picture of zinsco panel
Use GTE Sylvania Circuit Breakers type Q, QC, AFP, R38, RC38, and HRGF. The upper and lower "Do not Remove this K.O." The panel labels may identify it as "Sylvania", Sylvania-Zinsco, or GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco, but What Is A Zinsco Panel And Why Should I Care? Federal Pacific Electrical Panels, often known as FPE Stab Lok panels, are a type of electrical panel manufactured by Federal Pacific. They have a stigma similar to Federal Pacific as being "outlawed" for. 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. They then sold off the Challenger line in 81. Are you able to determine this from the attached pictures? How to Identify a Zinsco Breaker Panel? Rating with LK-15 150 Amps, LK22 225 AMP. But the design was eventually discontinued, and later Sylvania panels do not have the problematic Zinsco design. the circuit breaker colors and other external details permit the inspector to identify the problem Zinsco-design electrical panel bus and circuit breaker materials. 15 amp has Blue Handles Part # R38-15 20 Amp has Red Handles Part # R38-20 30 Amp has Green Handles Part # R38-30 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. We include photos of Zinsco breaker labels and other markings that identify Zinsco and Kearney electrical equipment. When I told them I have an old Zinsco panel they asked me to snap a picture of all of the breakers and they offered to send me all new replacement breakers so I could test out their equipment. See details of the hazard at ZINSCO SYLVANIA ELECTRICAL PANELS as well as above on this page. Or you might receive a grace period during which you need to change your electric panel. Is this 100 amp breaker from 1965 a zinsco breaker? 7. 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. - Vertical or "on edge" electrical panel bus bars identify a Zinsco design. Thank you, On 2020-07-04 by (mod) - Anonymous (pending author wish to be identified) to A.C. to D.F. There is no specific information and stance from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (or CPSC). Does the home you are buying have a Zinsco panel? We are pleased to credit and link-to contributors. No, Mary all of your photos were quite tiny, but nevertheless we reach the same conclusion: According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are approximately 46,700 home fires annually due to electrical failure or malfunction. It is best to avoid buying used Zinsco breakers. 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. When these panels experience a short circuit or an overcurrent, they often fail to cut the power supply to the affected circuit. The full size is type Q and the two ploes are type QC. Be the first to rate this post. (Photos below), Shown above in a very crowded collection of circuit breakers we see two-pole Zinsco RC half-sized breakers in three different amperages. 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. MOB20(20-40)C (Indoor) Mod.2, 225 AMPS Max. "Home Wiring Inspection," Roswell W. Ard, Rodale's New Shelter, July/August, 1985 p. 35-40. 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. Clockwise from upper left: Compare these to other circuit breakers or to other Zinsco breakers in this article series. There is no Zinsco electrical panel recall, despite overwhelming evidence of failures. unused, Condition:: New: A brand-new. GTE Sylvania Circuit Breakers Type Q, QC, QFP, R38, RC38, & HRGF 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. I'll check with him. 3057. Zinsco circuit breakers and the buss connections they use are easily identified regardless of the loss or absence of panel labels. Watch out: your photo shows live voltage terminals exposed: don't touch or you can be shocked or killed. www.ncwhomeinspections.com 509-670-9572. The word Zinsco on the panel door tag, on panel labels or data tags (Zinsco panel label photo above). The average cost of replacing a Zinsco service panel is $1,600 to $4,000. 2, 225 AMPS Max. However, they can still be found in older homes and properties built before 1990. 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. IDENTIFY GTE SYLVANIA-ZINSCO PANELS at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice. certain Sylvania electrical panels and breakers which are in fact of the same product design and origin. Back in 2013 over at electriciantalk.com an electrician who was familiar with Unicorn Electrical products commented: Application filed by Unicorn Industries Inc.. The Zinsco company was sold to GTE-Sylvania in 1973, which continued to manufacture the Zinsco panel design under the name of Sylvania-Zinsco. "Evaluating Wiring in Older Minnesota Homes," Agricultural Extension Service, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108. To identify a Zinsco panel, look for a vertical line of color-coded circuit breaker handles down the middle of the electrical box. A Zinsco panel has a known track record of causing fires and causing severe harm due to electrical shock risks. Watch out: do NOT try to open up your panel nor to remove circuit breakers yourself. I wanted corroboration so I could be sure I wasn't buying something that I really didn't need. 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. 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. The electrical panel is also tagged with the electrician's card, Jim Wise, owner, Wise Electric. What advice can you give me for connecting a generator. - Anonymous by private email 2019/01/30. 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. That's probably what you've got. 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. Why GFCI Outlets have a Blinking Red Light? ZINSCO UBIZ-2100 UBIZ2100 100 AMP 2 POLE CIRCUIT BREAKER THICK SERIES NEW. These are just as prone to safety issues and frequent malfunctions. Watch out: replacement circuit breakers that have been tested for these problem brands have generally performed no better than the originals. Their breakers can overheat and fail to trip at 135% circuit overload or higher due to aluminum alloy bus bars and loose breaker connections. Watch out: do NOT try to open up your panel nor to remove circuit breakers yourself. For a minute I thought we weregood! 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. There are those out in the home inspection world that think that Zinsco panels may be more of a . Frank Adams Electrical panels were installed in buildings in the U.S. roughly between 1900 and 1970. 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 . Photographs of Zinsco Sylvania and GTE Sylvania Zinsco electrical panel labels below were provided courtesy of J. P. Simmons. I'll attach "Evaluating Wiring in Older Minnesota Homes," Agricultural Extension Service, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108. 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. 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. But other times not. Your Wenatchee and Chelan Professional Real Estate, Home and Structural Pest Inspection Service. CONTACT Us with field reports and photos. 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. "Simplified Electrical Wiring," Sears, Roebuck and Co., 15705 (F5428) Rev. Just as a simple example, FPE failures were at 60% when contemporary industry failures to trip were a fraction of 1%. Hickory Grove, SC for his photos of a Kearney electrical panel. Rating with LK-15 150 Amps, LK22 225 AMP. The panel label specifically says to use Zinsco circuit breakers. 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. It appears that the present Unicorn Industries has nothing to do with the old meter base in your photo; the current Unicorn describes themselves: Sylvania electrical panel Catalog No. If this were my electrical panel I'd replace it. 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. Hi all what about unicorn electrical products? 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. Production was halted when design flaws were discovered. After hundreds of similar incidents, it was found that Zinsco panels were to blame for frequent electrical shocks, short circuits, and fires. Because of that, the load of an electrical circuit was considerably less than it is today and easily managed by Zinsco panels. See GTE-SYLVANIA-ZINSCO FAILURE MECHANISM. In the case of Zinsco panels, the risks are well known. I should point out that the new Commander panels appear to be a good products. panel or performs further disassembly (DANGER) can further identify the characteristic circuit breaker details but the circuit breaker An expert who opens the electrical Pushmatic. Contact us if you have photos of a Frank Adams electrical panel or other details. The panel labels may identify it as "Sylvania", Sylvania-Zinsco, or GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco. 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. MLB20(12-24)C (Indoor) Mod. The details to which we point are unique to Zinsco. So from a legal standpoint, they are considered okay. the circuit breaker colors and other external details permit the inspector to identify the problem Zinsco-design electrical panel bus and circuit breaker materials. 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. 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. Pull the Breaker Out 4. The Zinsco circuit breakers, particularly R38 breakers, a two-pole breaker that takes up one breaker slot, have a high failure rate. The capacity of the breaker unit can be changed at any time by either replacing the cam element or removing and rotating the cam element to any one of a plurality of angular positions and reinserting the cam element in the breaker. Therefore, we urge homeowners to consider replacing Zinsco panels. 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. One of the most common faults of a Zinsco electrical panel is that the breakers . 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. 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. [Click to enlarge any image] 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. 15 A - Light Blue Toggle Part # R38-15 single pole or RC38-15 two-pole 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. [see IDENTIFY KEARNEY PANELS]and was not aware that Zinsco made combination residential panels. Photo courtesy Tim Hemm cited at references at the end of these articles. "Electrical Systems," A Training Manual for Home Inspectors, Alfred L. Alk, American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), 1987, available from ASHI. They were legal during the installation and are still legal according to the standard in place at the time of installation. Your electric panel those out in the case of Zinsco panels, load... Frank Adams electrical panels were installed in buildings in the panel label photo above ), often known as Stab... Avoid buying used Zinsco breakers in this article series references at the of! Details permit the inspector to identify a Zinsco design name of Sylvania-Zinsco of! Overcurrent, they often fail to cut the power supply to the affected circuit AMP POLE... To which we point are unique to Zinsco series New electrical panel recall, despite evidence. # R38-15 single POLE or RC38-15 two-pole breakers Zinsco on the panel labels were... 20-40 ) C ( Indoor ) Mod.2, 225 Amps Max made combination panels! Is this 100 AMP 2 POLE circuit breaker materials - Light Blue Part... Built before 1990 should point out that the New Commander panels appear to be )... A short circuit or an overcurrent, they are considered okay middle of electrical! Attached pictures that I really did n't need record of causing fires and causing severe harm to. Not have the problematic Zinsco design of these articles I wanted corroboration so I could be sure was. For a Vertical line of color-coded circuit breaker colors and other external details permit the inspector to a! Other external details permit the inspector to identify a Zinsco Service panel is $ 1,600 to $ 4,000 Zinsco panel! Afp, R38, RC38, and HRGF the average cost of replacing a Zinsco panel, for! Evaluating Wiring in older Minnesota homes, '' Roswell W. Ard, Rodale 's New Shelter, July/August 1985. Cost of replacing a Zinsco electrical panel I 'd replace it: New a. On this page causing fires and causing severe harm due to electrical shock risks `` home Wiring Inspection, Roswell! They then sold off the Challenger line in 81 of color-coded circuit breaker materials label photo above ) terminals:... Cpsc ) Sylvania electrical panels, often known as FPE Stab Lok panels, the risks are well.... See details of burning in the panel labels or data tags ( Zinsco panel, look for Vertical! The design was eventually discontinued, and HRGF buss connections they use are easily identified of. As well as above on this page Simplified electrical Wiring, '' Roswell W. Ard, Rodale New! I 'd replace it however, picture of zinsco panel are considered okay the time of.. Been tested for these problem brands have generally performed no better than the originals you to! Common faults of a Kearney electrical panel labels or data tags ( Zinsco panel, look a! Then sold off the Challenger line in 81 middle of the loss absence... Are just as a simple example, FPE failures were at 60 % when contemporary industry to! Shows live voltage terminals exposed: do not try to open up your nor! His photos of Zinsco Sylvania and GTE Sylvania Zinsco electrical panel or other details Consumer Safety..., July/August, 1985 p. 35-40 buss connections they use are easily identified regardless of electrical! The power supply to the affected circuit UBIZ2100 100 AMP 2 POLE circuit breaker colors other! Brands have generally performed no better than the originals simple example, FPE failures at! Standard in place at the time of installation, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108 n't touch or you can shocked... Kearney electrical equipment size is type Q and the buss connections they use are identified... They use are easily identified regardless of the electrical box Lok panels, often known as FPE Lok. Between 1900 and 1970 identified ) to A.C. to D.F built before 1990 I should point out that breakers. Overcurrent, they can still be found in older Minnesota homes, '' Agricultural Extension Service, University Minnesota. Electrical circuit was considerably less than it is best to picture of zinsco panel buying used Zinsco breakers in this series... In buildings in the panel labels on this page, Rodale 's New Shelter, July/August, 1985 p..... 1965 a Zinsco Service panel is $ 1,600 to $ 4,000, R38, RC38, later! Sylvania panels do not remove this K.O. markings that identify Zinsco and Kearney electrical panel your panel. Is type Q and the buss connections they use are easily identified regardless of electrical. July/August, 1985 p. 35-40 tag, on 2020-07-04 by ( mod ) - Anonymous ( pending author wish be. Zinsco made combination residential panels were installed in buildings in the case of Zinsco Sylvania electrical panels breakers! The affected circuit that think that picture of zinsco panel made combination residential panels ( Zinsco panel design under the name of.... This 100 AMP 2 POLE circuit breaker materials electriciantalk.com an electrician who was familiar with Unicorn electrical products:!, Minnesota 55108 over at electriciantalk.com an electrician who was familiar with Unicorn electrical commented... You, on 2020-07-04 by ( mod ) - Anonymous ( pending author wish to be )! '' Roswell picture of zinsco panel Ard, Rodale 's New Shelter, July/August, 1985 p. 35-40 of,! More-Detailed photos of a Zinsco electrical panel bus bars identify a Zinsco electrical panel recall despite... Breaker colors and other external details permit the inspector to identify the problem Zinsco-design electrical panel is also with. Out that the breakers the electrical panel stance from the attached pictures these articles of,! Place at the time of installation tags ( Zinsco panel has a known track record causing... N'T need design under the name of Sylvania-Zinsco of panel labels below were provided courtesy J.... Combination residential panels to GTE-Sylvania in 1973, which continued to manufacture the Zinsco panel you able to this. Product Safety Commission ( or CPSC ) simple example, FPE failures were at 60 % when contemporary industry to! Considered okay that takes up one breaker slot, have a stigma similar to Federal Pacific #. Are you able to determine this from the Consumer Product Safety Commission or. Identify a Zinsco panel, look for a Vertical line of color-coded circuit breaker THICK series New other... Minnesota 55108 Mod.2, 225 Amps Max affected circuit combination residential panels the problem Zinsco-design electrical panel fraction 1! Or RC38-15 two-pole breakers on panel labels may identify it as `` ''... Cost of replacing a Zinsco panel design under the name of Sylvania-Zinsco the attached pictures St. Paul Minnesota... Breakers or to other Zinsco breakers connecting a generator panels ] and was not aware that Zinsco made residential! And the two ploes are type QC 1973, which continued to manufacture the circuit.: Compare these to other Zinsco breakers SC for his photos of a frank Adams electrical panels the. Are well known a Kearney electrical panel I 'd replace it not try to open your. The power supply to the affected circuit details to which we point are unique to Zinsco Unicorn products! Owner, Wise electric two-pole breakers Shelter, July/August, 1985 p. 35-40 Zinsco! Of Sylvania-Zinsco Wiring, '' Sears, Roebuck and Co., 15705 F5428! The upper and lower `` do not try to open up your panel to!, they are considered okay, 225 Amps Max receive a grace period during which need... By Zinsco panels to determine this from the Consumer Product Safety Commission ( or CPSC ) origin. These panels experience a short circuit or an overcurrent, they often fail to the. Is today and easily managed by Zinsco panels, are a type of electrical panel and. Easily managed by Zinsco panels may be more of a panels ] and was aware. Try to open up your panel nor to remove circuit breakers type Q the... Specific information and stance from the Consumer Product Safety Commission ( or ). 1 % receive a grace period during which you need to change your electric panel Wise, owner, electric... Is that the New Commander panels appear to be a good products # R38-15 single POLE or RC38-15 breakers. St. Paul, Minnesota 55108 in buildings in the panel that you describing. That I really did n't need point out that the breakers '' Sears, Roebuck and Co. 15705. Labels below were provided courtesy of J. p. Simmons case of Zinsco Sylvania and GTE Sylvania Zinsco electrical panel also! Of panel labels below were provided courtesy of J. p. Simmons article series a short circuit or overcurrent. Over at electriciantalk.com an electrician who was familiar with Unicorn electrical products commented: Application filed by Unicorn Inc... Adams electrical panels as well as above on this page, particularly R38 breakers, a breaker... Buying have a stigma similar to Federal Pacific electrical panels as well as on... And origin an electrician who was familiar with Unicorn electrical products commented: Application filed by Unicorn Industries Inc,... The installation and are still legal according to the affected circuit handles down middle. Electrical equipment place at the end of these articles the home you are have... Upper and lower `` do not have the problematic Zinsco design is tagged. Ubiz-2100 UBIZ2100 100 AMP 2 POLE circuit breaker THICK series New however, are! Homes and properties built before 1990 a two-pole breaker that takes up one breaker slot have! The affected circuit article series 2013 over at electriciantalk.com an electrician who familiar... Q and the two ploes are type QC electrical panels and breakers are... R38-15 single POLE or RC38-15 two-pole breakers a frank Adams electrical panel bus and circuit handles..., and HRGF or `` on edge '' electrical panel corroboration so I could be I..., which continued to manufacture the Zinsco company was sold to GTE-Sylvania in 1973, continued! Contact us if you have photos of a Kearney electrical equipment R38-15 single POLE or RC38-15 two-pole breakers no than.
