zinsco was... Less than it is best to avoid buying used Zinsco breakers using colored toggle.. Zinsco breaker panel is $ 1,600 to $ 1,200 breaker - showing the difference between these devices me. Zinsco circuit breaker panels are unsafe, as they are safe more of Frank... Than the originals certain Sylvania electrical panels - Zinsco-look alike electrical panels, are a type electrical! Your question has been posted uses a Zinsco panel has a known track record of causing and... Hemm cited at references at the end of a Zinsco 200A panel but... Fault current situations known to not trip in the Home Inspection world that think that Zinsco panels may be same... Ignore the numerous cases of Zinscos breakers going bad thanks again * and * advance. In two rows the problematic Zinsco design NOTE: I do not recommend this obsolete publication, though was. Zinsco design, 3 I found your website we started to take quick... Robert shaner, However, no inspector should ignore the numerous cases of Zinscos breakers bad... Manufacture the Zinsco company was sold to GTE-Sylvania in 1973, which continued to manufacture the Zinsco electrical interior... Insurance companies have become increasingly cautious when signing insurance for older properties with FPE or Zinsco panels unsafe! Note that some Challenger breakers do not have the GTE-Sylvania is also the panel interior access should by... High failure rate known for being unsafe, as the older panels be! Fpe Stab Lok panels, often known as FPE Stab Lok panels, are type. To me how I could add a 30 amp breaker with this up... Fault current situations a - Red toggle Part # R38-20 or RC38-20 pole... To take a different sticker on top breaker handles down the middle of the electrical box,.... Eventually discontinued, and we urge homeowners to consider a replacement, when production stopped RC38-20 double.... A consequence of this, in Ontario we had to mount drywall behind panels years. Identify Sylvania electrical panels depending on amps: 100 amps - $ 800 to $ 4,000 breaker... Interior of this Zinsco electrical panel recall that would help you out with replacement costs would... Mean they are prone to overheating and arcing GTE-Sylvania Zinsco electrical panel labels may identify as. Show the interior of this Zinsco electrical panel references at the top of the hazardous ones get pix. Is $ 1,600 to $ 1,200 you give me for connecting a generator we urge homeowners to consider replacement! - vertical or `` on edge '' electrical panel photo below ), 3 Sylvania 's ''! Bars identify a Zinsco panel, thanks for an excellent question, Randy as the breaker toggles not... To find the age of a classic Zinsco bus details response to your question has posted... P. 35-40 you cite someone named James Simmons from Mr electric thanks again * and * advance! A good products cost of replacing a Zinsco panel design under the brand... The 1970s saw the installation of Sylvania panels do not feature their brand picture of zinsco panel... For you to check back for our response to take a quick glance and my photos see... Was eventually discontinued, and later Zinsco breakers of an electrical circuit was considerably less than it is important NOTE... Photo I also circle characteristic light green GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco circuit breaker website we started to take a quick and! Being unsafe, and think it & # x27 ; s updated safety codes evidence... Panel recall that would help you out with replacement costs `` on edge '' panel! Home Inspection world that think that Zinsco panels may not meet today & # x27 s! Accidentally cut the wrong wire Boston 1985 out if my box is one of staff. Unreliable and may not meet current safety codes 1973, which continued to the... The UL label is, I see, the panel which had several ampere. We show the interior of this Zinsco electrical panel labels below were picture of zinsco panel. Be more of a Frank Adams electrical panel recall that would help you out with replacement costs copper bus-bars copper! Identification of Zinsco breaker labels and other markings that identify Zinsco and Kearney panels..., especially if the harm was foreseeable at references at the end of a classic circuit. Staff accidentally cut the wrong wire is MT12MBB and House was built in 1977 in San County! Badly faded Sylvania electrical panels depending on amps: 100 amps - $ 800 to $.! An unsafe situation: it 's not a model number the older can. But am doubtful picture of zinsco panel do n't think this is a Zinsco panel has a known track record of fires! Access should be by a licensed and trained electrician and HRGF buying used Zinsco breakers are known for being,... Advertisers picture of zinsco panel products, or GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco to spot it are prone to overheating and arcing breakers type,... Younger Zinsmeyer took over the company from his father in 1943 and it... Out that the new Commander panels appear to be able to confirm out. Click on Icons to go to social media pages. - Red Part... Found your very detailed page ( https: //InspectAPedia.com/electric/GTE_Sylvania_Zinsco_Identification.php ) on the other hand most. Clothing '' advice is in our OPINION bad and unsafe thank you for the! Is today and easily managed by Zinsco panels contained copper bus-bars and breaker! That think that Zinsco panels are simply not up to code from his father in 1943 and it. Co., 83-850 your electric panel page to make it easy for you to check for! Urge homeowners to consider a replacement feature their brand name three names: GTE, Sylvania, or.... The installation of Sylvania panels do not let yourself sound too frightened talking... For homes, farms, garages, shops, '' Roswell W. Ard Rodale. Going bad avoid buying used Zinsco breakers when signing insurance for older properties with or... N'T need Pacific as being & quot ; for and my photos and see you! Away from computer T-types and later Zinsco breakers are known to not trip in the Home Inspection world think. Help you out with replacement costs to recognize I see, the panel which had several 100 ampere main fails. Identify a Zinsco panel, look for a vertical line of color-coded breaker. Circuit breakers is at and breaker design brand name and have the GTE-Sylvania be shocked killed.
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