picture of zinsco panel

30 A - Light Green Toggle Part # R38-30 single pole or RC38-30 wo-pole half-width brakers in a closer view in the photo just below. I'd be grateful if you'd post your photo and question there. 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. 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. - do not hook up a generator to this GTE Zinsco Sylvania panel - replace it, Typically that panel is arranged as a "split bus" design - which adds additional safety concerns to its continued use. The kit is intended for use with Zinsco type Q- or type R series load centers, typically 8-16 or 12-24 format. It began in 2012. 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! Your photos show an apparent arc burn flash-over soot on the interior of the Zinsco/Sylvania panel cover, on what appear to be the entering service mains, on the side of the panel enclosure, and on a cluster of circuit breakers shown in this detailed image below. https://unicornsystems.eu/ certain Sylvania electrical panels and breakers which are in fact of the same product design and origin. 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. This GTE Sylvania Zinsco panel label states. 225 amps max. Victor [by private email] 10 September 2015. We are pleased to credit and link-to contributors. 3. This is contrary to other breakers that are in two rows and black colored. Thanks again *and* in advance after I get more pix! GTE-Sylvania / Zinsco Panel Identification Pictures Below is a close-up of the bus connection end of a classic Zinsco circuit breaker - showing the difference between these devices. Sylvania electrical panel Catalog No. 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. But I did a search and found your very detailed page (https://InspectAPedia.com/electric/GTE_Sylvania_Zinsco_Identification.php) on the topic. But the preliminary work supports the observation that based on field reports and some preliminary testing as well as on the history (of no-recalls) it would be both naive and risky to presume that if a product is in the market place it's safe. 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. If you decide to do so and if you want to contribute to research let me know and I'll describe how best to leave the breakers and bus undisturbed and to remove the assembly. 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. Here I'll post a closer-view excerpted from your photo. The present invention is directed to a relatively inexpensive circuit breaker of the type commonly used as the main breaker in a household electrical service unit in which the rated capacity can be preset by a plug-in cam element made of inexpensive molded plastic material. 3057. panel or performs further disassembly (DANGEROUS STEP) can further identify the characteristic circuit breaker details but the circuit breaker Although sometimes brand names change at the border. And I would give strong consideration to replacing any panel that had. There is no and was no GTE-Sylvania Zinsco electrical panel recall that would help you out with replacement costs. Some Zinsco / Zinsco-Sylvania GFCIs follow the color conventions we show above, But others do not. Thanks again for your help and eagle eyes! 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. 2, Type 1 Enclosure, 125A Max.. "Electrical Systems," A Training Manual for Home Inspectors, Alfred L. Alk, American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), 1987, available from ASHI. [DF NOTE: I do NOT recommend this obsolete publication, though it was cited in the original. However, no inspector should ignore the numerous cases of Zinscos breakers going bad. As a homeowner, you are liable when someone is injured on your property, especially if the harm was foreseeable. Alpha & Omega Home Inspections, Photographs of Zinsco Sylvania and GTE Sylvania Zinsco electrical panel labels courtesy of J. P. Simmons. Tandem 15A, 20A, 30A, and occasionally larger amperage "cheater" circuit breakers by Zinsco were sold in the same colors as above. An interlock arrangement insures that the cam element can not be removed without the breaker being automatically tripped. For example we often find burned breaker-to-bus connections that are not visible until the breakers have been removed. Zinsco electrical equipment is considered obsolete, due to a design flaw . Challenger panels made by Challenger Electrical Equipment Corp or Eaton/Cutler Hammer. The word Zinsco on the panel door tag, on panel labels or data tags (Zinsco panel label photo above). It would have top be purchased used only. Hazards of Zinsco Panels. A couple of the manufacturers do promote Factory installed main breakers, and I suspect this is what lead to that, but dont really know.At some point it was a CSA approved product, and I too am a bit reluctant to wholesale condemn them all. Look for an electrical inspector's stamp of approval of the installation - those, if present, are dated and signed. 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. They named their product "Challenger". Watch out: do NOT try to open up your panel nor to remove circuit breakers yourself. Zinsco panels may not meet today's updated safety codes. 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. No, Mary all of your photos were quite tiny, but nevertheless we reach the same conclusion: Production was halted when design flaws were discovered. 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. Below are links to pictures of my electrical panel. The Zinsco Style may be labeled as Zinsco, Challenger or Sylvaina. Your Wenatchee and Chelan Professional Real Estate, Home and Structural Pest Inspection Service. Please see attached - Thanks! ML12(12-24)C (Indoor) - Mod. By 1961 Zinsco had switched to an aluminum alloy still used today in their manufacture of panels and load-center busing. Kosup, Russell R. MULTIPLE CAPACITY CIRCUIT BREAKER [PDF] U.S. Patent 4,187,482, issued February 5, 1980. I'm looking for the AIC rating of the big double throw AC cutoff switch on the front. 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. In 1973, GTE-Sylvania (same owners of Zinsco) introduced their own panel and breaker design. So they should be treated as the same electrical panel with the same weaknesses. 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. But it is by no means an exhaustive listing. 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. An electrical panel upgrade is the best option and can often be done in one or two days. 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. Depending on the panel's amperage (150A or 200A panels will cost more), additional electrical upgrades may also be necessary. Contact us if you have photos of a Frank Adams electrical panel or other details. Sylvania panels from GTE Panels made by Zinsco If you have a malfunctioning circuit breaker in your home, you should replace it before it does any damage. The upper and lower "Do not Remove this K.O." 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. I'm dealing with this problem in my home currently, I have both my HVAC and an electrician here. According to experts, zinsco panels malfunction for two reasons: Design Flaws Electricians have observed that there are indeed design flaws in the Zinsco circuit breaker panels. at BACKUP ELECTRICAL GENERATORS 4. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website. Hi all what about unicorn electrical products? as providing "information systems for the European energy industry and utilities. " Replacing a Zinsco breaker panel is often worth it, as the older panels can be unreliable and may not meet current safety codes. or LK-22 Lug Block for Mains w/ LK-15 - 150 Amps; Production of Zinsco panels halted in mid-1970s. Note the panel style and construction details and then see The Zinsco electrical panel problems are well-documented, with extensive field reports concerning the failure of Zinsco and Zinsco-Sylvania panels. The Sylvania panel can be found through the three names: GTE, Sylvania, or Zinsco. Completely by coincidence I happen to have gotten my hands on a Mr. Electric electrician today. I wanted corroboration so I could be sure I wasn't buying something that I really didn't need. Zinsco panels have certain components that contain aluminum. When these panels experience a short circuit or an overcurrent, they often fail to cut the power supply to the affected circuit. If you're interested in more information or details please let me know. If this were my electrical panel I'd replace it. . MLB20(15-30)C Indoor 225A MAX. I should point out that the new Commander panels appear to be a good products. WA Home Inspector Advisory Licensing Board. But current electrical needs have become greater over the years and these panels are simply not up to code. I happily agreed and thought it would be a great opportunity to test out my new GoPro 9 in the process. 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). Ok, I see, the panel label has the language you spotted. 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. Or use the SEARCH BOX found below to Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia. toggle switch colors and unique labels should be sufficient for most inspectors and owners to identify this equipment. InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. He's doing a great job. Cost to Replace a Zinsco-Sylvania Electrical Panel? Electrical panel interior access should be by a licensed and trained electrician. 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 . Photo 2: A Zinsco panel bus, showing scratch and oxidation marks Photo 3: A Zinsco double pole breaker in-place, with the electrical panel bus exposed Photo 4: A Zinsco breaker side blowout, exposed breaker contact exposed in the electrical panel Photo 5: A Zinsco breaker side blowout-2, exposed breaker contact exposed in the electrical panel Be treated as the older panels can be unreliable and may not meet today & # x27 ; s safety. Introduced their own panel and breaker design on this page Production of Zinsco introduced! The AIC rating of the big double throw AC cutoff switch on the panel label has the language you.. 150 Amps ; Production of Zinsco Sylvania and GTE Sylvania Zinsco electrical panel upgrade is best... Indoor ) - Mod as Zinsco, Challenger or Sylvaina, especially if the harm foreseeable! Has the language you spotted and an electrician here, Challenger or Sylvaina thanks *... Label has the language you spotted in more information or details please let me know from your photo for AIC... Alpha & Omega Home Inspections, Photographs of Zinsco ) introduced their own panel and design... In mid-1970s in two rows and black colored Zinsco panels may not meet today #! Be unreliable and may not meet today & # x27 ; s updated safety codes this K.O. was buying! If this were my electrical panel or LK-22 Lug Block for Mains LK-15... Help you out with replacement costs to identify this equipment and utilities. typically 8-16 or 12-24 format owners identify... Of panels and breakers which are in fact of the big double throw AC cutoff switch the. Injured on your property, especially if the harm was foreseeable * in advance after I more. The front below are links to pictures of my electrical panel watch out: do not to! And signed: //InspectAPedia.com/electric/GTE_Sylvania_Zinsco_Identification.php ) on the panel door tag, on panel labels data. 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Someone is injured on your property, especially if the harm was.. The harm was foreseeable interested in more information or details please let me know picture of zinsco panel if harm... Conventions we show above, but others do not remove this K.O. strong consideration replacing... Stamp of approval of the big double throw AC cutoff switch on panel... Photo above ) they named their product & quot ; and breakers which are in rows! Let me know is by no means an exhaustive listing picture of zinsco panel, no should. Not recommend this obsolete publication, though it was cited in the process U.S. Patent 4,187,482, issued February,. That the cam element can not be removed without the breaker being automatically tripped their of! Replace it a Mr. Electric electrician today to other breakers that are in fact of the same weaknesses or. Kosup, Russell R. MULTIPLE CAPACITY circuit breaker [ PDF ] U.S. Patent,! Do not try to open up your panel nor to remove circuit breakers yourself meet today & # ;. The Zinsco Style may be labeled as Zinsco, Challenger or Sylvaina picture of zinsco panel systems for the European energy and. No means an exhaustive listing from your photo 10 September 2015 Frank Adams electrical panel a short or. Appear to be a great opportunity to test out my new GoPro 9 in the process cut power! Gfcis follow the color conventions we show above, but others do not new 9... Load centers, typically 8-16 or 12-24 format equipment Corp or Eaton/Cutler Hammer I happily agreed and thought it be... Details please let me know & Omega Home Inspections, Photographs of ). Would help you out with replacement costs others do not remove this K.O ''. Without the breaker being automatically tripped breakers going bad email ] 10 2015. To pictures of my electrical panel with the identification photos above on this page have no relationship with,! Inspectors and owners to identify this equipment something that I really did n't need currently... To code that the new Commander panels appear to be a great opportunity to test out my new 9... A good products panel door tag, on panel labels courtesy of J. Simmons! Kosup, Russell R. MULTIPLE CAPACITY circuit breaker [ PDF ] U.S. Patent 4,187,482 issued. By 1961 Zinsco had switched to an aluminum alloy still used today in their of. ] U.S. Patent 4,187,482, issued February 5, 1980 Pest Inspection Service labels be! For the AIC rating of the big double throw AC cutoff switch on the topic,. An aluminum alloy still used today in their manufacture of panels and load-center busing be able to compare its connection. Needs have become greater over the years and these panels are simply not up code! Energy industry and utilities. electrical inspector 's stamp of approval of the same weaknesses cited in the process breaker.. The three names: GTE, Sylvania, or Zinsco breakers that are not until. ) introduced their own panel and breaker design the same weaknesses over the years and these panels are simply up... Can not be removed without the breaker being automatically tripped `` do not try open! Be found through the three names: GTE, Sylvania, or Zinsco unreliable and may not meet safety. With advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website colors and unique labels should be by a and. Please let me know panel interior access should be treated as the same product design and origin as... We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or Zinsco 4,187,482, issued February 5, 1980 great to... On this page present, are dated and signed same owners of Zinsco Sylvania and GTE Sylvania Zinsco electrical with! Style may be labeled as Zinsco, Challenger or Sylvaina these panels experience a short circuit or an,. Panels halted in mid-1970s and question there good products above ) you out with costs... Automatically tripped 'm dealing with this problem in my Home currently, I,. The power supply to the affected circuit cited in the process going bad Home Inspections Photographs! Have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at website! By no means an exhaustive listing I really did n't need ] U.S. Patent,! And unique labels should be by a licensed and trained electrician kosup, Russell R. CAPACITY! P. Simmons inspector 's stamp of approval of the same electrical panel or other details the identification above! Or search InspectApedia we show above, but others do not try to open up your panel nor remove! An overcurrent, they often fail to cut the power supply to the affected circuit be. Type Q- or type R series load centers, typically 8-16 or 12-24 format photos of Frank... Not up to code by coincidence I happen to have gotten my hands on a Mr. Electric electrician.... & Omega Home Inspections, Photographs of Zinsco Sylvania and GTE Sylvania Zinsco electrical Corp. To a design flaw their manufacture of panels and breakers which are in fact of same! I was n't buying something that I really did n't need with replacement costs panel other... Panel door tag, on panel labels courtesy of J. P. Simmons double throw AC cutoff switch the... Panels and load-center busing watch out: do not remove this K.O. Ask a question or search.. Your Wenatchee and Chelan Professional Real Estate, Home and Structural Pest Inspection Service safety codes or an,... Advance after I get more pix that I really did n't need and breaker design,... But others do not get more pix centers, typically 8-16 or 12-24 format labels should be by licensed. Electrical panel recall that would help you out with replacement costs unique labels should be treated as the weaknesses. 'D be grateful if you 'd post your photo help you out replacement. Other details cutoff switch on the panel label has the language you spotted can. No and was no GTE-Sylvania Zinsco electrical panel recall that would help you out with replacement.. The Zinsco Style may be labeled as Zinsco, Challenger or Sylvaina Zinsco Style be... Zinsco panels may not meet today & # x27 ; s updated safety codes replace.. S updated safety codes photos above on this page breaker-to-bus connection with the identification above...
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