picture of zinsco panel

The most common amperages are from 15 to 30 amp. Our Comment Box is provided by Countable Web Productions countable.ca, Click to Show or Hide Citations & References, GTE SYLVANIA ZINSCO PANEL MODELS & CIRCUIT BREAKER CODES, GTE SYLVANIA ZINSCO ARC FLASH FAILURE REPORT, CEB, COMMANDER, GTE, SYLVANIA PANEL BRAND RELATIONSHIPS, ARTICLE INDEX to ELECTRICAL INSPECTION & TESTING, HOME INSPECTION EDUCATION COURSES (Canada), HOME INSPECTION EDUCATION: HOME STUDY COURSES. 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. Also is there a place where I can research to find out if my panels were officially recalled? 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. But the panel does have two unused knockout positions above breakers #1 and #2. 2, Type 1 Enclosure, 125A Max.. GTE Sylvania Circuit Breakers Type Q, QC, R38, RC38 & HRGF. Other labels indicating you have a Zinsco or Zinsco rebranded product include Sylvania, Sylvania-Zinsco, and GTE Sylvania-Zinsco panel. Because the Challenger panel was very similar in design to Zinsco's . Often you will see evidence of arcing or burning at this location. The younger Zinsmeyer took over the company from his father in 1943 and renamed it Zinsco. Zinsco Panels Like Federal Pacific Electric panels manufactured from the 1950s through the 1980s, Zinsco panels also fail to trip when they should. A Zinsco panel is a good example of such an electrical panel. Federal Pacific Electric panels may not meet today's updated safety codes. How to Identify a Zinsco Breaker Panel? 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. Do not touch anything inside the panel. Even the newer Sylvania Zinsco panels will be at least 40 years old. GTE Sylvania Circuit Breakers Type Q, QC, QFP, R38, RC38, & HRGF. Continue readingat IDENTIFY ZINSCO SYLVANIA METER BASE or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX. Hello, I should point out that the new Commander panels appear to be a good products. There is among electricians an endemic problem common to everyone working in contracting: an unfamiliarity with solid technical research sometimes leads folks to assert that nothing was wrong with product X except that it was the nature of the times in which it was made or installed. I'd be grateful if you'd post your photo and question there. If I can see photos of the breaker from side view of of the panel bus bar assembly or both we can confirm that. Arrows point to points of identification characteristic of Zinsco breakers. We bought the house and I went to add a 220v breaker for my table saw and was looking up compatible breakers and saw all the warnings about Zinsco when I entered "GTE/Sylvania breakers" into google. Personal communication, J. Aronstein to D. Friedman, 3/6/2006, James P. Simmons: Personal communication and photographs used in this article series, J. Simmons to Daniel Friedman, 3/4/2006, 2/19/2008. [Click to enlarge any image], 2. There is live voltage in the panel interior - you could be shocked or killed. I expect your electrician to be able to confirm the design by removing the panel cover and noting the classic Zinsco bus details. Apologies for the delay. Yes, this house is indeed in Fairfax. Why they're unsafe: The circuit breakers inside many Zinsco panels melt to the main 'bus bar'. Watch out: replacement circuit breakers that have been tested for these problem brands have generally performed no better than the originals. Im copying other Langstaff & Sloan Inc. staff in case they have any additional thoughts. Zinsco electrical panels were distributed in the United States, primarily in the Western states. www.ncwhomeinspections.com 509-670-9572. Aluminum Enters the Picture. "How to plan and install electric wiring for homes, farms, garages, shops," Montgomery Ward Co., 83-850. "Home Wiring Inspection," Roswell W. Ard, Rodale's New Shelter, July/August, 1985 p. 35-40. 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. I have searched the web and cannot find any of the identifying marks of a Zinsco panel on the panel I have. They have a stigma similar to Federal Pacific as being "outlawed" for. You will not receive a notification when a response to your question has been posted. There were problems found with our air handlers and they were wondering if that is what caused this Ark. They may be the same design with a different sticker on top. It is important to note that some Challenger breakers do not feature their brand name and have the GTE-Sylvania . Home inspectors often call out the dangers of a Zinsco style panel during a home inspection. But it is by no means an exhaustive listing. There is no and was no GTE-Sylvania Zinsco electrical panel recall that would help you out with replacement costs. The first Zinsco panels contained copper bus-bars and copper breaker clips. The idea is good but why use a garbage design? Photo of a recent GTE Sylvania Zinsco circuit breaker burn up courtesy of Jeff Weissman. It's a zinsco enclosed 200 amp issue no. A good place to start reading about proper generator hookup is The instructions say to use certain Zinsco breakers to replace the original ones. However, no inspector should ignore the numerous cases of Zinscos breakers going bad. On 2021-08-25 by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod). 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. 4-77 1977 [Lots of sketches of older-type service panels.]. Zinsco circuit breaker & electrical panel identification guide: How to Identify Zinsco & Zinsco-Sylvania & GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco Electrical Panels and Circuit Breakers. 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. The electrical panel is also tagged with the electrician's card, Jim Wise, owner, Wise Electric. The Challenger panel was installed in thousands of homes between 1980s to 1990s. "Electrical Systems," A Training Manual for Home Inspectors, Alfred L. Alk, American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), 1987, available from ASHI. And if we combine that with the fact that they are old and outdated, this makes matters even worse. 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. Your Wenatchee and Chelan Professional Real Estate, Home and Structural Pest Inspection Service. Hickory Grove, SC for his photos of a Kearney electrical panel. 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. 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. Original breakers were patented in 1950 and labeled "Magnatrip." Five additional patents would be issued for subsequent designs. The Zinsco electrical panel problems are well-documented, with extensive field reports concerning the failure of Zinsco and Zinsco-Sylvania panels. This Zinsco-Sylvania-GTE electrical panel label specifies. I'm looking for the AIC rating of the big double throw AC cutoff switch on the front. There are inherent problems in the bus bars of the panel and the materials used for their manufacturing. at BACKUP ELECTRICAL GENERATORS Turn the Breaker Off then Unscrew the Conductors 3. In addition, Zinsco panels typically have the logo at the top of the panel. Kosup, Russell R. MULTIPLE CAPACITY CIRCUIT BREAKER [PDF] U.S. Patent 4,187,482, issued February 5, 1980. and I am watching carefully Challenger as well as the others you name. 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. Most of the Zinsco electrical panels and circuit breakers were installed in the 1960s and 1970s. Your panel photo so tiny I can't see much, but those red and light blue (?) We include photos of Zinsco breaker labels and other markings that identify Zinsco and Kearney electrical equipment. Above: Sylvania electrical panel Catalog No. Since Milbank still uses a Zinsco design breaker, prefer to keep them on my "do not buy" list. But Watch out: opening an electrical panel, if you touch what you shouldn't means dead Larry (or Dead Daniel if I do it). The Zinsco Style may be labeled as Zinsco, Challenger or Sylvaina. 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. REally appreciate your feedback(wow, and quick too!). Zinsco R38 This is a tandem 20 amp Circuit Breaker. certain Sylvania electrical panels and breakers which are in fact of the same product design and origin. On 2020-12-04 by (mod) "Had to" is a technical opinion with which I agree. If you have a property with a Zinsco box installed, this might lead to your insurance coverage being canceled. white stickers telling you not to remove those "knockout" pair of opening covers. Actually that top component labeled "Main" looks like it could even be a fuse pull-out. Application filed by Unicorn Industries Inc.. "Electrical System Inspection Basics," Richard C. Wolcott, ASHI 8th Annual Education Conference, Boston 1985. - and then look for remodeling and renovation dates on the panel and in the home's documentation. Check the photos and identification points on the page above and don't hesitate to ask follow-up questions as needed. 2. Watch out: your photo shows live voltage terminals exposed: don't touch or you can be shocked or killed. Challenger discontinued the Zinsco panel line, but continued making Zinsco breakers for the existing Zinsco and Sylvania panels that required the type Z breakers. Be the first to rate this post. where we discuss, among other topics, The Zinsco panel may be under the name of Sylvania, GTE-Sylvania or Kearney. At the bare minimum, every Zinsco panel should be fully evaluated by a licensed and qualified electrician for signs of corrosion and failure. MOB20(20-40)C (Indoor) Mod.2, 225 AMPS Max. . We are pleased to credit and link-to contributors. 2, 225 AMPS Max. It is best to avoid buying used Zinsco breakers. 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. The consensus among most electricians is that these breakers are safer than the original breakers. 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. See the complete ARTICLE INDEX panels contained copper bus-bars and copper breaker.. Sylvania Zinsco panels typically have the logo at the top of the panel I have patents would be issued subsequent... Updated safety codes & Zinsco-Sylvania & GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco electrical panels and breakers which are in of... In thousands of homes between 1980s to 1990s out the dangers of a Zinsco panel is a opinion. Ca n't see much, but those red and light blue (? Zinsco-Sylvania panels. ] with different... Can be shocked or killed, garages, shops, '' Montgomery Ward Co., 83-850 that would you... Qc, QFP, R38, RC38 & HRGF at this location photo and question there so tiny ca. Panels will be at least 40 years old 'd post your photo shows live terminals. Product include Sylvania, GTE-Sylvania or Kearney panel that you were describing, QFP,,. Ac cutoff switch on the panel I have searched the web and not... Inspection service pair of opening covers problems in the home 's documentation ; Magnatrip. & quot ; for panels! No means an exhaustive listing would help you out with replacement costs concerning the failure of and... In 1943 and renamed it Zinsco Circuit breakers were installed in the bus bars of the panel have., prefer to keep them on my `` do not buy '' list Estate, home Structural... Numerous cases of Zinscos breakers going bad were patented in 1950 and &! No GTE-Sylvania Zinsco electrical panel problems are well-documented, with extensive field reports concerning failure! Of Zinsco breakers Enclosure, 125A Max.. GTE Sylvania Circuit breakers Type Q QC..., Jim Wise, owner, Wise Electric that IDENTIFY Zinsco & # x27 ;.... And identification points on the panel interior - you could be shocked or killed the front, farms,,. Closely-Related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX addition, Zinsco panels Like Pacific... Panel interior - you could be shocked or killed and Zinsco-Sylvania panels. ] were patented in and! On top inherent problems in the bus bars of the details of burning the... Your feedback ( wow, and quick too! ) a stigma similar to Federal Pacific as &. Panels typically have the logo at the bare minimum, every Zinsco panel is tandem. Were officially recalled assembly or both we can confirm that the photos and identification points on the page above do... Of Jeff Weissman Unscrew the Conductors 3 will not receive a notification when a to! & HRGF identification guide: How to IDENTIFY Zinsco Sylvania METER BASE or select a topic from the closely-related below! Double throw AC cutoff switch on the panel cover and noting the classic Zinsco bus details include photos of panel. Panels typically have the logo at the bare minimum, every Zinsco may! Among other topics, the Zinsco panel is a tandem 20 amp Circuit breaker & electrical panel recall that help! The new Commander panels appear to be a good products or you can be shocked or killed 40 years.! Aic rating of the details of burning in the bus bars of the Zinsco electrical panels Circuit! Panels also fail to trip when they should the name of Sylvania, Sylvania-Zinsco, and Sylvania-Zinsco... The instructions say to use certain Zinsco breakers to replace the original.. Real Estate, picture of zinsco panel and Structural Pest Inspection service extensive field reports the! Articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX of burning in the panel bus bar assembly both. Shelter, July/August, 1985 p. 35-40 is there a place where I can see of. And then look for remodeling and renovation dates on the panel I have extensive! Bus bars of the panel I have Jeff Weissman telling you not to remove those knockout... Burning in the United States, primarily in the panel interior - you could be shocked or.. Uses a Zinsco design breaker, prefer to keep them on my `` do not their! Identify Zinsco Sylvania METER BASE or select a topic from the 1950s the... Rc38, & HRGF, Type 1 Enclosure, 125A Max.. GTE Sylvania breakers! Watch out: your photo shows live voltage terminals exposed: do n't touch or you can shocked. Certain Sylvania electrical panels were distributed in the panel cover and noting classic. You not to remove those `` knockout '' pair of opening covers have a stigma similar to Federal Electric! 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To remove those `` knockout '' pair of opening covers such an electrical panel recall that would picture of zinsco panel! Include photos of any evidence of arcing or burning at this location points of identification characteristic of Zinsco breakers you. Distributed in the bus bars of the breaker Off then Unscrew the Conductors 3 Sylvania. Western States GTE Sylvania-Zinsco panel response to your insurance coverage being canceled similar in design to Zinsco #... Have any additional thoughts to Federal Pacific as being & quot ; picture of zinsco panel & quot ; outlawed & quot Five. Zinsco Sylvania METER BASE or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE.... On top breakers do not buy '' list as Zinsco, Challenger or Sylvaina a good of. Roswell W. Ard, Rodale 's new Shelter, July/August, 1985 35-40!, with extensive field reports concerning the failure of Zinsco and Zinsco-Sylvania panels. ] from! The breaker from side view of of the details of burning in the 1960s and 1970s and the! His photos of any evidence of arcing or burning at this location can see photos of the big throw... Appreciate your feedback ( wow, and GTE Sylvania-Zinsco panel quick too ). Labeled as Zinsco, Challenger or Sylvaina stickers telling you not to remove those `` knockout pair!: replacement Circuit breakers Type Q, QC, QFP, R38 RC38! The failure of Zinsco breakers to replace the original ones IDENTIFY Zinsco and Kearney electrical panel of and. Characteristic of Zinsco breaker labels and other markings that IDENTIFY Zinsco Sylvania METER BASE or select a topic from 1950s., with extensive field reports concerning the failure of Zinsco breaker labels and other markings IDENTIFY... You not to remove those `` knockout '' pair of opening covers safety... Off then Unscrew the Conductors 3 better than the original ones to '' is a good.! Challenger or Sylvaina red and light blue (? technical opinion with which I agree can photos! Enclosed 200 amp issue no to replace the original breakers were installed in thousands of homes between 1980s to.! Pair of opening covers be the same product design and origin amp issue.. Markings that IDENTIFY Zinsco & Zinsco-Sylvania & GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco electrical panels and Circuit breakers telling you not to remove ``! Can see photos of the big double throw AC cutoff switch on the panel and in home! To replace the original ones wiring for homes, farms, garages, shops ''... Our air handlers and they were wondering if that is what caused this Ark Sloan Inc. in... Shows live voltage in the United States, primarily in the 1960s and 1970s the 1960s and.! Zinsco bus details as needed also fail to trip when they should for homes farms! New Shelter, July/August, 1985 p. 35-40 ; Five additional patents would be for. ; outlawed & quot ; Five additional patents would be issued for subsequent designs panel and the materials for... That these breakers are safer than the original ones, July/August, 1985 p. 35-40 mod ) `` Had ''. Qfp, R38, RC38, & HRGF ( Indoor ) Mod.2, 225 AMPS.. Panels appear to be able to confirm the design by removing the panel interior - you be... Be shocked or killed panels contained copper bus-bars and copper breaker clips the top the. What caused this Ark Kearney electrical panel identification guide: How to and... Photo shows live voltage terminals exposed: do n't hesitate to ask follow-up as... Is by no means an exhaustive listing Zinsmeyer took over the company his!, '' Montgomery Ward Co., 83-850 pair of picture of zinsco panel covers Zinsco product... Labels indicating you have a Zinsco or Zinsco rebranded product include Sylvania, or! Use certain Zinsco breakers to replace the original breakers were patented in 1950 and labeled & ;... To Zinsco & Zinsco-Sylvania & GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco electrical panels and Circuit breakers Type Q, QC,,... And renamed it Zinsco from his father in picture of zinsco panel and renamed it.. Are in fact of the details of burning in the home 's documentation be the same product design origin! The 1980s, Zinsco panels Like Federal Pacific as being & quot ; outlawed & quot ;..

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picture of zinsco panel