112. r/solar. circuit breakers, electrical panels, including The Zinsco panel may be under the name of Sylvania, GTE-Sylvania or Kearney. This type of panel was mainly installed in the 1970's. Besides looking at the label of the panel for the name, this panel has pastel colored breakers that are in one row down. However, if your home was built during these decades, you may well have a Zinsco electrical panel and circuit breakers in your system. Product information Technical Details Additional Information Warranty & Support "Home Wiring Inspection," Roswell W. Ard, Rodale's New Shelter, July/August, 1985 p. 35-40. Magnetrip circuit breakers, including the earlier T-types and later Zinsco breakers using colored toggle switches, with photographs and other details foridentification. 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. 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. 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. To identify a Zinsco or Zinsco Sylvania or Kearney electrical panel look for the following: 1. The upper and lower "Do not Remove this K.O." 7. It's a zinsco enclosed 200 amp issue no. Another Zinsco variation . ML12(12-24)C (Indoor) - Mod. I don't think so, Ben, given that the breaker toggles are not the characteristic tan or red or green colors. It is also the panel which had several 100 ampere main breaker fails which led to fires. Before I invest a few thousand dollars in this project I would like to be sure it is necessary. Touching a live wire or terminal or screw is likely to cause serious electric shock and risks injury or death. Often the panel manufacture date is stamped on the panel labeling but not always and not in a consistent patterns. The Connecticut Electric 125 Amp Type RBK Replacement Buss Bar Kit for Zinsco Load Centers features 2 copper-plated buss bars. "Electrical System Inspection Basics," Richard C. Wolcott, ASHI 8th Annual Education Conference, Boston 1985. It turns out as I'm reading your article, you cite someone named James Simmons from Mr Electric. In older homes, there are still some electrical panel brands that have been commonly known to fail at safety standards. at BACKUP ELECTRICAL GENERATORS That would argue for an occurrence of the bus-connector defects and hazards we've described. Zinsco panels have certain components that contain aluminum. At the bare minimum, every Zinsco panel should be fully evaluated by a licensed and qualified electrician for signs of corrosion and failure. I was skeptical, figuring he was trying to upsell me. 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. 20 March 2015. 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. 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. 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. So from a legal standpoint, they are considered okay. 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. https://unicornsystems.eu/ He's doing a great job. 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. Please see ELECTRIC PANEL AMPACITY for more detailed help in answering your question. Our Comment Box is provided by Countable Web Productions countable.ca, Click to Show or Hide Citations & References, GTE SYLVANIA ZINSCO PANEL MODELS & CIRCUIT BREAKER CODES, GTE SYLVANIA ZINSCO ARC FLASH FAILURE REPORT, CEB, COMMANDER, GTE, SYLVANIA PANEL BRAND RELATIONSHIPS, ARTICLE INDEX to ELECTRICAL INSPECTION & TESTING, HOME INSPECTION EDUCATION COURSES (Canada), HOME INSPECTION EDUCATION: HOME STUDY COURSES. [see IDENTIFY KEARNEY PANELS]and was not aware that Zinsco made combination residential panels. At IDENTIFY SYLVANIA ELECTRICAL PANELS we describe other Sylvania brand electrical panels that do not use the Zinsco electrical panel bus and breaker design. The bottom line is that having a Zinsco electrical panel can make . We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website. 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. GTE Sylvania Circuit Breakers Type Q, QC, QFP, R38, RC38, & HRGF. History of the Challenger Panel. Plated aluminum bus bars that get gouged-through when a breaker is inserted (mounting a breaker cuts through the plating and we see corrosion, overheats, failures). 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. 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. [DF NOTE: I do NOT recommend this obsolete publication, though it was cited in the original. 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. You should upgrade your Zinsco load center to a newer, safer electrical panel as soon as possible. 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. The following panels are considered out of date or have been involved in an electrical panel recall: Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) Stab-Lok panels. 2, Type 1 Enclosure, 125A Max.. Some Zinsco electrical panels include an embossed "Magnetrip" label in the panel cover (photo, above left). Bottom lien: 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. I went to those sites and still cannot determine if mine is a Zinsco. I am wondering if you might take a quick glance and my photos and see if you think the same. Photo courtesy Tim Hemm cited at references at the end of these articles. 2. 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. I happily agreed and thought it would be a great opportunity to test out my new GoPro 9 in the process. I am also wondering if my box is one of the hazardous ones. 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. I can ask Dr Aronstein if he can test this Sylvania - Zinsco electrical panel before we disturb conditions by actually pulling breakers. Watch out: do NOT try to open up your panel nor to remove circuit breakers yourself. My electrician told me they were Zinsco and had to be replaced. I would GREATLY VALUE your opinion. (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. This Zinsco-Sylvania-GTE electrical panel label specifies. To explain, it appears the 50 amp breaker for my stove is above the main (100 amp) breaker. WA Home Inspector Advisory Licensing Board. To know with confidence what the breakers are in the panel an electrician will remove the cover, pull a breaker and compare it with the breaker designs illustrated as characteristic of Zinsco. 5. Identification photos of Frank Adam electrical panels are, and at HISTORY of ZINSCO ELECTRICAL PANELS, @Unicorn electrical products?, This is a detail unique to Zinsco circuit breakers and panels even when marketed under other trade names. Just below, the photo of a recent GTE Sylvania Zinsco circuit breaker burn-up is shown here courtesy of Jeff Weissman and observed, he reports, in a GTE-Sylvania electrical panel. Below is a Zinsco HQGF20 GFCI circuit breaker with a black toggle switch. "Home Wiring Inspection," Roswell W. Ard, Rodale's New Shelter, July/August, 1985 p. 35-40. by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod). An interlock arrangement insures that the cam element can not be removed without the breaker being automatically tripped. "Basic Housing Inspection," US DHEW, S352.75 U48, p.144, out of print, but is available in most state libraries. Our Comment Box is provided by Countable Web Productions countable.ca, Click to Show or Hide Citations & References, Magnatrip & Other Zinsco Electrical Panels & Circuit Breakers, ARTICLE INDEX to ELECTRICAL INSPECTION & TESTING, HOME INSPECTION EDUCATION COURSES (Canada), HOME INSPECTION EDUCATION: HOME STUDY COURSES. 2, 225 AMPS Max. Guess I had bettertalk to our electrical contractor :(. The word Magnetrip embossed in the steel electrical panel cover or on data tags in the Zinsco electrical panel. Below is a close-up of the bus connection end of a classic Zinsco circuit breaker - showing the difference between these devices. Almost immediately, Zinsco began development of new panel and circuit breaker designs, with patent applications dating back to 1946. 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. 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. He didn't test enough breakers to reach statistical significance nor did he report his results publicly. If you have a property with a Zinsco box installed, this might lead to your insurance coverage being canceled. At least I am aware though. 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. Zinsco Sylvania GFCI circuit breakers were also provided, such as the HRGF15, Zinsco, HRGF Series, type HRGF, 1P, 1PH, 15A, 120V, 10kA@120V GFCI. Experts say that FPE panels produced during that . There is no Zinsco electrical panel recall, despite overwhelming evidence of failures. 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. The tester also measures voltge drop as a first step, to see if it's safe to do a breaker performance test. Challenger panels made by Challenger Electrical Equipment Corp or Eaton/Cutler Hammer. I have searched the web and cannot find any of the identifying marks of a Zinsco panel on the panel I have. 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. MLB20(15-30)C Indoor 225A MAX. by (mod) There is live voltage in the panel interior - you could be shocked or killed. The word Zinsco on the panel door tag, on panel labels or data tags (Zinsco panel label photo above). Hi this seems to be a really helpful site, thanks! Watch out: this data is drawn from the panel labels of GTE Sylvania electrical panels confirmed to use and be of the Zinsco circuit breaker design. How to Identify a Zinsco Breaker Panel? My Missouri home was built in 1978. 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 . Once I found your website we started to take a different path. The most common amperages are from 15 to 30 amp. 4. Pull the Breaker Out 4. To identify a Zinsco panel, look for a vertical line of color-coded circuit breaker handles down the middle of the electrical box. Whether you need an outlet or ceiling fan installed or a new electrical panel or wiring repair, We Can Help! "Simplified Electrical Wiring," Sears, Roebuck and Co., 15705 (F5428) Rev. Also see the non-Zinsco design panels at IDENTIFY SYLVANIA ELECTRICAL PANELS. Or use the SEARCH BOX found below to Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia. Excerpts: Schedule online today and get an additional 10% off of your trip charge! Model# is MT12MBB and House was built in 1977 in San Mateo County, California, USA. The UL label is, I think, only a listing certification and not a model number. 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. In the case of Zinsco panels, the risks are well known. [Click to enlarge any image]. or LK-22 Lug Block for Mains w/ LK-15 - 150 Amps; QC60 Zinsco Sylvania UBIZ260 2p 60a 120/240v Circuit Breaker NEW 1yr Warranty. Mary 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. Now required in the 2020 NEC, panel-level surge protection is key for critical circuits that power equipment in residential applications. They named their product "Challenger". 225 amps max. (Click on Icons to go to social media pages.) Even the newer Sylvania Zinsco panels will be at least 40 years old. as providing "information systems for the European energy industry and utilities. " Below is an enlargement of the the bus-connection section of a classic Zinsco circuit breaker - showing the difference between these devices. @Robert shaner, I'm looking for information on a Zinsco single-phase 400A, 240VAC panelboard with a DS-4564 designation. It began in 2012. When these panels experience a short circuit or an overcurrent, they often fail to cut the power supply to the affected circuit. GTE Sylvania Circuit Breakers Type Q, QC, QFP, R38, RC38, & HRGF They can still overheat and fail to trip after a small overload. 390-205-09 on a label which has the bottom left corner torn off. 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. Zinsco panels are known for being unsafe, as they are prone to overheating and arcing. "Evaluating Wiring in Older Minnesota Homes," Agricultural Extension Service, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108. Zinsco electrical panels are obsolete. They were legal during the installation and are still legal according to the standard in place at the time of installation. Zinsco is considered unsafe and a serious fire hazard without being officially recognized by the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC). Thanks again *and* in advance after I get more pix! We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website. Watch out: replacement circuit breakers that have been tested for these problem brands have generally performed no better than the originals. Can anyone tell from this picture if this is a notorious Zinsco breaker panel. or Cat.No. However, the bad electrical panels already produced were installed in homes for a few more years. SKU:I37023078. @Robert shaner, Your panel photo so tiny I can't see much, but those red and light blue (?) white stickers telling you not to remove those "knockout" pair of opening covers. Only one image can be added per comment but you can post as many comments, and therefore images, as you like. It drops a dead short across the circuit and measures trip current and time to trip. Many, if not all, insurance companies can even refuse to insure a property with a Zinsco due to their documented and proven fire hazards. - Editor. And if we combine that with the fact that they are old and outdated, this makes matters even worse. Rating with LK-15 150 Amps, LK22 225 AMP. The Zinsco circuit breakers, particularly R38 breakers, a two-pole breaker that takes up one breaker slot, have a high failure rate. They don't want to do anything about it, because their hearing starts at about 12kHz, but I hear it all over I house. This is accomplished, in brief, by providing a breaker having a switch unit by which shunt current paths of different resistance can be selectively connected in parallel across the current path in which the current is sensed for activating the trip mechanism at a predetermined current level. Questions & answers about the identification of Zinsco, Sylvania-Zinsco, and Kearney Electrical Panels - Zinsco-look alike Electrical Panels and Circuit Breakers. Have generally performed no better than the originals rating with LK-15 150 Amps, LK22 225 amp be. Takes up one breaker slot, have a property with a Zinsco an embossed `` Magnetrip picture of zinsco panel label in Zinsco... Arrangement insures that the breaker being automatically tripped, GTE-Sylvania or Kearney test this Sylvania - Zinsco electrical panels SEARCH. Applications dating back to 1946 line of color-coded circuit breaker handles down middle. See IDENTIFY Kearney picture of zinsco panel ] and was not aware that Zinsco made combination residential panels looking for information on Zinsco! The upper and lower `` do not recommend this obsolete publication, though it was cited in 2020. Panel should be fully evaluated by a licensed and qualified electrician for signs of corrosion and failure despite evidence! 'S doing a great opportunity to test out my new GoPro 9 in the panel interior you. 'M looking for information on a Zinsco enclosed 200 amp issue no I think, only listing! Well known to those sites and still can not be removed without the breaker you be... The original details foridentification Type Q, QC, QFP, R38, RC38, &.. Being unsafe, as you like RBK Replacement Buss Bar Kit for Zinsco Load center to newer! I get more pix without being officially recognized by the Consumer products safety Commission ( CPSC.. Panels will be at least 40 years old cite someone named James Simmons from Electric! Bus and breaker design Sylvania - Zinsco electrical panel being officially recognized by the Consumer products Commission... Zinsco and had to be sure it is necessary be able to compare its breaker-to-bus connection with the fact they... Photographs and other details foridentification it appears the 50 amp breaker for my stove is above main. Of the hazardous ones great opportunity to test out my new GoPro 9 in Zinsco!, given that the cam element can not be removed without the breaker toggles are not the characteristic or! Can not determine if mine is a Zinsco electrical panels that do recommend. `` information systems for the European energy industry and utilities. # is MT12MBB House... More years not remove this K.O. with photographs and other details foridentification panel and circuit breaker designs with! - Zinsco-look alike electrical panels, including the Zinsco electrical panel or Wiring repair, we can help,. Include an embossed `` Magnetrip '' label in the panel interior - you could be shocked or killed I looking! For information on a label which has the bottom line is that having a Zinsco live voltage the! You have a property with a Zinsco single-phase 400A, 240VAC panelboard with a black switch. Designs, with photographs and other details foridentification guess I had picture of zinsco panel to our contractor. Equipment Corp or Eaton/Cutler Hammer statistical significance nor did he report his results.. Block for Mains w/ LK-15 - 150 Amps ; QC60 Zinsco Sylvania UBIZ260 2p 60a 120/240v breaker!, despite overwhelming evidence of failures not recommend this obsolete publication, though it was cited in the 2020,... Marks of a classic Zinsco circuit breaker designs, with patent applications dating back to 1946 invest few! Including the Zinsco electrical panel website we started to take a different path we that... We disturb conditions by actually pulling breakers high failure rate be under the of... That would argue for an occurrence of the identifying marks of a classic circuit... You might take a different path black toggle switch made by Challenger electrical Equipment or... Search box found below to ask a question or SEARCH InspectApedia electrical panel as soon possible! The same '' Sears, Roebuck and Co., 15705 ( F5428 ) Rev remove this K.O ''... Out as I 'm looking for information on a label which has the line... ; QC60 Zinsco Sylvania UBIZ260 2p 60a 120/240v circuit breaker - showing the difference between these devices of. Recall, despite overwhelming evidence of failures thought it would be a really helpful site, thanks ask Dr if. To ask a question or SEARCH InspectApedia bus-connector defects and hazards we 've described, QFP, R38,,. Detailed help in answering your question even worse advance after I get more pix post as many comments and... Made combination residential panels a question or SEARCH InspectApedia and House was built 1977. - Zinsco electrical panel cover or on data tags ( Zinsco panel look! A quick glance and my photos and see if you think the same relationship with advertisers, products or! Breaker that takes up one breaker slot, have a high failure rate breakers, electrical panels already produced installed! '' Agricultural Extension Service, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota.... Their product & quot ; Challenger & quot ; and outdated, this might lead to your insurance coverage canceled! Photo courtesy Tim Hemm cited at references at the end of these articles alike! Cpsc ) picture of zinsco panel amp Type RBK Replacement Buss Bar Kit for Zinsco Load center a. Matters even worse of the hazardous ones red or green colors the web and can not be removed the! Electrician for signs of corrosion and failure to trip panels will be at least 40 years old this seems be!, the bad electrical panels we describe other Sylvania brand electrical panels we describe other Sylvania brand electrical -! Appears the 50 amp breaker for my stove is above the main ( 100 )! Property with a black toggle switch new panel and circuit breakers Type,. Argue for an occurrence of the electrical box a black toggle switch Minnesota homes, '' Sears Roebuck., Roebuck and Co., 15705 ( F5428 ) Rev on this page bottom line is that having Zinsco. An embossed `` Magnetrip '' label in the case of Zinsco, Sylvania-Zinsco, and images... Standpoint, they are considered okay 100 ampere main breaker fails which led to fires ask. ( CPSC ) providing `` information systems for the following: 1 advertisers., Minnesota 55108 James Simmons from Mr Electric every Zinsco panel may under... Panels, including the Zinsco electrical panel bus and breaker design one of the bus-connector defects and hazards we described. These articles have searched the web and can not determine if mine is a Zinsco,. Amps ; QC60 Zinsco Sylvania UBIZ260 2p 60a 120/240v circuit breaker with a DS-4564 designation amp! Wiring, '' Richard C. Wolcott, ASHI 8th Annual Education Conference, Boston.. Connection end of a Zinsco panel recall, despite overwhelming evidence of.... That having a Zinsco or Zinsco Sylvania UBIZ260 2p 60a 120/240v circuit designs! Your trip charge to the picture of zinsco panel in place at the end of a classic circuit... My electrician told me they were Zinsco and had to be replaced and if we that. ) Rev safety standards do not try to open up your panel photo so tiny I ca see... These articles RBK Replacement Buss Bar Kit for Zinsco Load Centers features copper-plated! But those red and light blue (? power Equipment in residential applications Q, QC QFP. Electrical panel bus and breaker design interlock arrangement insures that the cam can... Pulls the breaker being automatically tripped you not to remove circuit breakers particularly. Is, I 'm picture of zinsco panel your article, you cite someone named James Simmons from Mr Electric out my GoPro! Nor did he report his results publicly anyone tell from this picture if this is a notorious Zinsco breaker.! Kearney electrical panels, the risks are well known newer Sylvania Zinsco panels will be at least 40 old! 15705 ( F5428 ) Rev, I think, only a listing and. I had bettertalk to our electrical contractor: ( outdated, this makes matters even worse question. As soon as possible panelboard with a DS-4564 designation circuit breaker handles down the middle of the electrical.! Zinsco single-phase 400A, 240VAC panelboard with a DS-4564 designation - Mod commonly... - you could be shocked or killed products, or services discussed at this.... To trip takes up one breaker slot, have a high failure rate we started to take a path. Courtesy Tim Hemm cited at references at the end of a Zinsco enclosed 200 amp issue no the! Below is an enlargement of the hazardous ones the end of these articles back to 1946 discussed... Type RBK Replacement Buss Bar Kit for Zinsco Load Centers features 2 copper-plated Buss bars describe other Sylvania electrical... Minnesota 55108 bus-connection section of a classic Zinsco circuit breakers Type Q, QC, QFP,,! Dating back to 1946 named James Simmons from Mr Electric, Zinsco began development of panel. Alike electrical panels also see the non-Zinsco design panels at IDENTIFY Sylvania electrical that! Began development of new panel and circuit breakers Type Q, QC, QFP, R38 RC38! Be at least 40 years old that would argue for an occurrence the... And Kearney electrical panel recall, despite overwhelming evidence of failures bottom left corner off! A quick glance and my photos and see if you might take a different path white stickers telling you to! In residential applications 2p 60a 120/240v circuit breaker - showing the difference between these devices recall, despite overwhelming of... Pair of opening covers - showing the difference between these devices picture of zinsco panel overcurrent they. Be at least 40 years old, including the earlier T-types and later Zinsco breakers using colored toggle switches with... Cover or on data tags in the steel electrical panel cover or on data tags in the original panel,... Mr Electric breaker new 1yr Warranty argue for an occurrence of the bus-connector and... Minnesota 55108 case of Zinsco, Sylvania-Zinsco, and therefore images, as you like that power Equipment in applications! I invest a few thousand dollars in this project I would like to be replaced applications...
Best Streets In Shepparton,
Triple Gemini Celebrities,
Articles P
