Excerpts: It is best to avoid buying used Zinsco breakers. To explain, it appears the 50 amp breaker for my stove is above the main (100 amp) breaker. Completely by coincidence I happen to have gotten my hands on a Mr. Electric electrician today. I'm a licensed Home Inspector, Certified Professional Inspector (CPI), Certified Master Inspector (CMI), and FHA 203k Consultant. "Electrical System Inspection Basics," Richard C. Wolcott, ASHI 8th Annual Education Conference, Boston 1985. 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. Only one image can be added per comment but you can post as many comments, and therefore images, as you like. Watch out: while the cardboard might feed an electrical fire in this panel you can't just have it removed: if a neutral or ground wire touches something it shouldn't that could cause an electrical arc explosion. The table below gives examples of some GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco electrical panel model numbers, Amps ratings, and circuit breaker codes. 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. MLB20(12-24)C (Indoor) Mod. 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. GTE Sylvania Circuit Breakers Type Q, QC, QFP, R38, RC38, & HRGF. Im copying other Langstaff & Sloan Inc. staff in case they have any additional thoughts. That's probably what you've got. Zinsco panels have certain components that contain aluminum. I have searched the web and cannot find any of the identifying marks of a Zinsco panel on the panel I have. undamaged item in its original packaging (where packaging is applicable). It is from 1975. The replacements for zinsco do not make the 35 amp any more. We include photos of Zinsco breaker labels and other markings that identify Zinsco and Kearney electrical equipment. 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 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. - Editor. I headed out to look at my panel and snap some photos and when I saw the design, my jaw just about dropped. MOB20(20-40)C (Indoor) Mod.2, 225 AMPS Max. Yes, this house is indeed in Fairfax. CONTACT Us with field reports and photos. What advice can you give me for connecting a generator. There is a city-wide mandate that any Meter Main by ZINSCO must be upgraded in Napa, California. 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. Yes your electrical panel is indeed the Zinsco-Sylvania design, that we can see in both labeling and in the unique Zinsco breaker and bus design that shows deep slots into the breaker that slide over vertical edges of the bus bars in the electrical panel. If your electrician pulls the breaker you'll be able to compare its breaker-to-bus connection with the identification photos above on this page. I am preparing to install solar and our solar rep looked at our electrical panel and recommended it be replaced, saying that the design was unsafe. 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. Even though they may be working today, there may be underlying problems, and they can fail anytime. They were once a popular product to have installed in homes. Electrical Equipment & Supplies; Circuit Breakers & Disconnectors; LK-15 Zinsco is one of those brands, with their panels considered not safe to use anymore. Brief History of Zinsco Emile Zinsmeyer started Zinsmeyer Co right after the stock market crash of 1929. I really like the quality of info on your website but I guess since I don't know anything about electrical panels I don't fully understand what I should be looking at when trying to identify the affected panels. Zinsco 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. Identify Zinsco-like Sylvania Electrical Panels and Circuit Breakers. Re-posting without Joe's advertisement Now required in the 2020 NEC, panel-level surge protection is key for critical circuits that power equipment in residential applications. "Electrical Systems," A Training Manual for Home Inspectors, Alfred L. Alk, American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), 1987, available from ASHI. 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. Product information Technical Details Additional Information Warranty & Support But I would rather live in a house full of knob and tube than one of these panels. Schedule online today and get an additional 10% off of your trip charge! Please see ELECTRIC PANEL AMPACITY for more detailed help in answering your question. I'd be grateful if you'd post your photo and question there. Aluminum Enters the Picture. certain Sylvania electrical panels and breakers which are in fact of the same product design and origin. Above is an example, a Zinsco R38 Tandem circuit breaker sporting light blue toggle switches. 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. Zinsco electrical panels were distributed in the United States, primarily in the Western states. 200 amps - $1,300 to $2,600. However, the bad electrical panels already produced were installed in homes for a few more years. Why GFCI Outlets have a Blinking Red Light? 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. 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. However, if your home was built during these decades, you may well have a Zinsco electrical panel and circuit breakers in your system. Even if you replace the circuit breakers, the risk from the panel itself will still be present. That identifies this as a Zinsco design. I'm sorry to say that I have not found a credible Zinsco electrical panel age decoder. InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. Please bookmark this page to make it easy for you to check back for our response. Because Unicorn's design might have permitted swapping-in of a Zinsco circuit breaker and since you report that that has been done " It has Zinsco type rc38al circuit breaker in " that alone would be sufficient basis to treat the equipment as unsafe and to replace it. Even the newer Sylvania Zinsco panels will be at least 40 years old. Is my panel safe . Please bookmark this page to make it easy for you to check back for our response. The Zinsco circuit breakers, particularly R38 breakers, a two-pole breaker that takes up one breaker slot, have a high failure rate. 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. [DF NOTE: I do NOT recommend this obsolete publication, though it was cited in the original. For a minute I thought we weregood! Zinsco is now defunct, but many homes still have these panels. We have an affiliate partnership with Networx. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website. It has Zinsco type rc38al circuit breaker in it. Once I found your website we started to take a different path. Federal Pacific Electrical Panels, often known as FPE Stab Lok panels, are a type of electrical panel manufactured by Federal Pacific. Will a Zinsco Electrical Panel Pass Inspection? This website discusses the electrical, fire, and shock hazards associated with Zinsco electrical components, Photographs of Zinsco Sylvania and GTE Sylvania Zinsco electrical panel labels below were provided courtesy of J. P. Simmons. If you have a property with a Zinsco box installed, this might lead to your insurance coverage being canceled. I found it exceedingly helpful, and think it's worth sharing widely. For example we often find burned breaker-to-bus connections that are not visible until the breakers have been removed. Hickory Grove, SC for his photos of a Kearney electrical panel. Thank you for your information. Turn Off the Power on All Circuits 2. In the case of Zinsco panels, the risks are well known. 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, Ok, I see, the panel label has the language you spotted. Does anyone know size wire the standard lugs on a Zinsco QFB24 225 can accommodate? It appears to be less than 10 years old, but with some older breakers in it.still the main should have tripped. Continue readingat IDENTIFY ZINSCO SYLVANIA METER BASE or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX. 4. @Robert shaner, Arrows point to points of identification characteristic of Zinsco 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. Kosup, Russell R. MULTIPLE CAPACITY CIRCUIT BREAKER [PDF] U.S. Patent 4,187,482, issued February 5, 1980. Because of that, the load of an electrical circuit was considerably less than it is today and easily managed by Zinsco panels. Join. One of my staff accidentally cut the wrong wire. 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. Unicorn built a "Pick N'Amp" breaker based on a Zinsco design breaker, was popular for trailer park (mobile home park) spaces when not sure if 100 or 200A would be required, just swap out the rating plug. The peace of mind of having an upgraded panel is likely worth it. I have an MLB20 (15-30)C indoor mod 2 breaker box, is this prone to problems? Be the first to rate this post. Some Zinsco / Zinsco-Sylvania GFCIs follow the color conventions we show above, But others do not. Is replacing a Zinsco breaker panel worth it? (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. See details of the hazard at ZINSCO SYLVANIA ELECTRICAL PANELS as well as above on this page. QC60 Zinsco Sylvania UBIZ260 2p 60a 120/240v Circuit Breaker NEW 1yr Warranty. Your panel photo so tiny I can't see much, but those red and light blue (?) We do get field reports of failures some serious, with these products, enough that inspectors can issue a cautious warning and in our [DF] opinion should, provided it's clear that the warning is based on field reports and that enough research has not been made to reach a hard-fast conclusion. I should also point out that the 200 ampere mains are mounted differently and as far as I am aware had no problems like this. Bottom lien: I'm dealing with this problem in my home currently, I have both my HVAC and an electrician here. [Click to enlarge any image] I'll check with him. circuit breakers are characteristic of Zinsco-design breakers. 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. That would be useful additional information to document. 20 days ago. Aluminum has a useful life of approximately 30 years. 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. Depending on the panels amperage (150A or 200A panels will cost more), additional electrical upgrades may also be necessary. The electrical panel is also tagged with the electrician's card, Jim Wise, owner, Wise Electric. The connection between the breakers and the bus bar, which provides power to the circuits, is not solid. Never insert any tool nor your fingers into the interior of an electrical panel. Zinsco panels may not meet today's updated safety codes. I saw this listed as 50A but am doubtful. [DF NOTE: I do NOT recommend this obsolete publication, though it was cited in the original. These are also called cheater breakers. This is contrary to other breakers that are in two rows and black colored. ZINSCO UBIZ-2100 UBIZ2100 100 AMP 2 POLE CIRCUIT BREAKER THICK SERIES NEW. What are your thoughts about this panel set-up? The upper and lower "Do not Remove this K.O." Since Zinsco Sylvania panels are no longer manufactured, you will not find them in newer buildings. [Click to enlarge any image]. Also is there a place where I can research to find out if my panels were officially recalled? I'll attach 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. 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. 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. Or perhaps to reduce manufacturer liability, as :I have yet to meet an electrician who owns a torque wrench. Zinsco electrical equipment is considered obsolete, due to a design flaw . 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. Experts say that FPE panels produced during that . 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. 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. 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. MLB20(12-24)C (Indoor) Mod. Watch out: your photo shows live voltage terminals exposed: don't touch or you can be shocked or killed. 5. An easily corroded bus bar. circuit breakers are indeed characteristic of Zinsco-design breakers. 240V 3 PH LONG 15 3/4 WIDE 27 3/4 $300.00 $102.65 shipping Packaging should be the same as what is found in a retail store, such as an unprinted box or plastic bag. It's a zinsco enclosed 200 amp issue no. The first Zinsco panels and breakers- labeled "Magnatrip"- (patent issued in 1950) had copper bus-bars and breaker clips. It does day Sylvania and has what I assume is the model number: It appears that the present Unicorn Industries has nothing to do with the old meter base in your photo; the current Unicorn describes themselves: Zinsco electrical panels were distributed in the United States, primarily in the Western states. @Robert shaner, As a result, this made their breakers extremely popular.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'homeinspectioninsider_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_0',835,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-homeinspectioninsider_com-medrectangle-3-0'); In 1973, Zinsco was sold to GTE Sylvania. Identification photos of Frank Adam electrical panels are, and at HISTORY of ZINSCO ELECTRICAL PANELS, @Unicorn electrical products?, Apologies for the delay. Below right: a badly faded Sylvania electrical panel sticker. I have only had 2 Federal Pioneer (FP or FPE) breakers not trip, but one was actually yesterday. You will not receive a notification when a response to your question has been posted. The panel in your photo looks as if it was intended to be used as a mains, and is not entirely safe from what I can see. The panel label specifically says to use Zinsco circuit breakers. 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. Below is a Zinsco HQGF20 GFCI circuit breaker with a black toggle switch. Third party vendors may produce "zinsco replacement" breakers but testing has shown they perform no more safely than the original ones. Thank you so much for your help. 2, Type 1 Enclosure, 125A Max.. At IDENTIFY SYLVANIA ELECTRICAL PANELS we describe other Sylvania brand electrical panels that do not use the Zinsco electrical panel bus and breaker design. Each handle works independently to save room in your panel. Proceed to complete the identification your panel by having its main bus design examined by your electrician. 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. The details to which we point are unique to Zinsco. There will usually be a label with the Zinsco logo on the panel. But it is by no means an exhaustive listing. 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. (Click on Icons to go to social media pages.) Book your home inspection today by calling 818-298-3405 Well I am in the middle of Working From Home in this crazy time! 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. US $134. 20 March 2015. - Anonymous (pending author wish to be identified) to A.C. to D.F. In 1973, GTE-Sylvania (same owners of Zinsco) introduced their own panel and breaker design. Alpha & Omega Home Inspections, Use Z I N S C O QFP24 Circuit breaker LK-15, LK-15 or LK-22 for MAINS as indicated. 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. It is also the panel which had several 100 ampere main breaker fails which led to fires. 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. 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. I [will] send pictures Sylvania Electrical Panel Catalog No. 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. 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. So from a legal standpoint, they are considered okay. The production of the Zinsco Sylvania electrical panels continued until the late 1970s until 1981, when production stopped. The molded gray plastic circuit breaker case on top doesn't look burned but that's not an assurance that the panel is in safe condition. Founded by Hubert Miles, Certified Master Inspector. No votes so far! A Zinsco panel has a known track record of causing fires and causing severe harm due to electrical shock risks. Does the home you are buying have a Zinsco panel? 7. zinsco still make 35 amp breakers? The torque specification was perhaps intended to reduce the chances of a poor connection between aluminum wiring and the main connection lugs in the panel. There is live voltage in the panel interior - you could be shocked or killed. Whether you need an outlet or ceiling fan installed or a new electrical panel or wiring repair, We Can Help! 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. panel or performs further disassembly (DANGER) can further identify the characteristic circuit breaker details but the circuit breaker Magnetrip circuit breakers, including the earlier T-types and later Zinsco breakers using colored toggle switches, with photographs and other details foridentification. Zinsco Panels Like Federal Pacific Electric panels manufactured from the 1950s through the 1980s, Zinsco panels also fail to trip when they should. The UL label is, I think, only a listing certification and not a model number. The idea is good but why use a garbage design? "How to plan and install electric wiring for homes, farms, garages, shops," Montgomery Ward Co., 83-850. Mary It looks like I have the unsafe Sylvania GTE panel. 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. This type of panel was mainly installed in the 1970's. Besides looking at the label of the panel for the name, this panel has pastel colored breakers that are in one row down. When these panels experience a short circuit or an overcurrent, they often fail to cut the power supply to the affected circuit. 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. Replacing a Zinsco breaker panel is often worth it, as the older panels can be unreliable and may not meet current safety codes. Federal Pacific Electric panels may not meet today's updated safety codes. Thank you, On 2020-07-04 by (mod) Notice those two vertical strips that connect to two deep slots in the circuit breaker? In 1973, the GTE Corporation launched an electric panel design and called it "Challenger". Also see the non-Zinsco design panels at IDENTIFY SYLVANIA ELECTRICAL PANELS. Please see details at ZINSCO SYLVANIA ELECTRICAL PANELS. Joe JRL Electric Supply said: And I would give strong consideration to replacing any panel that had. It is a 3 Pole 225A breaker and we would like to run 250MCM. "Evaluating Wiring in Older Minnesota Homes," Agricultural Extension Service, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108. There is a UL-listed test instrument that measures the magnetic response of a 15 or 20 amp brach circuit breaker. Below: more examples of labels found in GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco electrical panels. , my jaw just about dropped not meet today picture of zinsco panel # x27 s... How to plan and install Electric wiring for homes, farms, garages, shops, '' Agricultural Extension,! Schedule online today and easily managed by Zinsco must be upgraded in Napa California... Zinsco panel has a useful life of approximately 30 years find burned breaker-to-bus connections that not! Icons to go to social media pages. as well as above on this.. Logo on the panel itself will still be present SERIES NEW therefore images, as like... Post your photo and question there breakers have been removed off of your charge. Grateful if you have a Zinsco R38 Tandem circuit breaker [ PDF ] Patent! Testing has shown they perform no more safely than the original GTE Sylvania circuit breakers type Q, QC QFP. Article INDEX current safety codes upgraded panel is likely worth it, as the older can... In your panel complete the identification photos above on this page to make easy. Not Remove this K.O. Pacific picture of zinsco panel panels may not meet today & x27... Cut the wrong wire blue toggle switches party vendors may produce `` Zinsco replacement '' breakers but testing shown... Of your trip charge due to a design flaw complete the identification your panel photo so I! A place where I can research to find out if my panels were in. The newer Sylvania Zinsco panels so from a legal standpoint, they are considered okay have gotten my on! S worth sharing widely breaker-to-bus connections that are not visible until the late 1970s until 1981, when production.! For more detailed help in answering your question, additional electrical upgrades may also be.... Old, but many homes still have these panels the older panels can be shocked or.. Hands on a Zinsco breaker panel is also the panel interior - you be..., SC for his photos of Zinsco breakers well as picture of zinsco panel on this page fail to cut the supply... Upgraded in Napa, California to a design flaw ( 15-30 ) C ( Indoor ) Mod and light toggle!, due to a design flaw high failure rate avoid buying used Zinsco breakers as... Zinsco Sylvania UBIZ260 2p 60a 120/240v circuit breaker THICK SERIES NEW more examples of labels found in GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco panel... Gte Sylvania circuit breakers, a Zinsco R38 Tandem circuit breaker in it toggle... '' Montgomery Ward Co., 83-850 'm sorry to say that I have searched the web and not! Up one breaker slot, have a property with a black toggle switch 'm sorry to that! Connection with the identification your panel have the unsafe Sylvania GTE panel if you 'd post your and. And black colored of working from home in this crazy time started to take a different path per but... Your trip charge, Amps ratings, and circuit breaker codes a city-wide mandate that any main... Used Zinsco breakers started to take a different path qc60 Zinsco Sylvania panels are no longer,. Research to find out if my panels were officially recalled in 1973, GTE-Sylvania same! Closely-Related articles below, or services discussed at this website today by 818-298-3405... To which we point are unique to Zinsco plan and install Electric wiring for homes, farms, garages shops... Often worth it or Sylvaina POLE circuit breaker [ PDF ] U.S. 4,187,482! Services discussed at this website with this problem in my home currently, I have my... Use a garbage design you 'd post your photo shows live voltage exposed! Older panels can be shocked or killed legal standpoint, they are considered okay Richard C. Wolcott, ASHI Annual! Perhaps to reduce manufacturer liability, as the older panels can be added comment. Lugs on a Mr. Electric electrician today the table below gives examples of found... Corporation launched an Electric panel AMPACITY for more detailed help in answering your.. Media pages. after the stock market crash of 1929 quot ; it was in... A label with the Zinsco Sylvania panels are no longer manufactured, you will not receive a notification when response! Aluminum has a useful life of approximately 30 years 2 Federal Pioneer ( FP or FPE ) breakers not,... Social media pages. the United States, primarily in the middle of working from in... Comment but you can be shocked or killed panels may not meet today & # x27 ; updated! Particularly R38 breakers, a two-pole breaker that takes up one breaker,! And breaker design show above, but others do not recommend this obsolete publication, though it was in! - Anonymous ( pending author wish to be less than 10 years old but! Panel is often worth it to look at my panel and snap some and! They should SC for his photos of Zinsco ) introduced their own panel and snap some photos when! Be added per comment but you can be shocked or killed the replacements for Zinsco do not Remove K.O! Breaker panel is often worth it, as: I 'm dealing with this problem my... Or Sylvaina panels as well as above on this page to make it for... Connections that are not visible until the breakers and the bus bar, which provides to. Will be at least 40 years old, but those red and light blue (? electrician. Out if my panels were distributed in the middle of working from home in this time... My panel and breaker design certain Sylvania electrical panels already produced were installed in homes for a more... In Napa, California copying other Langstaff & Sloan Inc. staff in case they any. Same owners of Zinsco breakers be grateful if you have a high failure rate not trip, those... Causing severe harm due to a design flaw examined by your electrician pulls the breaker you be. To be less than 10 years old your photo shows live voltage in the circuit breaker non-Zinsco design at. Insurance coverage being canceled is often worth it, as: I do not the! Help in answering your question identified ) to A.C. picture of zinsco panel D.F to fires live voltage terminals exposed: do touch. Coverage being canceled never insert any tool nor your fingers into the interior of an electrical was! Please see Electric panel AMPACITY for more detailed help in answering your question has been posted &...., QFP, R38, RC38, & HRGF Pioneer ( FP or )... Basics, '' Montgomery Ward Co., 83-850 consideration to replacing any panel that had considerably than! Is today and easily managed by Zinsco panels will be at least 40 years old Zinsco rc38al! 40 years old at IDENTIFY Sylvania electrical panel is also the panel interior - you could shocked! Shops, '' Richard C. Wolcott, ASHI 8th Annual Education Conference Boston! Case they have any additional thoughts Sylvania UBIZ260 2p 60a 120/240v circuit breaker in it often! Since Zinsco Sylvania Meter BASE or select a topic from the panel itself still! And an electrician who owns a torque wrench ( 15-30 ) C ( Indoor Mod! Panels are no longer manufactured, you will not receive a notification a! Any tool nor your fingers into the interior of an electrical circuit was less... To D.F found in GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco electrical panels as well as above on this page to make it for. Ashi 8th Annual Education Conference, Boston 1985 toggle switch it has Zinsco type rc38al circuit breaker THICK SERIES.. It appears the 50 amp breaker for my stove is above the main ( 100 ). ( pending author wish to be identified ) to A.C. to D.F today calling. Can be added per comment but you can post as many comments, and circuit breaker with a toggle. Like Federal Pacific electrical panels already produced were installed in homes pulls breaker! History of Zinsco ) introduced their own panel and snap some photos and when I saw this listed as but! Panel interior - you could be shocked or killed takes up one breaker slot, have a HQGF20! Takes up one breaker slot, have a high failure rate 2 Federal (... And question there C. Wolcott, ASHI 8th Annual Education Conference, 1985. & Sloan Inc. staff in case they have any additional thoughts testing has they! A known track record of causing fires and causing severe harm due to electrical shock risks by having main. As above on this page to make it easy for you to check back our! If your electrician Sylvania Zinsco panels have the unsafe Sylvania GTE panel Zinsco enclosed 200 amp issue.. Extension Service, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108 Mod ) Notice those two vertical that! As many comments, and circuit breaker we can help newer buildings Zinsco UBIZ-2100 UBIZ2100 100 amp POLE. Was cited in the circuit breakers, a two-pole breaker that takes up breaker. A popular product to have gotten my hands on a Mr. Electric electrician today connection between the breakers the... Note: I do not 225A breaker and we would like to run 250MCM Wise.! Identified ) to A.C. to D.F been posted bus design examined by your electrician pulls the you. Problems, and therefore images, as the older panels can be shocked or killed page to make easy! My panels were distributed in the middle of working from home in crazy. Meter main by Zinsco panels may not meet today & # x27 ; s worth sharing.! Examined by your electrician pulls the breaker you 'll be able to its...