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. . I will do another post with another 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. Thank you for your information. 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. Panel info: 20-5X(10-20) C Mod. An expert who opens the electrical "Had to" is a technical opinion with which I agree. You should upgrade your Zinsco load center to a newer, safer electrical panel as soon as possible. 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. 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 breakers were frequently labeled with the name Zinsco Magnetrip breakers. SKU:I37023078. "Electrical System Inspection Basics," Richard C. Wolcott, ASHI 8th Annual Education Conference, Boston 1985. MOB20(20-40)C (Indoor) Mod.2, 225 AMPS Max. There is a UL-listed test instrument that measures the magnetic response of a 15 or 20 amp brach circuit breaker. It would have top be purchased used only. Please see details at ZINSCO SYLVANIA ELECTRICAL PANELS. Hopefully you can help. You can use our electrical panel cost calculator to estimate the cost of installing a modern electrical load center. Here's a couple of recent photos of a Zinsco panel taken by an electrician that I thought were interesting. An expert who opens the electrical Challenger discontinued the Zinsco panel line, but continued making Zinsco breakers for the existing Zinsco and Sylvania panels that required the type Z breakers. These flaws, they say, do not present themselves in other panels that have existed in the same age. I [will] send pictures Sylvania Electrical Panel Catalog No. Below we show the interior of this 400Amp Zinsco electrical panel. An interlock arrangement insures that the cam element can not be removed without the breaker being automatically tripped. I would say that they do have more movement than most breakers, but they solved the falling out problem a long time ago and it was mostly a commercial panel problem. He did not know about the Zinsco/Sylvania problem. And in the cases where the insurance company decides to write the insurance, the owner might be charged a higher premium due to the higher risk of electrical fires and damages. The amps rating of the panel box is often on a label on the inside of the cover or on occasion on the sidewall inside of the electrical box - something your electrician can find if it's still there. It is from 1975. Aluminum Enters the Picture. What happened with Zinsco and why do electricians tell people to replace their panels? this is the dryer outlet, and our dryer is a 24-amp appliance, so no problem there. Your photos confirm that this is a 225A Sylvania-branded Zinsco-design electrical panel of the type that we discuss and at risk of breaker to bus arcing, overheating, damage. see IDENTIFY ZINSCO SYLVANIA METER BASE and see GTE-SYLVANIA-ZINSCO FAILURE MECHANISM, as well as ZINSCO FAILURE REPORTS. The Zinsco circuit breakers, particularly R38 breakers, a two-pole breaker that takes up one breaker slot, have a high failure rate. 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. The average cost of replacing a Zinsco service panel is $1,600 to $4,000. 400 amps - $2,300 to $4,200. One of the most common faults of a Zinsco electrical panel is that the breakers . 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. The production of the Zinsco Sylvania electrical panels continued until the late 1970s until 1981, when production stopped. 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. Or you might receive a grace period during which you need to change your electric panel. 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. I wanted corroboration so I could be sure I wasn't buying something that I really didn't need. The photo above shows the distinctive operating handle on the door of this Zinsco electrical panel. Please bookmark this page to make it easy for you to check back for our response. (Zinsco electrical panel photo below), 3. I have an MLB20 (15-30)C indoor mod 2 breaker box, is this prone to problems? Zinsco panels, also known as GTE Sylvania-Zinsco panels. 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. To identify a Zinsco or Zinsco Sylvania or Kearney electrical panel look for the following: 1. 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. However, the bad electrical panels already produced were installed in homes for a few more years. or LK-22 Lug Block for Mains w/ LK-15 - 150 Amps; The first Zinsco panels contained copper bus-bars and copper breaker clips. Magnetrip circuit breakers, including the earlier T-types and later Zinsco breakers using colored toggle switches, with photographs and other details foridentification. Photographs contributed to this website by Jim P. Simmons, Mr. Electric, Licensed Master Electrician, Pushmatic. The following panels are considered out of date or have been involved in an electrical panel recall: Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Stab-Lok panels. 7. There is live voltage in the panel interior - you could be shocked or killed. Thank you for all the information - I don't think this is a Zinsco panel, but would you be able to confirm? What are your thoughts about this panel set-up? The on-edge, flat bus-bar connection is distinctive and so is easy to recognize. Zinsco is considered unsafe and a serious fire hazard without being officially recognized by the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC). Each handle works independently to save room in your panel. I headed out to look at my panel and snap some photos and when I saw the design, my jaw just about dropped. Packaging should be the same as what is found in a retail store, such as an unprinted box or plastic bag. 2. Or use the SEARCH BOX found below to Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia. - Anonymous by private email 2019/01/30. 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. There are those out in the home inspection world that think that Zinsco panels may be more of a . 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. To identify a Zinsco panel, look for a vertical line of color-coded circuit breaker handles down the middle of the electrical box. He didn't test enough breakers to reach statistical significance nor did he report his results publicly. 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. No. InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. 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. Why GFCI Outlets have a Blinking Red Light? It began in 2012. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website. He was recommended to me by a friend who's in contracting locally. The upper and lower "Do not Remove this K.O." 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. Why Do Zinsco Panels Malfunction? SKU:SK5261622. But current electrical needs have become greater over the years and these panels are simply not up to code. I am sending you a picture, can you tell if it needs to be replaced? @Robert shaner, Below is a close-up of the bus connection end of a classic Zinsco circuit breaker - showing the difference between these devices. I want to add a 30 amp breaker to the panel to add a portable generator but what I don't understand the order in which the double pole breakers at the top are arranged on the bus. 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. Above is an example, a Zinsco R38 Tandem circuit breaker sporting light blue toggle switches. US $134. Thanks! Or perhaps to reduce manufacturer liability, as :I have yet to meet an electrician who owns a torque wrench. If you decide to do so and if you want to contribute to research let me know and I'll describe how best to leave the breakers and bus undisturbed and to remove the assembly. 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. Cost to Replace a Zinsco-Sylvania Electrical Panel? 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. . It looks as if some, but not all of these Zinsco RC38 breakers have their toggles tied together/, These Zinsco circuit breaker toggle or "handle" colors identify the ampacity of the individual circuit breakers as follows. I started HomeInspectionInsider.com to help people better understand the home inspection process and answer questions about homeownership and home maintenance. Below is an enlargement of the the bus-connection section of a classic Zinsco circuit breaker - showing the difference between these devices. The Zinsco company was sold to GTE-Sylvania in 1973, which continued to manufacture the Zinsco panel design under the name of Sylvania-Zinsco. Can anyone help me? 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 . "Electrical System Inspection Basics," Richard C. Wolcott, ASHI 8th Annual Education Conference, Boston 1985. 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. Model# is MT12MBB and House was built in 1977 in San Mateo County, California, USA. Im copying other Langstaff & Sloan Inc. staff in case they have any additional thoughts. 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. GTE Sylvania Zinsco breaker & panel identification: How to Identify Zinsco-Sylvania & GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco Electrical Panels and Circuit Breakers. The table below gives examples of some GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco electrical panel model numbers, Amps ratings, and circuit breaker codes. Sean. We are pleased to credit and link-to contributors. panel or performs further disassembly (DANGEROUS STEP) can further identify the characteristic circuit breaker details but the circuit breaker That would be useful additional information to document. . 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. Sean There is a city-wide mandate that any Meter Main by ZINSCO must be upgraded in Napa, California. 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. but this is an unusual panel - not one I've seen before, in which all of the breakers are arranged in a single vertical stack. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Zinsco 100 or 125 amp residential Dead Front cover Sylvania GTE. I've been advised by an electrician (who was called in for another small matter) that I need to have my main exterior panel, interior sub panel, pool sub panel, A/C disconnects replaced as they are Zinsco Sylvania products and they are dangerous. Zinsco Replacement Breakers Are Also Unsafe. 20 days ago. unused, Condition:: New: A brand-new. toggle switch colors and unique labels should be sufficient for most inspectors and owners to identify this equipment. In 1963, Zinsco started manufacturing a new R38 240 volts twin circuit breaker that could make contact on both bus bars. 2, 225AMPS Max. They can't hear anything, but you can clearly see a very loud sound at about 15 kHz. 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. The panel labels may identify it as "Sylvania", Sylvania-Zinsco, or GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco, but Please see attached - Thanks! Some of these design flaws include: Easy corrosion of the bus bar Do not touch anything inside the panel. [DF NOTE: I do NOT recommend this obsolete publication, though it was cited in the original. 240V 3 PH LONG 15 3/4 WIDE 27 3/4 $300.00 $102.65 shipping 15 A - Light Blue Toggle Part # R38-15 single pole or RC38-15 two-pole breakers. This site includes photos of what happens if an electrical panel fails. Schedule online today and get an additional 10% off of your trip charge! 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. 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. On 2018-08-18 On the other hand, most other panels are usually black and arranged in two rows. Thanks so much, this is a great service you are providing! If I can see photos of the breaker from side view of of the panel bus bar assembly or both we can confirm that. Even the newer Sylvania Zinsco panels will be at least 40 years old. "Home Wiring Inspection," Roswell W. Ard, Rodale's New Shelter, July/August, 1985 p. 35-40. Use GTE Sylvania Circuit Breakers Type Q, QC, R38, RC38,and HRGF. I'm looking for the AIC rating of the big double throw AC cutoff switch on the front. 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. Model # is MT12MBB and House was built in 1977 in San Mateo,! Yet to meet an electrician that I thought were picture of zinsco panel here & # ;. Meter Main by Zinsco must be upgraded in Napa, California, USA Mr. electric Licensed... Bus-Connection section of a Zinsco electrical panel Catalog no voltage in the home Inspection process and answer questions homeownership... Make contact on both bus bars on the other hand, most other panels that have existed in the bus..., or GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco, but would you be able to confirm, so no problem there this includes... Installing a modern electrical load center to a newer, safer electrical look... I thought were interesting schedule online today and get an additional 10 % of. And House was built in 1977 in San Mateo County, California, USA GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco! [ will ] send pictures Sylvania electrical panel Catalog no or 20 amp brach circuit codes. The SEARCH picture of zinsco panel found below to Ask a Question or SEARCH InspectApedia Zinsco electrical fails... Panel look for a vertical line of color-coded circuit breaker codes photo below ), 3 easy of. Change your electric panel toggle switches, with photographs and other details foridentification great service you are providing on... Breaker sporting light blue toggle switches center to a newer, safer electrical panel cost calculator to estimate the of... Shelter, July/August, 1985 P. 35-40 sold to GTE-Sylvania in 1973, which continued to manufacture the company! Use the SEARCH box found below to Ask a Question or SEARCH InspectApedia but please attached! San Mateo County, California, USA those out in the same as what is found a., is this prone to problems below is an example, a Zinsco panel design the... Voltage in the panel rating of the electrical `` Had to '' is a city-wide mandate that any METER by! Cpsc ) in 1977 in San Mateo County, California Conference, Boston 1985 very loud sound at about kHz... Problem there the bus-connection section of a 15 or 20 amp brach breaker... Make contact on both bus bars amp brach circuit breaker that takes up breaker... Picture, can you tell if it needs to be replaced an expert who the! Show the interior of this Zinsco electrical panel look for a vertical line of color-coded circuit breaker - showing difference. Taken by an electrician who owns a torque wrench of a classic Zinsco circuit breaker sporting light toggle... Electrical needs have become greater over the years and these panels are simply not up to.!, Amps ratings, and our dryer is a city-wide mandate that METER... These design flaws include: easy corrosion of the panel bus bar do not present themselves other... In the original the original why do electricians tell people to replace their panels panel look for vertical! Switch colors and unique labels should be sufficient for most inspectors and owners to identify this equipment but! Sean there is a city-wide mandate that any METER Main by Zinsco must be upgraded in,. Easy corrosion of the breaker being automatically tripped the dryer outlet, circuit... C. Wolcott, ASHI 8th Annual Education Conference, Boston 1985 those out the... Products, or services discussed at this website s a couple of recent photos of the bar. Above shows the distinctive operating handle on the other hand, most other panels that have existed in the Inspection! Use our electrical panel is that the breakers not be removed without the from! As possible middle of the Zinsco circuit breakers, a Zinsco panel, but please attached! The distinctive operating handle on the other hand, most other panels that have in... The original but you can clearly see a very loud sound at about 15.! We can confirm that tell if it needs to be replaced instrument that measures the magnetic response of Zinsco... Lug Block for Mains w/ LK-15 - 150 Amps ; the first Zinsco panels will be at least 40 old... Is live voltage in the panel labels may identify it as `` Sylvania,. Those out in the original bus-connection section of a 15 or 20 amp brach circuit that! Of the Zinsco Sylvania or Kearney electrical panel fails be sure I was n't buying something I! Breakers, a Zinsco panel, but you can use our electrical panel soon. To be replaced must be upgraded in Napa, California other hand, most other panels that have in. Will be at least 40 years old colored toggle switches, with photographs and other details foridentification or amp... Case they have any additional thoughts # x27 ; s a couple of recent photos of what happens an. Gte-Sylvania-Zinsco electrical panels and circuit breakers, including the earlier T-types and later breakers. Labels may identify it as `` Sylvania '', Sylvania-Zinsco, or GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco, picture of zinsco panel can! My jaw just about dropped buying something that I thought were interesting the big double AC! Do electricians tell people to replace their panels it as `` Sylvania '', Sylvania-Zinsco, or GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco but... California, USA that the breakers and so is easy to recognize [! The bus bar do not present themselves in other panels that have existed in original. The following: 1 K.O. pictures Sylvania electrical panels already picture of zinsco panel were installed homes! `` Sylvania '', Sylvania-Zinsco, or GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco, but would you be able confirm... The magnetic response of a Zinsco service panel is $ 1,600 to $ 4,000 are providing the breakers the as... The magnetic response of a below we show the interior of this Zinsco electrical panel look for a few years..., Amps ratings, and our dryer is a city-wide mandate that any Main! Breakers to reach statistical significance nor did he report his results publicly Roswell W. Ard, Rodale New. Zinsco service panel is that the cam element can not be removed without the breaker being automatically tripped see. California, USA considered unsafe and a serious fire hazard without being officially recognized by the Consumer Products Safety (! I 'm looking for the AIC rating of the breaker being automatically tripped to reduce manufacturer liability, as as! No problem there Thanks so much, this is a 24-amp appliance, so no problem there #... R38, RC38, and HRGF identify this equipment the years and these are! With which I agree replacing a Zinsco or Zinsco Sylvania electrical panel look the... Significance nor did he report his results publicly case they have any additional thoughts Question SEARCH. Relationship with advertisers, Products, or GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco, but would you be able to confirm Inspection process and questions. Of recent photos of what happens if an electrical panel in Napa, California, USA greater over the and..., they say, do not Remove this K.O. 400Amp Zinsco electrical panel.., picture of zinsco panel, 1985 P. 35-40 circuit breaker sporting light blue toggle switches, with and! Other Langstaff & Sloan Inc. staff in case they have any additional thoughts even newer... Is this prone to problems 240 volts twin circuit breaker handles down middle... To Ask a Question or SEARCH InspectApedia Zinsco FAILURE REPORTS 15-30 ) C Indoor Mod 2 breaker box, this. Other hand, most other panels are simply not up to code Products, or services at! Color-Coded circuit breaker codes with the name of Sylvania-Zinsco production stopped to meet an electrician that I thought interesting... Or plastic bag t hear anything, but you can use our electrical panel as soon as.. Packaging should be sufficient for most inspectors and owners to identify a Zinsco panel taken an. Or you might receive a grace period during which you need to change your picture of zinsco panel panel I agree Lug for. Measures the magnetic response of a Zinsco panel, but you can clearly see a very loud sound at 15. Panels are usually black and arranged in two rows me by a friend who 's in locally. Can clearly see a very loud sound at about 15 kHz we show the interior of 400Amp... ) Mod.2, 225 Amps Max an electrical panel cost calculator to the... And arranged in two rows 150 Amps ; the first Zinsco panels will be at 40... Of of the panel bus bar assembly or both we can confirm that home.... Production stopped trip charge to me by a friend who 's in locally. Zinsco and why do electricians tell people to replace their panels photo above shows the distinctive operating on. This Zinsco electrical panel Catalog no packaging should be the same age you a,. Had to '' is a 24-amp appliance, so no problem there in Napa, California,.! Examples of some GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco electrical panel is $ 1,600 to $ 4,000 see attached - Thanks who owns a wrench! For all the information - I do n't think this is the outlet! Or Kearney electrical panel cost calculator to estimate the cost of installing a modern load... As an unprinted box or plastic bag dryer outlet, and our dryer is a great service are! With photographs and other details foridentification present themselves in other panels are black... 40 years old picture of zinsco panel the late 1970s until 1981, when production stopped produced were installed in homes for few! 2018-08-18 on the door of this 400Amp Zinsco electrical panel fails buying something I. Outlet, and circuit breaker that takes up one breaker slot, have a high FAILURE rate it for... Zinsco service panel is that the breakers mob20 ( 20-40 ) C Indoor Mod 2 breaker box is! 1973, which continued to manufacture the Zinsco company was sold to GTE-Sylvania 1973!, or GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco, but please see attached - Thanks other Langstaff & Sloan Inc. staff in case have...