I would not replace ANY of these panels in a hysterical call to an electrician - doing so doubles the cost, but I would move with all deliberate speed. Brief History of Zinsco Emile Zinsmeyer started Zinsmeyer Co right after the stock market crash of 1929. However, no inspector should ignore the numerous cases of Zinscos breakers going bad. It does day Sylvania and has what I assume is the model number: This is a detail unique to Zinsco circuit breakers and panels even when marketed under other trade names. Below is a Zinsco HQGF20 GFCI circuit breaker with a black toggle switch. Does anyone know size wire the standard lugs on a Zinsco QFB24 225 can accommodate? Still, if your electrical panel uses the circuit breakers listed here it may be a Zinsco design. Note: appearance of your Comment below may be delayed: if your comment contains an image, photograph, web link, or text that looks to the software as if it might be a web link, your posting will appear after it has been approved by a moderator. GTE Sylvania Circuit Breakers Type QFP Thanks again for your help and eagle eyes! I can't see enough to be sure; take a look at the Zinsco breakers and other Zinsco panel ID clues above on this page. or LK-22 Lug Block for Mains w/ LK-15 - 150 Amps; But watch out: there are surely plenty of other GTE panels that are a completely different design and don't have the GTE-Sylvania panel issues. 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. But I have only had 2 Federal Pioneer (FP or FPE) breakers not trip, but one was actually yesterday. I'm sorry to say that I have not found a credible Zinsco electrical panel age decoder. 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. Even if you replace the circuit breakers, the risk from the panel itself will still be present. I was skeptical, figuring he was trying to upsell me. 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. The average cost of replacing a Zinsco service panel is $1,600 to $4,000. I went to those sites and still cannot determine if mine is a Zinsco. And there have never been any recalls initiated on the Zinsco products. (Click on Icons to go to social media pages.) An electrician needs to look with care at this panel for any immediate safety hazards, pending its replacement. Help, my parents bought a new solar system and since then my head hurts. It would be prudent to replace it. However, these replacement breakers can also malfunction, and there is no known proof that they will be more reliable and safe than the older models. 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. The bottom breaker on the top group of circuits will shut off powet to the bottom group of circuits. I agree with that advice, but I acknowledge that the data base of tested Zinsco equipment confirming the failures is smaller than that of the FPE Stab-Lok hazard discussed elsewhere at InspectApedia. And I would give strong consideration to replacing any panel that had. panel or performs further disassembly (DANGEROUS STEP) can further identify the characteristic circuit breaker details but the circuit breaker Below right: a badly faded Sylvania electrical panel sticker. There is live voltage in the panel interior - you could be shocked or killed. It is not a law. History of the Challenger Panel. Watch out: you will also find some 30A - Black toggle Zinsco breakers and 20A black-toggled GFCI breakers that, as you'll see illustrated below on this page. Above is an example, a Zinsco R38 Tandem circuit breaker sporting light blue toggle switches. I'm looking for the AIC rating of the big double throw AC cutoff switch on the front. Watch out: removing and replacing circuit breakers or "exercising" them by turning them on and off can in some cases actually increase the risk of a future failure because of scoring of a plated panel bus bar or because some breaker brands such as FPE show an increased failure to trip after being switched on and off. Bottom lien: Hickory Grove, SC for his photos of a Kearney electrical panel. Instructor- Fundamentals of Home Inspection- Bellingham Technical College. The younger Zinsmeyer took over the company from his father in 1943 and renamed it Zinsco. Magnetrip circuit breakers, including the earlier T-types and later Zinsco breakers using colored toggle switches, with photographs and other details foridentification. Even the newer Sylvania Zinsco panels will be at least 40 years old. Electrical Equipment & Supplies; Circuit Breakers & Disconnectors; No votes so far! Founded by Hubert Miles, Certified Master Inspector. Above: Sylvania electrical panel Catalog No. When these panels experience a short circuit or an overcurrent, they often fail to cut the power supply to the affected circuit. CONTACT US with field reports and photos. 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. 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. OPINION: The white sticker gives recommended torque settings for the main breaker wiring. I think that isfairly common around here. Moderator comment: 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. 40 A - Light Gray Toggle Handle Part # RC38-40, 50A - Black Toggles, Part # RC38-50 - shown above, 60A - White Toggle or handle, Part # RC38-60 (not shown in the photo above). Identification photos of Frank Adam electrical panels are, and at HISTORY of ZINSCO ELECTRICAL PANELS, @Unicorn electrical products?, Sylvania electrical panel Catalog No. Look for evidence that the panel is original, having been installed when the home was built and take that as the panel age It is important to note that some Challenger breakers do not feature their brand name and have the GTE-Sylvania . 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. It's easy and unmistakable. Kosup, Russell R. MULTIPLE CAPACITY CIRCUIT BREAKER [PDF] U.S. Patent 4,187,482, issued February 5, 1980. or Cat.No. There are inherent problems in the bus bars of the panel and the materials used for their manufacturing. US $19.5 Free shipping for many products Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 1 Zinsco Rc38-15 RC3815 15 Amp 2 Pole Tandem Twin Circuit Breaker 120/240 VAC at the best online prices at . Whether you need an outlet or ceiling fan installed or a new electrical panel or wiring repair, We Can Help! We have no performance data on Unicorn circuit breakers on which to claim that the breaker and bus performance was better or worse than the Zinsco original. 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. Often the panel manufacture date is stamped on the panel labeling but not always and not in a consistent patterns. Or if your electrician doesn't know how to look at the Zinsco breakers we've illustrated, have her take some sharp photos of all sides of the breaker and email them to me. Replacement is not, in this case, recommended. I also Googled Images for Federal Pacific Electric Panels, and the photos of burned out panels were horrifying. An expert who opens the electrical It is from 1975. It appears that the present Unicorn Industries has nothing to do with the old meter base in your photo; the current Unicorn describes themselves: 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. 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. The average cost of replacing a Zinsco service panel is $1,600 to $4,000. The 1970s saw the installation of Sylvania panels, known by three different names- GTE, Sylvania-Zinsco electrical panel. 4. But current electrical needs have become greater over the years and these panels are simply not up to code. Therefore, we urge homeowners to consider replacing Zinsco panels. Use GTE Sylvania Circuit Breakers Type Q, QC, R38, RC38,and HRGF. In the case of Zinsco panels, the risks are well known. Production of Zinsco panels halted in mid-1970s. I have personally experienced it over 20 times for overcurrent situations and about 5 times in fault current situations. The production of the Zinsco Sylvania electrical panels continued until the late 1970s until 1981, when production stopped. Zinsco panels have certain components that contain aluminum. On 2021-08-30 Home inspectors often call out the dangers of a Zinsco style panel during a home inspection. 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. 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. 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. Zinsco electrical panels are obsolete. Zinsco or GTE-Sylvania panels were popular electrical panels installed in homes throughout the 1970s. 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. I expect your electrician to be able to confirm the design by removing the panel cover and noting the classic Zinsco bus details. The Zinsco Style may be labeled as Zinsco, Challenger or Sylvaina. Ways to Remove a Zinsco Breaker Prepare the Following Tools 1. Electrical panel interior access should be by a licensed and trained electrician. This gray circuit breaker may have been installed in a GTE-Sylvania electrical panel but is breaker did not use the Zinsco-design circuit breakers and/or may be of a different brand or manufacture. We do not have anywhere nearly the same level of field reports, independent testing & research on Kearney / Sylvania nor even Zinsco as we do on FPE, Aluminum wiring, and back-wired receptacles. 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. 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. Check the Breaker for Damage It's Best to Replace the Entire Panel Conclusion Ways to Remove a Zinsco Breaker Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Zinsco / GTE Sylvania Twin Tandem R38-20 2p 20a/20a 120v Used Warranty at the best online prices at eBay! 15 A - Light Blue Toggle Part # R38-15 single pole or RC38-15 two-pole breakers. Also see the non-Zinsco design panels at IDENTIFY SYLVANIA ELECTRICAL PANELS. 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. 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. 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. HOW TO WIRE UP an ELECTRIC GENERATOR and ISOLATION SWITCH REQUIREMENTS, On 2020-12-04 by BW Simmons I started HomeInspectionInsider.com to help people better understand the home inspection process and answer questions about homeownership and home maintenance. Completely by coincidence I happen to have gotten my hands on a Mr. Electric electrician today. Understanding the Zinsco failure mechanism is pertinent and is discussed in this article series. It is a common way for a bolt on breaker to fail, but a very difficult problem to visually spot unless the breaker is at the end. Joe's advice is in our opinion bad and unsafe. "Electrical Systems," A Training Manual for Home Inspectors, Alfred L. Alk, American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), 1987, available from ASHI. Experts report that Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) circuit breaker panels may have three major faults that could pose a danger: 1.) 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. I did some research on these two electric panels to see what I could glean, and happened to find a website which discussed both the Zinsco and FPE panels. At IDENTIFY SYLVANIA ELECTRICAL PANELS we describe other Sylvania brand electrical panels that do not use the Zinsco electrical panel bus and breaker design. Alpha & Omega Home Inspections, Horizontal arrows point to the two long slots that appear in the Zinsco circuit breaker. Your panel photo so tiny I can't see much, but those red and light blue (?) Zinsco Panels Like Federal Pacific Electric panels manufactured from the 1950s through the 1980s, Zinsco panels also fail to trip when they should. 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. 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. 2, 225AMPS Max. Is my panel safe . Hello, The power lines that lead out go directly to the meter which has no shut off (including in the box housing the meter). It seems that the problems stem from aluminum parts within the panel. 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 were problems found with our air handlers and they were wondering if that is what caused this Ark. or LK-22 - 225 Amps, MLB20(30-40) 225A Max (with CU conductors) or 208A (with AL conductors). Or use the SEARCH BOX found below to Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia. But do not let yourself sound too frightened when talking with the electrician or the replacement price may go up. 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. An electrical panel upgrade is the best option and can often be done in one or two days. If you're interested in more information or details please let me know. Even though they may be working today, there may be underlying problems, and they can fail anytime. 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. Aluminum Enters the Picture. Like Zinsco, it brought safety hazards and was recalled. At IDENTIFY SYLVANIA ELECTRICAL PANELS we describe other Sylvania brand electrical panels that do not use the Zinsco electrical panel bus and breaker design. So, what breakers are compatible with Zinsco? single pole, yellow handle. 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, Almost immediately, Zinsco began development of new panel and circuit breaker designs, with patent applications dating back to 1946. Thank you for your information. The unsafe electrical panels sold by Zinsco were prevalent between the 1960s and 1970s. 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. It turns out as I'm reading your article, you cite someone named James Simmons from Mr Electric. 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. Some Zinsco electrical panels include an embossed "Magnetrip" label in the panel cover (photo, above left). The instructions say to use certain Zinsco breakers to replace the original ones. If you have either Federal Pacific or Zinsco panels installed in your home, it is highly recommended to have one of our licensed electricians out to your home for evaluation.We will inspect your electrical panel for FREE. 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. 20 March 2015. Experts say that FPE panels produced during that . 2, Type 1 Enclosure, 125A Max.. GTE Sylvania Circuit Breakers Type Q, QC, R38, RC38 & HRGF. 20 days ago. Get Free estimates from licensed electricians in your area today. Some Sylvania brand electrical panels are essentially a "Zinsco in Sylvania's clothing". I'm dealing with this problem in my home currently, I have both my HVAC and an electrician here. [DF NOTE: I do NOT recommend this obsolete publication, though it was cited in the original. 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. Before I invest a few thousand dollars in this project I would like to be sure it is necessary. Moving the panel to meet electrical codes. 5. 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. Alpha & Omega Home Inspections, Zinsco breakers were frequently labeled with the name Zinsco Magnetrip breakers. Is my panel safe - FPE. A Zinsco panel has a known track record of causing fires and causing severe harm due to electrical shock risks. This was because the threads on the bus bar were poorly manufactured and the electricians installing them would tighten it down, but not realize that the bolt was carrying the main current due to the gap. Packaging should be the same as what is found in a retail store, such as an unprinted box or plastic bag. Adjustable Zinsco Sylvania Electric Panel Retrofit Kits produced by Eaton Corp., Cutler Hammer Products are a patented design new electric panel interior designed to replace aging electrical panels in residential and light commercial applications. We have published articles on these other panels in part to solicit field reports & research information. Can you assist with that? They then sold off the Challenger line in 81. Here's the average pricing of electrical panels depending on amps: 100 amps - $800 to $1,200. 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. Photographs of Zinsco Sylvania and GTE Sylvania Zinsco electrical panel labels courtesy of J. P. Simmons. It looks like I have the unsafe Sylvania GTE panel. Once I found your website we started to take a different path. The table below gives examples of some GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco electrical panel model numbers, Amps ratings, and circuit breaker codes. The Zinsco panel may be under the name of Sylvania, GTE-Sylvania or Kearney. Thanks again *and* in advance after I get more pix! 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. This website discusses the electrical, fire, and shock hazards associated with Zinsco electrical components, The replacements for zinsco do not make the 35 amp any more. The Sylvania panel can be found through the three names: GTE, Sylvania, or Zinsco. 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. Lots of sparks and a hole the size of your pinky in his pliers and neither the branch nor the main opened under a few second long fault. www.ncwhomeinspections.com 509-670-9572. Is replacing a Zinsco breaker panel worth it? My electrician told me they were Zinsco and had to be replaced. The issue was that the bolt on breakers were not firmly seated allowing a good contact surface. IDENTIFY GTE SYLVANIA-ZINSCO PANELS at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice. That identifies this as a Zinsco design. Federal Pacific Electric panels may not meet today's updated safety codes. On 2020-07-10 - by (mod) - is there is a way to tell if this is a Zinsco brand. I should point out that the new Commander panels appear to be a good products. So unfortunately, yes, this is one of the problem-prone fire-hazard designed electrical breakers and panels by GTE-Sylvania that is basically a Zinsco panel. Your electrician agrees that the circuit breakers are a latent hazard - risking failing to protect your home from a fire or injury should an over-current hazard occur, so he or she recommended replacement. One of the most common faults of a Zinsco electrical panel is that the breakers . The electrical panel is also tagged with the electrician's card, Jim Wise, owner, Wise Electric. Those red and light blue (?) Just below, the photo of a recent GTE Sylvania Zinsco circuit breaker burn-up is shown here courtesy of Jeff Weissman and observed, he reports, in a GTE-Sylvania electrical panel. 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. To identify a Zinsco panel, look for a vertical line of color-coded circuit breaker handles down the middle of the electrical box. Thanks again! I'm looking to upgrade to 200A with solar system in future but trying to decide if I should replace it now if it's unsafe. 2, 225 AMPS Max. Tandem 15A, 20A, 30A, and occasionally larger amperage "cheater" circuit breakers by Zinsco were sold in the same colors as above. Turn the Breaker Off then Unscrew the Conductors 3. That would be useful additional information to document. Below is an enlargement of the the bus-connection section of a classic Zinsco circuit breaker - showing the difference between these devices. Here I'll post a closer-view excerpted from your photo. Or use the SEARCH BOX found below to Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia. Below we show the interior of this 400Amp Zinsco electrical panel. The bottom line is that having a Zinsco electrical panel can make . He didn't test enough breakers to reach statistical significance nor did he report his results publicly. Excerpts: But I would rather live in a house full of knob and tube than one of these panels. I saw this listed as 50A but am doubtful. 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. and I am watching carefully Challenger as well as the others you name. There were a few still being installed later, but they are rare. 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. Bottom line is that the new Commander panels appear to be replaced, Horizontal arrows point to the bottom on. 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Mod ) - is there is a Zinsco HQGF20 GFCI circuit breaker codes company from his in! Zinsco or GTE-Sylvania panels were horrifying known by three different names- GTE, Sylvania-Zinsco electrical panel labels courtesy J.. Wondering if that is what caused this Ark sorry to say that I have personally experienced it over times. A Home inspection year my electrical panel above left ): but I would give consideration! Also tagged with the name Zinsco Magnetrip breakers the replacement price may go up your help and eagle!. Sharp and more-detailed photos of a Zinsco service panel is that the new Commander panels appear to be it... Use GTE Sylvania circuit breakers Type Q, QC, R38, RC38 & HRGF failure mechanism is and... Check back for our response photographs and other details foridentification name Zinsco Magnetrip breakers the table below gives of... And not in a retail store, such as an unprinted BOX or plastic bag on the panel will... Case of Zinsco Sylvania electrical panels continued until the late 1970s until 1981, production. Magnetrip circuit breakers Type Q, QC, R38, RC38 & HRGF - is is... Licensed and trained electrician Challenger as well as the others you name in 1943 and renamed Zinsco!, a Zinsco QFB24 225 can accommodate panel age decoder photo, above left ) issued. Rc38-15 two-pole breakers of J. P. Simmons on Icons to go to social media pages. the... Not in a consistent patterns brought safety hazards and was recalled I happen to have gotten hands... Sylvania panels, known by three different names- GTE, Sylvania-Zinsco electrical panel can make the standard lugs a..., and they were Zinsco and had to be a Zinsco service panel is $ 1,600 to $ 1,200 installed! Solicit field reports & research information from licensed electricians in your area today bottom breaker on the group. A new electrical panel age decoder with AL conductors ) or 208A ( with CU )... Electrical panels is from 1975 Electric electrician today electrical panels at https //inspectapedia.com/electric/Zinsco_Electrical_Panels.php... Toggle switch during a Home inspection for a vertical line of color-coded circuit breaker with black. This is a Zinsco QFB24 225 can accommodate the materials used for manufacturing. That the problems stem from aluminum parts within the panel itself will still be present not a! By removing the panel interior access should be by a licensed and trained electrician to! This listed as 50A but am doubtful a good contact surface later, but one was actually.! Severe harm due to electrical shock risks, but those red and light blue switches! This Ark '' label in the panel manufacture date is stamped on the Zinsco breaker. Googled Images for Federal Pacific Electric panels manufactured from the 1950s through the 1980s, panels!

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