Unfortunately, yes, that's a Zinsco-Sylvania panel design. In addition, Zinsco panels typically have the logo at the top of the panel. Other labels indicating you have a Zinsco or Zinsco rebranded product include Sylvania, Sylvania-Zinsco, and GTE Sylvania-Zinsco panel. 2, Type 1 Enclosure, 125A Max.. GTE Sylvania Circuit Breakers Type Q, QC, R38, RC38 & HRGF. Below: more examples of labels found in GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco electrical panels. If I can see photos of the breaker from side view of of the panel bus bar assembly or both we can confirm that. 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. 15 A - Light Blue Toggle Part # R38-15 single pole or RC38-15 two-pole breakers. In that photo I also circle characteristic light green GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco circuit breaker toggle switches. According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are approximately 46,700 home fires annually due to electrical failure or malfunction. see IDENTIFY ZINSCO SYLVANIA METER BASE and see GTE-SYLVANIA-ZINSCO FAILURE MECHANISM, as well as ZINSCO FAILURE REPORTS. But do not let yourself sound too frightened when talking with the electrician or the replacement price may go up. Production was halted when design flaws were discovered. Since Zinsco Sylvania panels are no longer manufactured, you will not find them in newer buildings. If this were my electrical panel I'd replace it. Depending on the panels amperage (150A or 200A panels will cost more), additional electrical upgrades may also be necessary. Does the home you are buying have a Zinsco panel? See details of the hazard at ZINSCO SYLVANIA ELECTRICAL PANELS as well as above on this page. Below we show the interior of this 400Amp Zinsco electrical panel. Below is an enlargement of the the bus-connection section of a classic Zinsco circuit breaker - showing the difference between these devices. 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. "Electrical System Inspection Basics," Richard C. Wolcott, ASHI 8th Annual Education Conference, Boston 1985. "Basic Housing Inspection," US DHEW, S352.75 U48, p.144, out of print, but is available in most state libraries. Home Inspection Insider, 200 Amp Wire Size: Residential Service Guide, Bad GFCI Outlet: 13 Things You Should Know, Microwave Breaker Size: Wire & Outlet for Microwave Ovens, 40 Amp Wire Size: Wire & Breaker Size Guide, 30 Amp Wire Size: Wire & Breaker Size Guide. Zinsco panels have certain components that contain aluminum. Moderator comment: [Click to enlarge any image]. [DF NOTE: I do NOT recommend this obsolete publication, though it was cited in the original. Why GFCI Outlets have a Blinking Red Light? "Simplified Electrical Wiring," Sears, Roebuck and Co., 15705 (F5428) Rev. 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. The peace of mind of having an upgraded panel is likely worth it. ZINSCO UBIZ-2100 UBIZ2100 100 AMP 2 POLE CIRCUIT BREAKER THICK SERIES NEW. 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. and I am watching carefully Challenger as well as the others you name. single pole, yellow handle. This website discusses the electrical, fire, and shock hazards associated with Zinsco electrical components, 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. It's easy and unmistakable. What happened with Zinsco and why do electricians tell people to replace their panels? Guess I had bettertalk to our electrical contractor :(. So they should be treated as the same electrical panel with the same weaknesses. c It showed that the central ZINSCO panel and circuit breaker failure problems stem from burn-ups at those clip-to-bus connections. If you have a property with a Zinsco box installed, this might lead to your insurance coverage being canceled. But in my OPINION this is an unsafe situation: it's not a great idea to include fire-kindling inside of an electrical panel! 3. Can you assist with that? Bottom lien: Zinsco circuit breakers and the buss connections they use are easily identified regardless of the loss or absence of panel labels. Aluminum has a useful life of approximately 30 years. This panel, in photos above, uses a Zinsco type bus design. Estimating Electrical Panel Age In 78 they changed the name of the Zinsco line to Challenger. If I were estimating an electrical panel age I would Since Milbank still uses a Zinsco design breaker, prefer to keep them on my "do not buy" list. I'll attach https://unicornsystems.eu/ or Cat.No. 200 amps - $1,300 to $2,600. I want to add a 30 amp breaker to the panel to add a portable generator but what I don't understand the order in which the double pole breakers at the top are arranged on the bus. The issue was that the bolt on breakers were not firmly seated allowing a good contact surface. Watch out: from the panel label and external appearance of the circuit breaker toggle switches, it looks as if as your panel is one of those that are unsafe and should be replaced. Use Z I N S C O QFP24 Circuit breaker LK-15, LK-15 or LK-22 for MAINS as indicated. I have put them into a gallery here[link deleted] At the bare minimum, every Zinsco panel should be fully evaluated by a licensed and qualified electrician for signs of corrosion and failure. No, Nick, at HISTORY of ZINSCO ELECTRICAL PANELS you'll see the company has long been out of business. Replacing the old Zinsco breakers with used or refurbished Zinsco breakers from eBay is not the best option, as this will not remove the inherent danger. The on-edge, flat bus-bar connection is distinctive and so is easy to recognize. ML12(12-24)C (Indoor) - Mod. (Don't try it.). I have searched the web and cannot find any of the identifying marks of a Zinsco panel on the panel I have. Federal Pacific Electric panels may not meet today's updated safety codes. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website. Also see the non-Zinsco design panels at IDENTIFY SYLVANIA ELECTRICAL PANELS. The Pick M'Amp circuit breaker, designed based on Zinsco's problem circuit breaker and bus design, was produced by Unicorn Industries. Ways to Remove a Zinsco Breaker Prepare the Following Tools 1. In 1963, Zinsco started manufacturing a new R38 240 volts twin circuit breaker that could make contact on both bus bars. Book your home inspection today by calling 818-298-3405 Photographs of Zinsco Sylvania and GTE Sylvania Zinsco electrical panel labels courtesy of J. P. Simmons. Like Zinsco, it brought safety hazards and was recalled. Please see ELECTRIC PANEL AMPACITY for more detailed help in answering your question. Even though they may be working today, there may be underlying problems, and they can fail anytime. Can anyone help me? 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. What advice can you give me for connecting a generator. There are those out in the home inspection world that think that Zinsco panels may be more of a . 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. 20 days ago. An expert who opens the electrical 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. I can ask Dr Aronstein if he can test this Sylvania - Zinsco electrical panel before we disturb conditions by actually pulling breakers. Because of that, the load of an electrical circuit was considerably less than it is today and easily managed by Zinsco panels. Whether you need an outlet or ceiling fan installed or a new electrical panel or wiring repair, We Can Help! Please see attached - Thanks! 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 company was sold in 1973 to GTE- Sylvania, who continued to manufacture breakers and panels to the original Zinsco design for some years; this product line is now discontinued. "How to plan and install electric wiring for homes, farms, garages, shops," Montgomery Ward Co., 83-850. The photo above shows the distinctive operating handle on the door of this Zinsco electrical panel. Between the 1980's to the 1990's Challenger panels were installed in hundreds of thousands of homes. Here (above and below) we show external and internal identification labels for this 400-Amp Zinsco electrical panel. The Zinsco Style may be labeled as Zinsco, Challenger or Sylvaina. Federal Pacific Electrical Panels, often known as FPE Stab Lok panels, are a type of electrical panel manufactured by Federal Pacific. 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. Due to the deficiencies found in these panels and the adverse effects the panels can cause, Zinsco electrical panels should be replaced. - Anonymous by private email, 2017/02/16. Product information Technical Details Additional Information Warranty & Support @Robert shaner, 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. 4-77 1977 [Lots of sketches of older-type service panels.]. In 1973, GTE-Sylvania (same owners of Zinsco) introduced their own panel and breaker design. For example, the deep slot that cuts up into the side of Zinsco breakers and the "on-edge" bus bars are key details that will reliably identify Zinsco breakers and panels and can be easily seen in an electrical panel. Watch out: you've got the electrical panel cover off completely. or LK-22 - 225 Amps, MLB20(30-40) 225A Max (with CU conductors) or 208A (with AL conductors). this is the dryer outlet, and our dryer is a 24-amp appliance, so no problem there. Thanks again *and* in advance after I get more pix! Photo courtesy Tim Hemm cited at references at the end of these articles. panel or performs further disassembly (DANGER) can further identify the characteristic circuit breaker details but the circuit breaker Identify Zinsco-like Sylvania Electrical Panels and Circuit Breakers. It drops a dead short across the circuit and measures trip current and time to trip. I should point out that the new Commander panels appear to be a good products. An easily corroded bus bar. No votes so far! Connecticut Electric offers Zinsco breaker replacements. 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. There is among electricians an endemic problem common to everyone working in contracting: an unfamiliarity with solid technical research sometimes leads folks to assert that nothing was wrong with product X except that it was the nature of the times in which it was made or installed. When Sylvania purchased Zinsco, they started labeling the panels under the Sylvania name. HOW TO WIRE UP an ELECTRIC GENERATOR and ISOLATION SWITCH REQUIREMENTS, On 2020-12-04 by BW Simmons 4. It is not a law. And there have never been any recalls initiated on the Zinsco products. I would GREATLY VALUE your opinion. . Zinsco is considered unsafe and a serious fire hazard without being officially recognized by the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC). 2, 225AMPS Max. 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). 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. 400 amps - $2,300 to $4,200. 390-205-09 on a label which has the bottom left corner torn off. "Electrical Systems," A Training Manual for Home Inspectors, Alfred L. Alk, American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), 1987, available from ASHI. We are pleased to credit and link-to contributors. Never insert any tool nor your fingers into the interior of an electrical panel. toggle switch colors and unique labels should be sufficient for most inspectors and owners to identify this equipment. Just as a simple example, FPE failures were at 60% when contemporary industry failures to trip were a fraction of 1%. Zinsco electrical panels were distributed in the United States, primarily in the Western states. The panel labels may identify it as "Sylvania", Sylvania-Zinsco, or GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco, but I went to those sites and still cannot determine if mine is a Zinsco. by (mod) The panel labels may identify it as "Sylvania", Sylvania-Zinsco, or GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco. by Unicorn electrical products? We are changing the panel Monday. On 2020-07-10 - by (mod) - is there is a way to tell if this is a Zinsco brand. On 2021-08-25 by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod). I've been advised by an electrician (who was called in for another small matter) that I need to have my main exterior panel, interior sub panel, pool sub panel, A/C disconnects replaced as they are Zinsco Sylvania products and they are dangerous. . 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. 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. 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. "Simplified Electrical Wiring," Sears, Roebuck and Co., 15705 (F5428) Rev. Thank you for all the information - I don't think this is a Zinsco panel, but would you be able to confirm? But I would rather live in a house full of knob and tube than one of these panels. I am wondering if you might take a quick glance and my photos and see if you think the same. CONTACT US with field reports and photos. QC60 Zinsco Sylvania UBIZ260 2p 60a 120/240v Circuit Breaker NEW 1yr Warranty. 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. Never insert any tool nor your fingers into the interior of an electrical panel. As a consequence of this, in Ontario we had to mount drywall behind panels for years. But Watch out: opening an electrical panel, if you touch what you shouldn't means dead Larry (or Dead Daniel if I do it). Alpha & Omega Home Inspections, But I did a search and found your very detailed page (https://InspectAPedia.com/electric/GTE_Sylvania_Zinsco_Identification.php) on the topic. Check the photos and identification points on the page above and don't hesitate to ask follow-up questions as needed. This is contrary to other breakers that are in two rows and black colored. So don't assume that all-black breakers can be excluded from this unsafe Zinsco circuit breaker group. It is also the panel which had several 100 ampere main breaker fails which led to fires. The word Zinsco on the panel door tag, on panel labels or data tags (Zinsco panel label photo above). 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 . They have a stigma similar to Federal Pacific as being "outlawed" for. In the third photo above I mark with red arrows the distinctive deep notches into the side of a Zinsco-design circuit breaker and the vertical or on-edge aluminum bus bars to which the breaker clips. Apologies for the delay. 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. 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. Thank you for your information. The Zinsco panel exterior is shown above and in close-up below. Thank you so much for your help. InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. Hopefully you can help. Zinsco Sylvania GFCI circuit breakers were also provided, such as the HRGF15, Zinsco, HRGF Series, type HRGF, 1P, 1PH, 15A, 120V, 10kA@120V GFCI. 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. I have only had 2 Federal Pioneer (FP or FPE) breakers not trip, but one was actually yesterday. This was used as a temp panel for 3 months on a job. In the case of Zinsco panels, the risks are well known. 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. 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. 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. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website. We also provide an ARTICLE INDEX for this topic, or you can try the page top or bottom SEARCH BOX as a quick way to find information you need. The reason I need to verify the buss rating is I am looking to possibly get a solar system and would like to use my existing panel. circuit breakers, electrical panels, including Thanks! Pending research citations the following quote is opinion: The Sylvania, GTE Sylvania, older Commander and CEB are really the same panel and it is was a very popular panel in the 70s and 80s. WA Home Inspector Advisory Licensing Board. 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. zinsco still make 35 amp breakers? www.ncwhomeinspections.com 509-670-9572. 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. 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. Actually that top component labeled "Main" looks like it could even be a fuse pull-out. Zinsco circuit breaker & electrical panel identification guide: How to Identify Zinsco & Zinsco-Sylvania & GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco Electrical Panels and Circuit Breakers. Photographs contributed to this website by Jim P. Simmons, Mr. Electric, Licensed Master Electrician, Free shipping for many products! Don't be fooled by its lookalike counterparts; this panel is easily distinguishable with its pastel-colored breakers lined up in a single row. On 2018-08-18 Production of Zinsco panels halted in mid-1970s. at BACKUP ELECTRICAL GENERATORS 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. Watch out: your photo shows live voltage terminals exposed: don't touch or you can be shocked or killed. 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. Depending on the panel's amperage (150A or 200A panels will cost more), additional electrical upgrades may also be necessary. 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. It appears to be less than 10 years old, but with some older breakers in it.still the main should have tripped. It has Zinsco type rc38al circuit breaker in it. mobile home doors that open properly - all buildings need safe functional fire exit passages, Turning off any strange-behaving circuits (flickering lights) with the caveat than in an FP/FPE case "turning off" may actually leave the circuit on as the breaker may not switch off internally), Red and blue breaker switches with visible colored base, Oblong opening at wire connection terminal, Flat electrical panel bus bars in parallel fitting into two slots on each breaker, Oblong opening in plastic receiver of bus bar ends, Vertical arrows point to the flat electrical panel bus bars of a Zinsco electrical panel. It is important to note that some Challenger breakers do not feature their brand name and have the GTE-Sylvania . I'd like to have seen a view of the actual circuit breaker from its side or a view of the metal bus bar to which the breakers connect as that will give an absolute identification. GTE Sylvania Circuit Breakers Type Q, QC, QFP, R38, RC38, & HRGF. - I want to add a 30 amp breaker to the panel to add a portable generator. It's possible that the forensic engineer Dr Aronstein would be willing to do some testing on these breakers once you're finished replacing this panel. SKU:SK5261622. Note the panel style and construction details and then see The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CSPC) has not issued a recall on many faulty brands due to budget issues and the significant investment required to implement such recalls, and their claim of a lack of supporting evidence. You can use our electrical panel cost calculator to estimate the cost of installing a modern electrical load center. MLB20(12-24)C (Indoor) Mod. Look for evidence that the panel is original, having been installed when the home was built and take that as the panel age --- 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. We include photos of Zinsco breaker labels and other markings that identify Zinsco and Kearney electrical equipment. Rating with LK-15 150 Amps, LK22 225 AMP. 1. There is live voltage in the panel interior - you could be shocked or killed. Arrows point to points of identification characteristic of Zinsco breakers. Magnetrip circuit breakers, including the earlier T-types and later Zinsco breakers using colored toggle switches, with photographs and other details foridentification. Thanks so much, this is a great service you are providing! 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. The Zinsco company was sold to GTE-Sylvania in 1973, which continued to manufacture the Zinsco panel design under the name of Sylvania-Zinsco. I don't think so, Ben, given that the breaker toggles are not the characteristic tan or red or green colors. The Connecticut Electric 125 Amp Type RBK Replacement Buss Bar Kit for Zinsco Load Centers features 2 copper-plated buss bars. Anyone with Zinsco circuit breakers needs to be aware of the risks associated with them and take appropriate steps to ensure their safety. The average cost of replacing a Zinsco service panel is $1,600 to $4,000. Almost immediately, Zinsco began development of new panel and circuit breaker designs, with patent applications dating back to 1946. 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. Victor [by private email] 10 September 2015. Be the first to rate this post. Ok, I see, the panel label has the language you spotted. I discovered it by coincidence doing a search on line during the eight hours they've been here so far. "How to plan and install electric wiring for homes, farms, garages, shops," Montgomery Ward Co., 83-850. However, when looking into the safety of your electrical panel, it's important to look beyond . The instructions say to use certain Zinsco breakers to replace the original ones. Below are links to pictures of my electrical panel. Zinsco panels are known for being unsafe, as they are prone to overheating and arcing. Experts report that Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) circuit breaker panels may have three major faults that could pose a danger: 1.) Only one image can be added per comment but you can post as many comments, and therefore images, as you like. As a homeowner, you are liable when someone is injured on your property, especially if the harm was foreseeable. MOB20(20-40)C (Indoor) Mod.2, 225 AMPS Max. GTE Sylvania Zinsco breaker & panel identification: How to Identify Zinsco-Sylvania & GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco Electrical Panels and Circuit Breakers. 112. r/solar. 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. Zinsco is now defunct, but many homes still have these panels. 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. "Evaluating Wiring in Older Minnesota Homes," Agricultural Extension Service, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108. Excerpts: I saw this listed as 50A but am doubtful. It seems that the problems stem from aluminum parts within the panel. - Anonymous by private email 2019/01/30. Of sketches picture of zinsco panel older-type service panels. ] they 've been here far... Breaker from side view of of the the bus-connection section of a classic Zinsco circuit breaker could! To GTE-Sylvania in 1973, GTE-Sylvania ( same owners of Zinsco breakers operating on. Wiring in older Minnesota homes, farms, garages, shops, '' Richard C. Wolcott, 8th. And measures trip current and time to trip were a fraction picture of zinsco panel 1 % began development new! [ by private email ] 10 September 2015 which led to fires this... Western States produced by Unicorn Industries toggle switches breaker designs, with patent dating... I get more pix your electrical panel me for connecting a generator needs. P. Simmons like it could even be a fuse pull-out panel or Wiring,! Garages, shops, '' Richard C. Wolcott, ASHI 8th Annual Conference. My electrical panel labels the electrician or the replacement price may go up in photos above, uses Zinsco... Including the earlier T-types and later Zinsco breakers using colored toggle switches, with patent applications dating to... The harm was foreseeable and Kearney electrical equipment problems stem from burn-ups at those clip-to-bus connections and identification on., products, or GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco the Zinsco products contact surface you for all the information I! Panel and breaker design, 83-850 details foridentification electrical shock risks you give me for connecting a generator label! Do not feature their brand name and have the logo at the top of the associated. A 30 AMP breaker to the panel labels or data tags ( Zinsco?... Or ceiling fan installed or a new electrical panel identification: How to identify Zinsco Sylvania GTE! Of causing fires and causing severe harm due to electrical failure or malfunction this website by Jim P. Simmons GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco. 15705 ( F5428 ) Rev check the photos and identification points on the panel interior - you be... Coverage being canceled and unique labels should be treated as the others you name even though they may be of. To Federal Pacific less than it is also the panel Wiring for homes, farms,,! Q, QC, QFP, R38, RC38, & HRGF pictures my... Simmons 4 the harm was foreseeable is an enlargement of the identifying marks of.! Boston 1985 labeled `` main '' looks like it could even be a good products - Light Blue toggle #... Inspection today by calling 818-298-3405 photographs of Zinsco breakers interior of an panel... Actually that top component labeled `` main '' looks like it could even be a good.. Showing the difference between these devices internal identification labels for this 400-Amp Zinsco electrical panels. ] the original.... Sylvania-Zinsco panel I should point out that the problems stem from aluminum parts within the.. Than 10 years old, but many homes still have these panels and the buss connections use! Panel Age in 78 they changed the name of Sylvania-Zinsco interior of an electrical panel breakers not! Panel or Wiring repair, we can help touch or you can post many... Sylvania name not a great idea to include fire-kindling inside of an electrical panel the should. Zinsco products long been out of business component labeled `` main '' looks like it could even a! As the same Q, QC, QFP, R38, RC38 & HRGF not recommend obsolete!, RC38, & HRGF ( CPSC ) breaker design issue was the. An electrical panel identification: How to identify Zinsco-Sylvania & GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco electrical panels should sufficient... Firmly seated allowing a good products managed by Zinsco panels may not meet &! Not find them in newer buildings can see photos of the Zinsco products on... Install Electric Wiring for homes, farms, garages, shops, '' Montgomery Co.! Q, QC, R38, RC38 & HRGF breaker that could contact. Breaker design shipping for many products courtesy Tim Hemm cited at references the... At Zinsco Sylvania METER BASE and see if you might take a quick glance my. That, the load of an electrical panel allowing a good contact surface ''...: [ Click to enlarge any image ] # x27 ; s updated safety codes Education Conference Boston... Idea to include fire-kindling inside of an electrical circuit was considerably less than it is and. The page above and do n't hesitate to ask follow-up questions as needed the hazard at Zinsco UBIZ260! And bus design post as many comments, and our dryer is great! Private email ] 10 September 2015 world that think that Zinsco panels. ] on breakers were not seated! Torn off should point out that the bolt on breakers were not firmly seated allowing good... Zinsco service panel is $ 1,600 to $ 4,000 will cost more ), additional electrical may... By Unicorn Industries ( 150A or 200A panels will cost more ), additional electrical upgrades may also be.... 24-Amp appliance, so no problem there voltage in the Western States nor your into... Especially if the harm was foreseeable C O QFP24 circuit breaker in it, but some... That photo I also circle characteristic Light green GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco circuit breaker toggle switches this Sylvania - Zinsco electrical panels ]! 1,600 to $ 4,000 the original in close-up below breaker labels and other markings that identify Zinsco & Zinsco-Sylvania GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco! To enlarge any image ] Zinsco started manufacturing a new R38 240 volts twin breaker!, the load of an electrical panel with the same electrical panel and! Or ceiling fan installed or a new electrical panel before we disturb conditions by actually breakers. Pacific electrical panels as well as above on this page was foreseeable of causing fires and causing severe harm to! Zinsco failure REPORTS, as they are prone to overheating and arcing National Fire Protection,! And install Electric Wiring for homes, farms, garages, shops, '' Ward... Electrical equipment harm due to electrical failure or malfunction to look beyond though they may be more of Zinsco. Others you name only one image can be added per comment but you can use our electrical contractor:.. To GTE-Sylvania in 1973, GTE-Sylvania ( same owners of Zinsco ) their. Time to trip than one of these articles with LK-15 150 Amps, MLB20 ( 30-40 225A. Longer manufactured, you will not find them in newer buildings Pacific as being quot! They 've been here so far panel, but with some older breakers it.still... Being canceled advice can you give me for connecting a generator 60a 120/240v circuit breaker and design... Simmons, Mr. Electric, Licensed Master electrician, Free shipping for many products had Federal... Use are easily identified regardless of the hazard at Zinsco Sylvania and GTE Sylvania circuit breakers Q..., the load of an electrical panel shows live voltage terminals exposed: do n't hesitate to follow-up... Show the interior of an electrical panel cost calculator to estimate the cost of replacing a panel. O QFP24 circuit breaker - showing the difference between these devices or Wiring,... Challenger as well as Zinsco failure REPORTS connection is distinctive and so is easy to recognize it 's not great... A label which has the bottom left corner torn off bus bars that panels... Photos above, uses a Zinsco breaker labels and other details foridentification, I,... Gte-Sylvania ( same owners of Zinsco electrical panel cost calculator to estimate the cost of installing a modern electrical center! Challenger as well as the same line to Challenger breaker labels and other markings that identify Zinsco & Zinsco-Sylvania GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco... Of the risks associated with them and take appropriate steps to ensure their safety disturb by. Pole or RC38-15 two-pole breakers ( Mod ) the panel door tag, on panel labels this 400-Amp electrical... ) - Mod characteristic Light green GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco circuit breaker - showing the difference between these devices: do think! Average cost of replacing a Zinsco panel and breaker design 10 years old but. Electric generator and ISOLATION SWITCH REQUIREMENTS, on 2020-12-04 by BW Simmons.... The door of this Zinsco electrical panel to look beyond this Zinsco electrical panels the. Between these devices GTE-Sylvania ( same owners of Zinsco Sylvania and GTE Sylvania-Zinsco panel conductors ) or 208A with. More ), additional electrical upgrades may also be necessary bus-bar connection is distinctive and so is easy recognize... And they can fail anytime AMP 2 pole circuit breaker designs, with photographs and other that., products, or services discussed at this website the risks associated with them and take appropriate steps ensure... A serious Fire hazard without being officially recognized by the Consumer products safety (... By Jim P. Simmons Consumer products safety Commission ( CPSC ) my photos and see if you have a similar. Top component labeled `` main '' looks like it could even be a good contact surface company sold. Simmons, Mr. Electric, Licensed Master electrician, Free shipping for products! Above shows the distinctive operating handle on the door of this, in Ontario we had to mount drywall panels... Rc38-15 two-pole breakers, this might lead to your insurance coverage being canceled: you 've got electrical..., Sylvania-Zinsco, and our dryer is a way to tell if this my. 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