US $199.98 For use in Stab-Lok circuit breaker panels Used or refurbished circuit breakers should never be used Circuit breakers should only be replaced with new tested and Safety Agency Listed circuit breakers. The word Magnetrip embossed in the steel electrical panel cover or on data tags in the Zinsco electrical panel. [see IDENTIFY KEARNEY PANELS]and was not aware that Zinsco made combination residential panels. The Sylvania panel can be found through the three names: GTE, Sylvania, or Zinsco. 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. No, Mary all of your photos were quite tiny, but nevertheless we reach the same conclusion: Some of these such as FPE involved outright fraud by people who knew perfectly well that the product did not perform properly. Alpha & Omega Home Inspections, 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. Joe JRL Electric Supply said: In addition, Zinsco panels typically have the logo at the top of the panel. The Connecticut Electric 125 Amp Type RBK Replacement Buss Bar Kit for Zinsco Load Centers features 2 copper-plated buss bars. where we discuss, among other topics, On 2021-08-25 by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod). The on-edge, flat bus-bar connection is distinctive and so is easy to recognize. Identification photos of Frank Adam electrical panels are, and at HISTORY of ZINSCO ELECTRICAL PANELS, @Unicorn electrical products?, (Obsolete, not recommended), Personal communication, J. Aronstein to D. Friedman, 3/6/2006, James P. Simmons: Personal communication and photographs used in this article series, J. Simmons to Daniel Friedman, 3/4/2006, 2/19/2008. Aluminum has a useful life of approximately 30 years. He's doing a great job. but this is an unusual panel - not one I've seen before, in which all of the breakers are arranged in a single vertical stack. 160. The panel in your photo looks as if it was intended to be used as a mains, and is not entirely safe from what I can see. 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. - Vertical or "on edge" electrical panel bus bars identify a Zinsco design. Don't be fooled by its lookalike counterparts; this panel is easily distinguishable with its pastel-colored breakers lined up in a single row. In 78 they changed the name of the Zinsco line to Challenger. 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. MLB20(12-24)C (Indoor) Mod. by Unicorn electrical products? I started HomeInspectionInsider.com to help people better understand the home inspection process and answer questions about homeownership and home maintenance. 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. Square D panel with following breakers 100A main breaker, 100A breaker, 50A 2 pole, 3 - 20 A single pole, 2- GFCI outlets attached to side. Your photos confirm that this is a 225A Sylvania-branded Zinsco-design electrical panel of the type that we discuss and at risk of breaker to bus arcing, overheating, damage. by (mod) "Electrical System Inspection Basics," Richard C. Wolcott, ASHI 8th Annual Education Conference, Boston 1985. At below left your fourth photo shows the GTE-Sylvania label, while at below right in your fifth photo of a GTE-Sylvania Zinsco panel are other labels including the UL listing sticker for this product. The new buyer labeled his company Challenger Electric. There were a few still being installed later, but they are rare. 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. SKU:I37023078. Because Unicorn's design might have permitted swapping-in of a Zinsco circuit breaker and since you report that that has been done " It has Zinsco type rc38al circuit breaker in " that alone would be sufficient basis to treat the equipment as unsafe and to replace it. Zinsco breakers are known to not trip in the presence of overcurrent or short circuits. Look for an electrical inspector's stamp of approval of the installation - those, if present, are dated and signed. There is no Zinsco electrical panel recall, despite overwhelming evidence of failures. 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. see IDENTIFY ZINSCO SYLVANIA METER BASE and see GTE-SYLVANIA-ZINSCO FAILURE MECHANISM, as well as ZINSCO FAILURE REPORTS. That's probably what you've got. OPINION: The white sticker gives recommended torque settings for the main breaker wiring. Proceed to complete the identification your panel by having its main bus design examined by your electrician. It would be prudent to replace it. Or you might receive a grace period during which you need to change your electric panel. Your Wenatchee and Chelan Professional Real Estate, Home and Structural Pest Inspection Service. Watch out: your photo shows live voltage terminals exposed: don't touch or you can be shocked or killed. Sylvania electrical panel Catalog No. The idea is good but why use a garbage design? However, if your home was built during these decades, you may well have a Zinsco electrical panel and circuit breakers in your system. Experts Have Identified Two Major Reasons Experts report that Zinsco circuit breaker panels may have two major faults that could pose a danger: 1.) GTE Sylvania Zinsco breaker & panel identification: How to Identify Zinsco-Sylvania & GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco Electrical Panels and Circuit Breakers. He did not know about the Zinsco/Sylvania problem. 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. Victor [by private email] 10 September 2015. Because of that, the load of an electrical circuit was considerably less than it is today and easily managed by Zinsco panels. If you need to replace your entire Zinsco electrical panel, the cost can range from $800 to $4,200, depending on the amp rating your home needs. - how to find the age of a Zinsco 200A panel, Thanks for an excellent question, Randy. I will do another post with another picture. It is not a law. The Zinsco company was sold to GTE-Sylvania in 1973, which continued to manufacture the Zinsco panel design under the name of Sylvania-Zinsco. Sean Estimating Electrical Panel Age HOW TO WIRE UP an ELECTRIC GENERATOR and ISOLATION SWITCH REQUIREMENTS, On 2020-12-04 by BW Simmons Product information Technical Details Additional Information Warranty & Support Other labels indicating you have a Zinsco or Zinsco rebranded product include Sylvania, Sylvania-Zinsco, and GTE Sylvania-Zinsco panel. I went to those sites and still cannot determine if mine is a Zinsco. "How to plan and install electric wiring for homes, farms, garages, shops," Montgomery Ward Co., 83-850. The UL label is, I think, only a listing certification and not a model number. 4-77 1977 [Lots of sketches of older-type service panels.]. Zinsco electrical panels were distributed in the United States, primarily in the Western states. Photo courtesy Tim Hemm cited at references at the end of these articles. Zinsco is considered unsafe and a serious fire hazard without being officially recognized by the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC). 3. Depending on the panel's amperage (150A or 200A panels will cost more), additional electrical upgrades may also be necessary. 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. Electrical panel interior access should be by a licensed and trained electrician. 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. Model# is MT12MBB and House was built in 1977 in San Mateo County, California, USA. The bottom breaker on the top group of circuits will shut off powet to the bottom group of circuits. Why they're unsafe: The circuit breakers inside many Zinsco panels melt to the main 'bus bar'. Q242 [illegible] and continues, stating, Z I N S C O QFP24 LK-15, LK-15 or LK-22 for MAIN. Mary Other Zinsco electrical panel identification and information labels are included in this article. - Anonymous by private email, 2017/02/16. Why GFCI Outlets have a Blinking Red Light? Identify Zinsco-like Sylvania Electrical Panels and Circuit Breakers. 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. It showed that the central ZINSCO panel and circuit breaker failure problems stem from burn-ups at those clip-to-bus connections. 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. "Home Wiring Inspection," Roswell W. Ard, Rodale's New Shelter, July/August, 1985 p. 35-40. For example we often find burned breaker-to-bus connections that are not visible until the breakers have been removed. This was used as a temp panel for 3 months on a job. 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. Application filed by Unicorn Industries Inc.. Photographs of Zinsco Sylvania and GTE Sylvania Zinsco electrical panel labels below were provided courtesy of J. P. Simmons. There is live voltage in the panel interior - you could be shocked or killed. Concerns raised simply by inspection of your photos include. (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. 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. But I did a search and found your very detailed page (https://InspectAPedia.com/electric/GTE_Sylvania_Zinsco_Identification.php) on the topic. IDENTIFY GTE SYLVANIA-ZINSCO PANELS at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice. It is also the panel which had several 100 ampere main breaker fails which led to fires. For a minute I thought we weregood! toggle switch colors and unique labels should be sufficient for most inspectors and owners to identify this equipment. - and then look for remodeling and renovation dates on the panel and in the home's documentation. On 2021-08-30 3. 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. The power lines that lead out go directly to the meter which has no shut off (including in the box housing the meter). 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. 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. The unsafe electrical panels sold by Zinsco were prevalent between the 1960s and 1970s. If you're interested in more information or details please let me know. One of the most common faults of a Zinsco electrical panel is that the breakers . Zinsco R38 This is a tandem 20 amp Circuit Breaker. Connecticut Electric offers Zinsco breaker replacements. At IDENTIFY SYLVANIA ELECTRICAL PANELS we describe other Sylvania brand electrical panels that do not use the Zinsco electrical panel bus and breaker design. I have an MLB20 (15-30)C indoor mod 2 breaker box, is this prone to problems? WA Home Inspector Advisory Licensing Board. ML12(12-24)C (Indoor) - Mod. One of my staff accidentally cut the wrong wire. The kit is intended for use with Zinsco type Q- or type R series load centers, typically 8-16 or 12-24 format. Above is an example, a Zinsco R38 Tandem circuit breaker sporting light blue toggle switches. Clockwise from upper left: Compare these to other circuit breakers or to other Zinsco breakers in this article series. Each handle works independently to save room in your panel. 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. At least I am aware though. These flaws, they say, do not present themselves in other panels that have existed in the same age. 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. circuit breakers are characteristic of Zinsco-design breakers. and I am watching carefully Challenger as well as the others you name. InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. 2, 225 AMPS Max. Will snapmore pix when I can drag myself away from computer. 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. Please bookmark this page to make it easy for you to check back for our response. I [will] send pictures Sylvania Electrical Panel Catalog No. The photo above shows the distinctive operating handle on the door of this Zinsco electrical panel. 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. In 1973, GTE-Sylvania (same owners of Zinsco) introduced their own panel and breaker design. Zinsco circuit breaker & electrical panel identification guide: How to Identify Zinsco & Zinsco-Sylvania & GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco Electrical Panels and Circuit Breakers. Zinsco Sylvania GFCI circuit breakers were also provided, such as the HRGF15, Zinsco, HRGF Series, type HRGF, 1P, 1PH, 15A, 120V, 10kA@120V GFCI. Thanks! Often you will see evidence of arcing or burning at this location. Thank you for your information. There were problems found with our air handlers and they were wondering if that is what caused this Ark. The connection between the breakers and the bus bar, which provides power to the circuits, is not solid. The replacements for zinsco do not make the 35 amp any more. Production of Zinsco panels halted in mid-1970s. Aluminum Enters the Picture. Photographs contributed to this website by Jim P. Simmons, Mr. Electric, Licensed Master Electrician, Again you guys are great for helping out! 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. It seems that the problems stem from aluminum parts within the panel. 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. QC60 Zinsco Sylvania UBIZ260 2p 60a 120/240v Circuit Breaker NEW 1yr Warranty. The upper and lower "Do not Remove this K.O." According to usinspect.com, problems with Zinsco Panels . I would GREATLY VALUE your opinion. Depending on the panels amperage (150A or 200A panels will cost more), additional electrical upgrades may also be necessary. @Robert shaner, 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. 5. Below are links to pictures of my electrical panel. Replacing the panel can help improve the electrical systems overall performance and ensure it functions correctly. It is a 3 Pole 225A breaker and we would like to run 250MCM. This is contrary to other breakers that are in two rows and black colored. 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. : Compare these to other circuit breakers or details please let me know electrical... And was not aware that Zinsco made combination residential panels. ] is that problems. 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Or details please let me know its main bus design examined by your electrician logo... 'S documentation panels and circuit breakers or to other breakers that are visible. Is an example, a Zinsco R38 this is contrary to other Zinsco electrical panel your photo shows voltage! Z I N S C O QFP24 LK-15, LK-15 or LK-22 for main have the at... Visible until the breakers have been removed but I did a search and found very... To those sites and still can not determine if mine is a 3 Pole 225A breaker and we would to...: do n't touch or you can be shocked or killed Chelan Professional Real Estate, home Structural. Buss Bar Kit for Zinsco load Centers, typically 8-16 or 12-24 format [ will send... Caused this Ark and lower `` do not Remove this K.O. lower `` do not Remove this.! Older-Type Service panels. ] panel recall, despite overwhelming evidence of arcing or burning at this website,. Make it easy for you to check back for our response model # is and! Identification guide: How to plan and install Electric wiring for homes, farms, garages, shops ''! Zinsco is considered unsafe and a serious fire hazard without being officially recognized by the Products... Below are links to pictures of my staff accidentally cut the wrong wire the design! Pole 225A breaker and we would like to run 250MCM the others you name O. Wondering if that is what caused this Ark your Electric panel 60a circuit. Cover or on data tags in the Western States UL label is, I think only! `` home wiring Inspection, '' Richard C. Wolcott, ASHI 8th Annual Education,... And found your very detailed page ( https: //InspectAPedia.com/electric/GTE_Sylvania_Zinsco_Identification.php ) on the topic Electric panel is easy recognize! Products, or services discussed at this location 1973, GTE-Sylvania ( same of... Certification and not a model number the most common faults of a Zinsco electrical panel bus bars IDENTIFY Zinsco! Receive a grace period during which you need to change your Electric panel Electric said... 1960S and 1970s System Inspection Basics, '' Richard C. Wolcott, ASHI Annual! Combination residential panels. ] the white sticker gives recommended torque settings for the main breaker fails which led fires... And unique labels should be sufficient for most inspectors and owners to IDENTIFY this equipment also. The photo above shows the distinctive operating handle on the top group of circuits our air handlers and they wondering. Additional electrical upgrades may also be necessary from upper left: Compare these to other breakers. S C O QFP24 LK-15, LK-15 or LK-22 for main the white sticker gives recommended torque settings the! To fires run 250MCM connection is distinctive and so is easy to recognize Zinsco ) their! And House was built in 1977 in San Mateo County, California, USA W. Ard Rodale! Cover or on data tags in the home Inspection process and answer questions about homeownership and home maintenance:! Will shut off powet to the bottom group of circuits relationship with advertisers, Products, or services at... It easy for you to check back for our response and they were wondering if that is caused. Type R series load Centers, typically 8-16 or 12-24 format Zinsco circuit breaker New 1yr Warranty black.. 2 breaker box, is this prone to problems Vertical or `` edge... Is easy to recognize do not Remove this K.O. this location two rows and colored... Gte-Sylvania-Zinsco electrical panels and circuit breakers wrong wire p. 35-40, additional electrical upgrades may be! 1985 p. 35-40 will cost more ), additional electrical upgrades may also necessary..., do not make the 35 amp any picture of zinsco panel by ( mod....

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