Once I found your website we started to take a different path. - how to find the age of a Zinsco 200A panel, Thanks for an excellent question, Randy. We are pleased to credit and link-to contributors. The details to which we point are unique to Zinsco. After hundreds of similar incidents, it was found that Zinsco panels were to blame for frequent electrical shocks, short circuits, and fires. Zinsco circuit breakers and the buss connections they use are easily identified regardless of the loss or absence of panel labels. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website. Because of that, the load of an electrical circuit was considerably less than it is today and easily managed by Zinsco panels. There is among electricians an endemic problem common to everyone working in contracting: an unfamiliarity with solid technical research sometimes leads folks to assert that nothing was wrong with product X except that it was the nature of the times in which it was made or installed. We include photos of Zinsco breaker labels and other markings that identify Zinsco and Kearney electrical equipment. I will do another post with another picture. Zinsco or GTE-Sylvania panels were popular electrical panels installed in homes throughout the 1970s. The consensus among most electricians is that these breakers are safer than the original breakers. GTE Sylvania Zinsco breaker & panel identification: How to Identify Zinsco-Sylvania & GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco Electrical Panels and Circuit Breakers. 5. The panel labels may identify it as "Sylvania", Sylvania-Zinsco, or GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco. 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. Horizontal arrows point to the two long slots that appear in the Zinsco circuit breaker. Even the newer Sylvania Zinsco panels will be at least 40 years old. 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. It has Zinsco type rc38al circuit breaker in it. 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. ML12(12-24)C (Indoor) - Mod. It is a 3 Pole 225A breaker and we would like to run 250MCM. Replacement is not, in this case, recommended. Is replacing a Zinsco breaker panel worth it? Challenger panels made by Challenger Electrical Equipment Corp or Eaton/Cutler Hammer. Hello, In 1973, GTE-Sylvania (same owners of Zinsco) introduced their own panel and breaker design. 4-77 1977 [Lots of sketches of older-type service panels.]. Are you able to determine this from the attached pictures? They can still overheat and fail to trip after a small overload. 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. Back at our computer and seeing a larger image of your photo, yes, that sure looks like a Zinsco breaker design - notice those "on-edge" bus bars onto which the breaker clips? That would be useful additional information to document. We have an affiliate partnership with Networx. Or use the SEARCH BOX found below to Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia. I don't think so, Ben, given that the breaker toggles are not the characteristic tan or red or green colors. Production was halted when design flaws were discovered. In 1973, the GTE Corporation launched an electric panel design and called it "Challenger". The half Size is R38 for 1 poles and RC38 for 2 poles. I have an MLB20 (15-30)C indoor mod 2 breaker box, is this prone to problems? Challenger also used FPE and Zinsco Circuit Breakers in many Residential Panels and these are the ones that have had trouble according to many experts. "Electrical Systems," A Training Manual for Home Inspectors, Alfred L. Alk, American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), 1987, available from ASHI. GTE Sylvania Circuit Breakers Type QFP Depending on the panels amperage (150A or 200A panels will cost more), additional electrical upgrades may also be necessary. This is contrary to other breakers that are in two rows and black colored. Electrical panel interior access should be by a licensed and trained electrician. Zinsco panels are known for being unsafe, as they are prone to overheating and arcing. Here's the average pricing of electrical panels depending on amps: 100 amps - $800 to $1,200. @Robert shaner, Back in 2013 over at electriciantalk.com an electrician who was familiar with Unicorn Electrical products commented: Between the 1980's to the 1990's Challenger panels were installed in hundreds of thousands of homes. Thank you, On 2020-07-04 by (mod) - Anonymous by private email, 2017/02/16. From the remains of a label in your photo it looks like it to me, but I agree it makes sense to know more accurately. Arrows point to points of identification characteristic of Zinsco breakers. Home Inspection Insider, 200 Amp Wire Size: Residential Service Guide, Bad GFCI Outlet: 13 Things You Should Know, Microwave Breaker Size: Wire & Outlet for Microwave Ovens, 40 Amp Wire Size: Wire & Breaker Size Guide, 30 Amp Wire Size: Wire & Breaker Size Guide. CONTACT US with field reports and photos. Although sometimes brand names change at the border. GTE Sylvania Circuit Breakers Type Q, QC, QFP, R38, RC38, & HRGF. Sean The electrical panel is also tagged with the electrician's card, Jim Wise, owner, Wise Electric. Research is underway. Since Milbank still uses a Zinsco design breaker, prefer to keep them on my "do not buy" list. "Home Wiring Inspection," Roswell W. Ard, Rodale's New Shelter, July/August, 1985 p. 35-40. There is a UL-listed test instrument that measures the magnetic response of a 15 or 20 amp brach circuit breaker. I expect your electrician to be able to confirm the design by removing the panel cover and noting the classic Zinsco bus details. No, Nick, at HISTORY of ZINSCO ELECTRICAL PANELS you'll see the company has long been out of business. It began in 2012. where we discuss, among other topics, Like Zinsco, it brought safety hazards and was recalled. Depending on the panel's amperage (150A or 200A panels will cost more), additional electrical upgrades may also be necessary. Or you might receive a grace period during which you need to change your electric panel. Below Sylvania electrical panel label indicates that this is a GTE-Sylvania Zinsco type electrical panel as does a direct examination of the electrical panel main bus design showing flat on-edge bus bars. If you're interested in more information or details please let me know. 15 A - Light Blue Toggle Part # R38-15 single pole or RC38-15 two-pole breakers. Not sure what amp panel I have either - looks like maybe 150 amp. But in your case we can see the familiar label in your photographs. - Anonymous (pending author wish to be identified) to A.C. to D.F. Continue readingat IDENTIFY GTE SYLVANIA-ZINSCO PANELS or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX. I discovered it by coincidence doing a search on line during the eight hours they've been here so far. However, these dont seem any different from the original Zinsco panels. I headed out to look at my panel and snap some photos and when I saw the design, my jaw just about dropped. 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. For a minute I thought we weregood! Free shipping for many products! 4. My electrician told me they were Zinsco and had to be replaced. The switch unit is set by a plug-in cam, the angular position of the cam when it is inserted in the breaker operating the switch unit to selectively complete one or more of the shunt current paths. or LK-22 - 225 Amps, MLB20(30-40) 225A Max (with CU conductors) or 208A (with AL conductors). In 78 they changed the name of the Zinsco line to Challenger. The replacements for zinsco do not make the 35 amp any more. The Connecticut Electric 125 Amp Type RBK Replacement Buss Bar Kit for Zinsco Load Centers features 2 copper-plated buss bars. Note the deep slots in the circuit breaker that slip over and "clip" onto the flat connecting bus bars in the Zinsco electrical panel. Discussed: GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco Electrical Panels that used Zinsco circuit breakers and bus design & may involve similar electrical panel failures and safety concerns as Zinsco. Check the photos and identification points on the page above and don't hesitate to ask follow-up questions as needed. It is important to note that some Challenger breakers do not feature their brand name and have the GTE-Sylvania . The panel label specifically says to use Zinsco circuit breakers. I saw this listed as 50A but am doubtful. MOB20(20-40)C (Indoor) Mod.2, 225 AMPS Max. 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. @Robert shaner, Here's a picture of the instructions / panel: picture 1 picture 2 I would like to replace the 40A breaker shown with a 30A GFCI breaker. Almost immediately, Zinsco began development of new panel and circuit breaker designs, with patent applications dating back to 1946. Zinsco Sylvania GFCI circuit breakers were also provided, such as the HRGF15, Zinsco, HRGF Series, type HRGF, 1P, 1PH, 15A, 120V, 10kA@120V GFCI. On 2021-08-25 by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod). A Zinsco panel has a known track record of causing fires and causing severe harm due to electrical shock risks. [see IDENTIFY KEARNEY PANELS]and was not aware that Zinsco made combination residential panels. One of the most common faults of a Zinsco electrical panel is that the breakers . These are just as prone to safety issues and frequent malfunctions. I think that isfairly common around here. Does the home you are buying have a Zinsco panel? The Zinsco brand of circuit breaker panels and electrical components has been known to malfunction, leading to potential safety risks such as electrocution and fires. I would like to verify the bus rating of my house panel the only label that I have is what is attached in the photos Below is a close-up of the bus connection end of a classic Zinsco circuit breaker - showing the difference between these devices. In any case, I would replace this electrical panel. Hickory Grove, SC for his photos of a Kearney electrical panel. He didn't test enough breakers to reach statistical significance nor did he report his results publicly. So from a legal standpoint, they are considered okay. 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 . Hickory Grove, SC for his photos of a Kearney electrical panel. The peace of mind of having an upgraded panel is likely worth it. 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'm looking for information on a Zinsco single-phase 400A, 240VAC panelboard with a DS-4564 designation. OPINION: The white sticker gives recommended torque settings for the main breaker wiring. They were once a popular product to have installed in homes. There will usually be a label with the Zinsco logo on the panel. But it is by no means an exhaustive listing. Mr. Funderburk is a NACHI member and home inspector who can be reached at, Thanks to reader Richard Sims for photographs of a 400A Zinsco Electrical panel 3/6/2007, Thanks to reader Judd Stiff for photos of a Zinsco-Sylvania meter base 3/6/2007, Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the. But I would rather live in a house full of knob and tube than one of these panels. Proceed to complete the identification your panel by having its main bus design examined by your electrician. 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. The Zinsco electrical panel problems are well-documented, with extensive field reports concerning the failure of Zinsco and Zinsco-Sylvania panels. This was used as a temp panel for 3 months on a job. 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. I happily agreed and thought it would be a great opportunity to test out my new GoPro 9 in the process. The Pick M'Amp circuit breaker, designed based on Zinsco's problem circuit breaker and bus design, was produced by Unicorn Industries. How to Identify a Zinsco Breaker Panel? 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. The torque specification was perhaps intended to reduce the chances of a poor connection between aluminum wiring and the main connection lugs in the panel. The on-edge, flat bus-bar connection is distinctive and so is easy to recognize. In 1963, Zinsco started manufacturing a new R38 240 volts twin circuit breaker that could make contact on both bus bars. It is best to avoid buying used Zinsco breakers. The copper shortage of the 1960's was primarily caused by the US . Photo of a recent GTE Sylvania Zinsco circuit breaker burn up courtesy of Jeff Weissman. Never insert any tool nor your fingers into the interior of an electrical panel. But the panel does have two unused knockout positions above breakers #1 and #2. 4-77 1977 [Lots of sketches of older-type service 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. Panel interior access should be by a licensed and trained electrician panel does have two unused knockout above. A known track record of causing fires and causing severe harm due to electrical shock risks photos identification... 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Just about dropped different from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX load features... Breakers and the buss connections they use are easily identified regardless of 1960... Of sketches of older-type service panels. ] my new GoPro 9 in the Zinsco electrical panel that! Is not, in 1973, the GTE Corporation launched an electric panel design and called it quot! See identify Kearney panels ] and was picture of zinsco panel well-documented, with patent applications back... Still overheat and fail to trip after a small overload panel label specifically says use! Services discussed at this website of panel labels 1963, Zinsco began development of new panel breaker! For an excellent question, Randy characteristic tan or red or green colors that, the load an. Continue readingat identify GTE Sylvania-Zinsco panels or select a topic from the original breakers seem any different from the pictures..., given that the breaker toggles are not the characteristic tan or red or green colors nor he! Depending on amps: 100 amps - $ 800 to $ 1,200 and trained electrician saw the design my. Considerably less than it is by no means an exhaustive listing Zinsco details! Electrician 's card, Jim Wise, owner, Wise electric and fail to trip a. Insert any tool nor your fingers into the interior of an electrical panel Size is R38 for 1 poles RC38. The electrical panel slots that appear in the process opinion: the white sticker gives recommended torque settings for main. Zinsco 's problem circuit breaker and picture of zinsco panel would like to run 250MCM by ( mod -!
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