1. QC60 Zinsco Sylvania UBIZ260 2p 60a 120/240v Circuit Breaker NEW 1yr Warranty. I am always very careful what I say as many people quickly jump to conclusions that I am upselling or Fear marketing. 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. Moderator comment: So don't assume that all-black breakers can be excluded from this unsafe Zinsco circuit breaker group. I will do another post with another picture. We are changing the panel Monday. An expert who opens the electrical 2, Type 1 Enclosure, 125A Max.. GTE Sylvania Circuit Breakers Type Q, QC, R38, RC38 & HRGF. 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. On 2020-07-10 - by (mod) - is there is a way to tell if this is a Zinsco brand. What are your thoughts about this panel set-up? It's probably a 15A Zinsco tandem circuit breaker. 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. Does anyone know size wire the standard lugs on a Zinsco QFB24 225 can accommodate? I expect your electrician to be able to confirm the design by removing the panel cover and noting the classic Zinsco bus details. Zinsco electrical panels were distributed in the United States, primarily in the Western states. 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, The 1970s saw the installation of Sylvania panels, known by three different names- GTE, Sylvania-Zinsco electrical panel. Sean This is contrary to other breakers that are in two rows and black colored. My Missouri home was built in 1978. Below Sylvania electrical panel label indicates that this is a GTE-Sylvania Zinsco type electrical panel as does a direct examination of the electrical panel main bus design showing flat on-edge bus bars. The half Size is R38 for 1 poles and RC38 for 2 poles. Zinsco circuit breaker & electrical panel identification guide: How to Identify Zinsco & Zinsco-Sylvania & GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco Electrical Panels and Circuit Breakers. or LK-22 - 225 Amps, MLB20(30-40) 225A Max (with CU conductors) or 208A (with AL conductors). I wanted corroboration so I could be sure I wasn't buying something that I really didn't need. Our Comment Box is provided by Countable Web Productions countable.ca, Click to Show or Hide Citations & References, Magnatrip & Other Zinsco Electrical Panels & Circuit Breakers, ARTICLE INDEX to ELECTRICAL INSPECTION & TESTING, HOME INSPECTION EDUCATION COURSES (Canada), HOME INSPECTION EDUCATION: HOME STUDY COURSES. Alpha & Omega Home Inspections, 5. Watch out: replacement circuit breakers that have been tested for these problem brands have generally performed no better than the originals. Therefore, we urge homeowners to consider replacing Zinsco panels. 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. Challenger discontinued the Zinsco panel line, but continued making Zinsco breakers for the existing Zinsco and Sylvania panels that required the type Z breakers. But in your case we can see the familiar label in your photographs. One of my staff accidentally cut the wrong wire. 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. LK-15 I'm dealing with this problem in my home currently, I have both my HVAC and an electrician here. Instead the generator is connected to the panel THROUGH a transfer switch - an "either-or" type switch that makes certain that both power systems are not ever turned on simultaneously. The full size is type Q and the two ploes are type QC. 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. Below is an enlargement of the the bus-connection section of a classic Zinsco circuit breaker - showing the difference between these devices. Research is underway. . On 2018-08-18 Use GTE Sylvania Circuit Breakers type Q, QC, AFP, R38, RC38, and HRGF. For people who are too poor to make their homes safer by replacing questionable electrical equipment we suggest some initial or temporary hazard reduction measures: I was reading information on your website about Zinsco panels but I can't determine if my main panel and sub-panel inside the house are the affected panels. Even if you replace the circuit breakers, the risk from the panel itself will still be present. Please bookmark this page to make it easy for you to check back for our response. There will usually be a label with the Zinsco logo on the panel. No, Nick, at HISTORY of ZINSCO ELECTRICAL PANELS you'll see the company has long been out of business. Be sure to also read HISTORY of ZINSCO ELECTRICAL PANELS. Q242 [illegible] and continues, stating. 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. Original breakers were patented in 1950 and labeled "Magnatrip." Five additional patents would be issued for subsequent designs. There are inherent problems in the bus bars of the panel and the materials used for their manufacturing. Below we show the interior of this 400Amp Zinsco electrical panel. Product information Technical Details Additional Information Warranty & Support Zinsco is one of those brands, with their panels considered not safe to use anymore. Thank you for your information. Be the first to rate this post. ML12(12-24)C (Indoor) - Mod. Yes, this house is indeed in Fairfax. By 1961 Zinsco had switched to an aluminum alloy still used today in their manufacture of panels and load-center busing. 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. 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, Are you able to determine this from the attached pictures? Is my panel safe - FPE. Although sometimes brand names change at the border. The characteristic colored Zinsco red, green, blue, gray & white toggle switches on the circuit breakers in the Zinsco electrical panel. These are just as prone to safety issues and frequent malfunctions. Joe's advice is in our opinion bad and unsafe. Zinsco panels, also known as GTE Sylvania-Zinsco panels. Touching a live wire or terminal or screw is likely to cause serious electric shock and risks injury or death. [Click to enlarge any image] On the other hand, most other panels are usually black and arranged in two rows. I'll check with him. Now required in the 2020 NEC, panel-level surge protection is key for critical circuits that power equipment in residential applications. Or perhaps to reduce manufacturer liability, as :I have yet to meet an electrician who owns a torque wrench. You will not receive a notification when a response to your question has been posted. 2, 225 AMPS Max. Zinsco electrical panels are obsolete. Apologies for the delay. This panel, in photos above, uses a Zinsco type bus design. SKU:SK5261622. There is no Zinsco electrical panel recall, despite overwhelming evidence of failures. Re-posting without Joe's advertisement Free shipping for many products! 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. At least I am aware though. The bottom line is that having a Zinsco electrical panel can make . "Simplified Electrical Wiring," Sears, Roebuck and Co., 15705 (F5428) Rev. There are those out in the home inspection world that think that Zinsco panels may be more of a . c 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. Guess I had bettertalk to our electrical contractor :(. HISTORY of ZINSCO ELECTRICAL PANELS at https://inspectapedia.com/electric/Zinsco_Electrical_Panels.php#ZinscoHistory, How do I find the year my electrical panel was manufactured. www.ncwhomeinspections.com 509-670-9572. To explain, it appears the 50 amp breaker for my stove is above the main (100 amp) breaker. by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod). 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. [Click to enlarge any image], 2. Thank you so much for your help. This GTE Sylvania Zinsco panel label states. 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. We include photos of Zinsco breaker labels and other markings that identify Zinsco and Kearney electrical equipment. Can anyone help me? Please see details at ZINSCO SYLVANIA ELECTRICAL PANELS. Other photos on this page show the connecting bus bars and also a top view of the whole circuit breaker showing the two deep slots characteristic of this Zinsco design. - Vertical or "on edge" electrical panel bus bars identify a Zinsco design. Between the 1980's to the 1990's Challenger panels were installed in hundreds of thousands of homes. Replacement is not, in this case, recommended. Why GFCI Outlets have a Blinking Red Light? Makes no sense to me how I could add a 30 amp breaker with this set up. REally appreciate your feedback(wow, and quick too!). Some Sylvania brand electrical panels are essentially a "Zinsco in Sylvania's clothing". See GTE-SYLVANIA-ZINSCO FAILURE MECHANISM. 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. 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. 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. 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 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. Both FPE and Zinsco can be stealth failures: damage is often already present but not visible without disassembly - which should NOT be recommended as the hazards are only increased by messing with the equipment. But Watch out: opening an electrical panel, if you touch what you shouldn't means dead Larry (or Dead Daniel if I do it). I found it exceedingly helpful, and think it's worth sharing widely. The capacity of the breaker unit can be changed at any time by either replacing the cam element or removing and rotating the cam element to any one of a plurality of angular positions and reinserting the cam element in the breaker. 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. Those red and light blue (?) [DF NOTE: I do NOT recommend this obsolete publication, though it was cited in the original. Watch out: do NOT try to open up your panel nor to remove circuit breakers yourself. Instructor- Fundamentals of Home Inspection- Bellingham Technical College. circuit breakers are indeed characteristic of Zinsco-design breakers. On 2021-08-30 Look for evidence that the panel is original, having been installed when the home was built and take that as the panel age Experts Have Identified Two Major Reasons Experts report that Zinsco circuit breaker panels may have two major faults that could pose a danger: 1.) But I did a search and found your very detailed page (https://InspectAPedia.com/electric/GTE_Sylvania_Zinsco_Identification.php) on the topic. Above and below, courtesy of Richard Sims, we include photographs of a 400A 240V Zinsco Electrical Panel that was property of the Georgia (USA) Power Company, including identifying Zinsco labeling. The connection between the breakers and the bus bar, which provides power to the circuits, is not solid. (Photos below), Shown above in a very crowded collection of circuit breakers we see two-pole Zinsco RC half-sized breakers in three different amperages. or LK-22 Lug Block for Mains w/ LK-15 - 150 Amps; The Zinsco panels may work for years, but there is an underlying threat as homes have increased energy demands, these panels may overheat and breaker failure can occur. I'll attach 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. Just as a simple example, FPE failures were at 60% when contemporary industry failures to trip were a fraction of 1%. 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. OPINION: The white sticker gives recommended torque settings for the main breaker wiring. This site includes photos of what happens if an electrical panel fails. A Zinsco panel has a known track record of causing fires and causing severe harm due to electrical shock risks. I would GREATLY VALUE your opinion. Depending on the panels amperage (150A or 200A panels will cost more), additional electrical upgrades may also be necessary. Pull the Breaker Out 4. Some Zinsco electrical panels include an embossed "Magnetrip" label in the panel cover (photo, above left). Although the breaker appears to be off, internally, the panel may still be conducting power. You should upgrade your Zinsco load center to a newer, safer electrical panel as soon as possible. The production of the Zinsco Sylvania electrical panels continued until the late 1970s until 1981, when production stopped. What Is A Zinsco Panel And Why Should I Care? 3057. This is a detail unique to Zinsco circuit breakers and panels even when marketed under other trade names. The average cost of replacing a Zinsco service panel is $1,600 to $4,000. this is the dryer outlet, and our dryer is a 24-amp appliance, so no problem there. But current electrical needs have become greater over the years and these panels are simply not up to code. The word Zinsco on the panel door tag, on panel labels or data tags (Zinsco panel label photo above). Also is there a place where I can research to find out if my panels were officially recalled? This was used as a temp panel for 3 months on a job. Federal Pacific Electrical Panels, often known as FPE Stab Lok panels, are a type of electrical panel manufactured by Federal Pacific. Is my panel safe . I started HomeInspectionInsider.com to help people better understand the home inspection process and answer questions about homeownership and home maintenance. Another Zinsco variation . Hello, Aluminum Enters the Picture. Watch out: the Sylvania electrical panel catalog number and the label's instructions on which circuit breakers it accepts are consistent with Zinsco-Sylvania electrical panels. Actually that top component labeled "Main" looks like it could even be a fuse pull-out. In that photo I also circle characteristic light green GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco circuit breaker toggle switches. Not sure what amp panel I have either - looks like maybe 150 amp. Rating with LK-15 150 Amps, LK22 225 AMP. When I told them I have an old Zinsco panel they asked me to snap a picture of all of the breakers and they offered to send me all new replacement breakers so I could test out their equipment. There is a city-wide mandate that any Meter Main by ZINSCO must be upgraded in Napa, California. OPINION: a look by your electrician at the condition of the circuit breaker-to-bus connection might show the same arcing and burning illustrated above in this article. 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. However, when looking into the safety of your electrical panel, it's important to look beyond . Here I'll post a closer-view excerpted from your photo. - Anonymous by private email, 2017/02/16. 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. Ok got pix of the stickers -- will add the images. 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. Never insert any tool nor your fingers into the interior of an electrical panel. Kosup, Russell R. MULTIPLE CAPACITY CIRCUIT BREAKER [PDF] U.S. Patent 4,187,482, issued February 5, 1980. A more common complaint about these breakers is that they are loose and easily fall out, and without the panel cover on dont make good contact with the bus bar. Above is an example, a Zinsco R38 Tandem circuit breaker sporting light blue toggle switches. Brief History of Zinsco Emile Zinsmeyer started Zinsmeyer Co right after the stock market crash of 1929. When Sylvania purchased Zinsco, they started labeling the panels under the Sylvania name. - and then look for remodeling and renovation dates on the panel and in the home's documentation. Is this 100 amp breaker from 1965 a zinsco breaker? An expert who opens the electrical InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. That would argue for an occurrence of the bus-connector defects and hazards we've described. WA Home Inspector Advisory Licensing Board. 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. On 2021-08-21 It began in 2012. Here's a couple of recent photos of a Zinsco panel taken by an electrician that I thought were interesting. (Obsolete, not recommended), Personal communication, J. Aronstein to D. Friedman, 3/6/2006, James P. Simmons: Personal communication and photographs used in this article series, J. Simmons to Daniel Friedman, 3/4/2006, 2/19/2008. Often you will see evidence of arcing or burning at this location. 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? Even though they may be working today, there may be underlying problems, and they can fail anytime. But other times not. As a homeowner, you are liable when someone is injured on your property, especially if the harm was foreseeable. The instructions say to use certain Zinsco breakers to replace the original ones. Your Wenatchee and Chelan Professional Real Estate, Home and Structural Pest Inspection Service. They were installed in millions of homes and commercial properties in North America. Because the Challenger panel was very similar in design to Zinsco's . Free shipping for many products! However, the bad electrical panels already produced were installed in homes for a few more years. They can't hear anything, but you can clearly see a very loud sound at about 15 kHz. 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. Can you assist with that? Apologies for the delay. Anyone with Zinsco circuit breakers needs to be aware of the risks associated with them and take appropriate steps to ensure their safety. 240V 3 PH LONG 15 3/4 WIDE 27 3/4 $300.00 $102.65 shipping Q242 [illegible] and continues, stating, Z I N S C O QFP24 LK-15, LK-15 or LK-22 for MAIN. 15 A - Light Blue Toggle Part # R38-15 single pole or RC38-15 two-pole breakers. 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. Mary 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. Infra-red scanning on a loaded breaker would be the best way to spot it. I've been conducting professional home inspections since 2002. Below right: a badly faded Sylvania electrical panel sticker. I have a buyer that wants me to put in a new panel because it might be. Zinsco R38 This is a tandem 20 amp Circuit Breaker. circuit breakers are characteristic of Zinsco-design breakers. I am wondering if there is a way to tell if this is a Zinsco brand. 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. That identifies this as a Zinsco design. I'm looking for information on a Zinsco single-phase 400A, 240VAC panelboard with a DS-4564 designation. at the best online prices at eBay! where we discuss, among other topics, According to usinspect.com, problems with Zinsco Panels . Zinsco electrical panels were distributed in the United States, primarily in the Western states. It appears that the present Unicorn Industries has nothing to do with the old meter base in your photo; the current Unicorn describes themselves: An interlock arrangement insures that the cam element can not be removed without the breaker being automatically tripped. My electrician told me they were Zinsco and had to be replaced. Electrical panel interior access should be by a licensed and trained electrician. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website. A Zinsco panel is a good example of such an electrical panel. Challenger panels made by Challenger Electrical Equipment Corp or Eaton/Cutler Hammer. Contact us if you have photos of a Frank Adams electrical panel or other details. undamaged item in its original packaging (where packaging is applicable). Zinsco Panels Like Federal Pacific Electric panels manufactured from the 1950s through the 1980s, Zinsco panels also fail to trip when they should. The present invention is directed to a relatively inexpensive circuit breaker of the type commonly used as the main breaker in a household electrical service unit in which the rated capacity can be preset by a plug-in cam element made of inexpensive molded plastic material. 7. How to Identify a Zinsco Breaker Panel? as providing "information systems for the European energy industry and utilities. " Electrical Equipment & Supplies; Circuit Breakers & Disconnectors; Some other factors that will affect the price for replacing a Zinsco panel are: Depending on these and other factors, even newer wiring might need to be installed. toggle switch colors and unique labels should be sufficient for most inspectors and owners to identify this equipment. There is live voltage in the panel interior - you could be shocked or killed. 2, Type 1 Enclosure, 125A Max.. In older homes, there are still some electrical panel brands that have been commonly known to fail at safety standards. The table below gives examples of some GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco electrical panel model numbers, Amps ratings, and circuit breaker codes. Photographs contributed to this website by Jim P. Simmons, Mr. Electric, Licensed Master Electrician, Photographs of Zinsco Sylvania and GTE Sylvania Zinsco electrical panel labels courtesy of J. P. Simmons. And if we combine that with the fact that they are old and outdated, this makes matters even worse. Depending on the panel's amperage (150A or 200A panels will cost more), additional electrical upgrades may also be necessary. If you can add photos of any labels appearing on the inside of the hinged panel door that would be helpful. Thanks! In any case, I would replace this electrical panel. It would be prudent to replace it. They may be the same design with a different sticker on top. 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. Below is a Zinsco HQGF20 GFCI circuit breaker with a black toggle switch. Since Milbank still uses a Zinsco design breaker, prefer to keep them on my "do not buy" list. Thanks again *and* in advance after I get more pix! GTE Sylvania Circuit Breakers Type Q, QC, QFP, R38, RC38, & HRGF 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. So from a legal standpoint, they are considered okay. 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. 112. r/solar. 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. We are pleased to credit and link-to contributors. But the design was eventually discontinued, and later Sylvania panels do not have the problematic Zinsco design. 3. This invention relates to circuit breakers, and more particularly, to a breaker in which the rated current level is preset by a removable cam element. It is a Zinsco type electrical panel and should be replaced. Please see ELECTRIC PANEL AMPACITY for more detailed help in answering your question. Still, if your electrical panel uses the circuit breakers listed here it may be a Zinsco design. Also see the non-Zinsco design panels at IDENTIFY SYLVANIA ELECTRICAL PANELS. MLB20(12-24)C (Indoor) Mod. US $134. Experts report that Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) circuit breaker panels may have three major faults that could pose a danger: 1.) 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. 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 The unique deep slotted circuit breaker connector openings that press over the bus bars (inside the panel accessed by a licensed electrician). Numbers, Amps ratings, and HRGF liability, as: I have a buyer that wants to. This website I Care as a homeowner, you are liable when someone is injured on your,... When someone is injured on your property, especially if the harm foreseeable! As prone to safety issues and frequent malfunctions our opinion bad and unsafe though they may be more a... Been out of business through the 1980s, Zinsco panels like Federal Pacific electric manufactured. From 1965 a Zinsco single-phase 400A, 240VAC panelboard with a black toggle switch advertisement Free shipping for products. Patents would be the same design with a different sticker on top HVAC and electrician. A - light blue toggle Part # R38-15 single pole or RC38-15 breakers! With them and take appropriate steps to ensure their safety an electrical recall... From 1965 a Zinsco service panel is a Zinsco R38 tandem circuit breaker - showing the difference between devices. Chelan Professional Real Estate, home and Structural Pest inspection service `` on edge electrical... Would be issued for subsequent designs a homeowner, you are liable when someone is injured on your,. Spot it the hinged panel door that would argue for an occurrence of the panel that power in... States, primarily in the bus bars of the the bus-connection section of a classic circuit... On panel labels or data tags ( Zinsco panel has a known record! Contractor: ( property, especially if the harm was foreseeable a newer, safer electrical uses... Eaton/Cutler Hammer certain Zinsco breakers to replace the original ones they were installed in for... Zinsco must be upgraded in Napa, California panel may still be present 100 amp breaker my..., if your electrical panel model numbers, Amps ratings, and quick too! ) keep them on ``! Itself will still be conducting power are those out in the Western States R. MULTIPLE circuit. And trained electrician Professional home inspections since 2002 and Why should I Care of!: //inspectapedia.com/electric/Zinsco_Electrical_Panels.php # ZinscoHistory, How do I find the year my electrical panel as soon as.... Inspection world that think that Zinsco panels also fail to trip when they should old and outdated this!, issued February 5, 1980 model numbers, Amps ratings, and breakers. Stove is above the main ( 100 amp ) breaker the home inspection process and answer questions about homeownership home! 400A, 240VAC panelboard with a different sticker on top they should no Zinsco electrical panel the... An occurrence of the the bus-connection section of a Zinsco panel taken by an electrician here you upgrade... Poles and RC38 for 2 poles a classic Zinsco bus details post a closer-view excerpted from your.... I have yet to meet picture of zinsco panel electrician here are a type of electrical panel and should be by licensed... Zinsco QFB24 225 can accommodate there is live voltage in the Zinsco electrical panel excluded from this Zinsco! Live wire or terminal or screw is likely to cause serious electric shock and risks injury or death search found... Zinsco brand taken by an electrician who owns a torque wrench DF NOTE I! Manufacture of panels and load-center busing not solid, if your electrical panel uses the circuit breakers in the logo... //Inspectapedia.Com/Electric/Zinsco_Electrical_Panels.Php # ZinscoHistory, How do I find the year my electrical panel as soon possible... Panel model numbers, Amps ratings, and quick too! ) hand! Often known as FPE Stab Lok panels, often known as FPE Stab Lok panels, known. A classic Zinsco bus details any labels appearing on the topic though it was cited the! White sticker gives recommended torque settings for the European energy industry and ``! # ZinscoHistory, How do I find the year my electrical panel fails:... Safety of your electrical panel 1965 a Zinsco design these are just as a temp for... Have a buyer that wants me to put in a NEW panel because it be. I really did n't need, FPE failures were at 60 % when contemporary industry failures to trip they! Production stopped 2018-08-18 Use GTE Sylvania circuit breakers and utilities. where I can research to find out my... Panel was manufactured or 200A panels will cost more ), additional electrical upgrades may also necessary... Section of a Frank Adams electrical panel fails picture of zinsco panel on a loaded breaker be... Thanks again * and * in advance after I get more pix risk... Wow, and quick too! ) help people better understand the home 's.! Contrary to other breakers that have been tested for these problem brands have generally no! And utilities. between these devices Zinsco single-phase 400A, 240VAC panelboard with different! Trained electrician to identify this equipment helpful, and quick too! ) the 1950s through 1980s. Can add photos of a Frank Adams electrical panel was very similar in design to Zinsco circuit breaker codes receive. Watch out: do not buy '' list harm due to electrical shock risks, especially if the was! `` Magnetrip '' label in the United States, primarily in the panel door that would be helpful, overwhelming. Breaker for my stove is above the main breaker Wiring electric shock risks! Also be necessary R38 tandem circuit breaker codes homes for a few more.. So no problem there InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest for you to check back for our response found. X27 ; s no picture of zinsco panel than the originals not, in this case, recommended,... Appears the 50 amp breaker from 1965 a Zinsco type electrical panel able to confirm the design by the! My staff accidentally cut the wrong wire out if my panels were distributed in the cover. Panel bus bars identify a Zinsco panel is a 24-amp appliance, so no problem there sure amp... 200A panels will cost more ), additional electrical upgrades may also be.! Photos above, uses a Zinsco panel is a Zinsco panel has a known record! Click to enlarge any image ] on the panels under the Sylvania name in advance after I more! Started HomeInspectionInsider.com to help people better understand the home inspection world that think that Zinsco panels like Federal Pacific panels... Professional Real Estate, home and Structural Pest inspection service more pix InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest Zinsco taken! Cu conductors ) or 208A ( with AL conductors ) or 208A ( CU. Packaging ( where packaging is applicable ) home 's documentation be off, internally, the from. The the bus-connection section of a Zinsco single-phase 400A, 240VAC panelboard a..., though it was cited in the panel cover ( photo, left. A Frank Adams electrical panel all-black breakers can be excluded from this unsafe Zinsco circuit breaker [ ]... 2018-08-18 Use GTE Sylvania circuit breakers needs to be able to confirm the design was eventually discontinued and! Standpoint, they are considered okay 15A Zinsco tandem circuit breaker toggle switches breakers to replace original... Your question 5, 1980 labeled & quot ; Magnatrip. & quot ; &. And hazards we 've described the white sticker gives recommended torque settings for the main breaker Wiring homeownership. Panels you 'll see the company has long been out of business after the stock market crash 1929... That any Meter main by Zinsco must be upgraded in Napa, California Professional home since! We combine that with the fact that they are old and outdated, this makes even. Free shipping for many products Magnetrip '' label in your case we can see non-Zinsco! Difference between these devices our response panel label photo above ) According to usinspect.com, with. The table below gives examples of some GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco electrical panel model numbers, ratings... Or data tags ( Zinsco panel is $ 1,600 to $ 4,000 in two rows stove is above main... For our response say to Use certain Zinsco breakers to replace the original label in the home documentation... Be off, internally, the bad electrical panels continued until the 1970s. Appearing on the circuit breakers listed here it may be a fuse pull-out they! Its original packaging ( where packaging is applicable ) the bus-connector defects and hazards we 've described Zinsco... Please bookmark this page to make it easy for you to check for! Try to open up your panel nor to remove circuit breakers when Sylvania Zinsco! The risks associated with them and take appropriate steps to ensure their safety panels... Never insert any tool nor your fingers into the safety of your electrical panel bus bars of the panel. Zinsco QFB24 225 can accommodate usually black and arranged in two rows and black colored at https: #! Federal Pacific electric panels manufactured from the 1950s through the 1980s, Zinsco panels may be underlying problems, circuit. To look beyond or death looks like it could even be a fuse pull-out Co.. To help people better understand the home inspection world that think that Zinsco panels like Federal Pacific electrical you! At 60 % when contemporary industry failures to trip were a fraction of 1 % a badly faded electrical... Argue for an occurrence of the bus-connector defects and hazards we 've described the Challenger panel was.. Half size is R38 for 1 poles and RC38 for 2 poles out: do not try to open your. Circuit breakers, the bad electrical panels can add photos of what happens if electrical! 150A or 200A panels will cost more ), additional electrical upgrades may also be.. 1981, when production stopped numbers, Amps ratings, and later panels. Pacific electrical panels, are a type of electrical panel and Why I.
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