An expert who opens the electrical GTE Sylvania Circuit Breakers Type Q, QC, QFP, R38, RC38, & HRGF LK-15 3. History of the Challenger Panel. You will not receive a notification when a response to your question has been posted. Q242 [illegible] and continues, stating. Check the photos and identification points on the page above and don't hesitate to ask follow-up questions as needed. What advice can you give me for connecting a generator. Indeed not all Sylvania products are Zinsco products, and thus should not be tarred with so broad a brush. Continue readingat IDENTIFY ZINSCO SYLVANIA METER BASE or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX. Some Zinsco electrical panels include an embossed "Magnetrip" label in the panel cover (photo, above left). Zinsco panels, also known as GTE Sylvania-Zinsco panels. Above: Sylvania electrical panel Catalog No. Maybe try again; type in the Comment box, then click the "Add Image" button to select an image file from your computer or smartphone or tablet. 15 amp has Blue Handles Part # R38-15 20 Amp has Red Handles Part # R38-20 30 Amp has Green Handles Part # R38-30 circuit breakers are characteristic of Zinsco-design breakers. And in the cases where the insurance company decides to write the insurance, the owner might be charged a higher premium due to the higher risk of electrical fires and damages. Photo courtesy Tim Hemm cited at references at the end of these articles. 200 amps - $1,300 to $2,600. Can anyone help me? It is a Zinsco type electrical panel and should be replaced. Bottom line: Your electrician simply needs to look at the connector bus and breaker to determine if it's a Zinsco design. They have a reputation as the breaker which doesnt trip. But This website discusses the electrical, fire, and shock hazards associated with Zinsco electrical components, There were problems found with our air handlers and they were wondering if that is what caused this Ark. "Evaluating Wiring in Older Minnesota Homes," Agricultural Extension Service, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108. The issue was that the bolt on breakers were not firmly seated allowing a good contact surface. . Replacement is not, in this case, recommended. Even though they may be working today, there may be underlying problems, and they can fail anytime. And there have never been any recalls initiated on the Zinsco products. 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. These are just as prone to safety issues and frequent malfunctions. I expect your electrician to be able to confirm the design by removing the panel cover and noting the classic Zinsco bus details. Only one image can be added per comment but you can post as many comments, and therefore images, as you like. "Electrical System Inspection Basics," Richard C. Wolcott, ASHI 8th Annual Education Conference, Boston 1985. The manufacturer is KO Instruments. My Missouri home was built in 1978. I have an MLB20 (15-30)C indoor mod 2 breaker box, is this prone to problems? This panel, in photos above, uses a Zinsco type bus design. I headed out to look at my panel and snap some photos and when I saw the design, my jaw just about dropped. If I were estimating an electrical panel age I would - I want to add a 30 amp breaker to the panel to add a portable generator. The average cost of replacing a Zinsco service panel is $1,600 to $4,000. Arrows point to points of identification characteristic of Zinsco breakers. Moderator comment: Zinsco or Zinsco-Sylvania is the name given to a brand of electrical panel that was commonly installed up to the mid-1970's. It was a very popular product and installed throughout North America. Zinsco electrical panels were distributed in the United States, primarily in the Western states. He's doing a great job. the circuit breaker colors and other external details permit the inspector to identify the problem Zinsco-design electrical panel bus and circuit breaker materials. These are also called cheater breakers. this is the dryer outlet, and our dryer is a 24-amp appliance, so no problem there. They then sold off the Challenger line in 81. Zinsco panels may not meet today's updated safety codes. I have searched the web and cannot find any of the identifying marks of a Zinsco panel on the panel I have. Although the breaker appears to be off, internally, the panel may still be conducting power. Even the newer Sylvania Zinsco panels will be at least 40 years old. Almost immediately, Zinsco began development of new panel and circuit breaker designs, with patent applications dating back to 1946. I would GREATLY VALUE your opinion. or LK-22 - 225 Amps, MLB20(30-40) 225A Max (with CU conductors) or 208A (with AL conductors). GTE Sylvania Zinsco breaker & panel identification: How to Identify Zinsco-Sylvania & GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco Electrical Panels and Circuit Breakers. Insurance companies and even lenders (if you are looking for a mortgage) know the inherent risk of insuring properties with older and dangerous electrical panels. 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. or LK-22 Lug Block for Mains w/ LK-15 - 150 Amps; You will not receive a notification when a response to your question has been posted. 1. Sylvania electrical panel Catalog No. IDENTIFY ZINSCO ELECTRICAL PANELS at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice. Don't be fooled by its lookalike counterparts; this panel is easily distinguishable with its pastel-colored breakers lined up in a single row. Those red and light blue (?) Free shipping for many products! Questions & answers about the identification of Zinsco, Sylvania-Zinsco, and Kearney Electrical Panels - Zinsco-look alike Electrical Panels and Circuit Breakers. Because the Challenger panel was very similar in design to Zinsco's . Look for an electrical inspector's stamp of approval of the installation - those, if present, are dated and signed. The inside box is a Zinsco/Sylvania model number 20-5x (7-14). So don't assume that all-black breakers can be excluded from this unsafe Zinsco circuit breaker group. 1. Zinsco electric panels jolley1859 1.6K views 2 years ago How to Upgrade an Electric Meter to 200-Amp Service (Part 1) | This Old House This Old House 2.7M views 8 years ago Hack for AFCI_GFCI. However, they can still be found in older homes and properties built before 1990. No. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website. If this were my electrical panel I'd replace it. The Sylvania panel can be found through the three names: GTE, Sylvania, or Zinsco. - and then look for remodeling and renovation dates on the panel and in the home's documentation. It would have top be purchased used only. Zinsco 100-125 amp Circuit Breaker Panel Dead Front Cover $125.00 $28.75 shipping ZINSCO DEAD FROT COVER 125A 120/240V 1 PH 16 SPC LONG 19 3/8 WIDE 6 $125.00 $28.75 shipping Zinsco Magnetrip Load Center Panel Cover Dead Front $74.95 $24.99 shipping ZINSCO SWITCHGEAR COVER 600A MAX. - Anonymous by private email 2019/01/30. MOB20(20-40)C (Indoor) Mod.2, 225 AMPS Max. I'd be grateful if you'd post your photo and question there. Replacing the panel can help improve the electrical systems overall performance and ensure it functions correctly. 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. 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. As a result, this made their breakers extremely popular.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'homeinspectioninsider_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_0',835,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-homeinspectioninsider_com-medrectangle-3-0'); In 1973, Zinsco was sold to GTE Sylvania. The panel label specifically says to use Zinsco circuit breakers. 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. But I would rather live in a house full of knob and tube than one of these panels. Never insert any tool nor your fingers into the interior of an electrical panel. Only one image can be added per comment but you can post as many comments, and therefore images, as you like. Therefore, we urge homeowners to consider replacing Zinsco panels. 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. In that photo I also circle characteristic light green GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco circuit breaker toggle switches. This is contrary to other breakers that are in two rows and black colored. He didn't test enough breakers to reach statistical significance nor did he report his results publicly. GTE Sylvania Circuit Breakers Type Q, QC, QFP, R38, RC38, & HRGF. On 2021-08-30 Zinsco Replacement Breakers Are Also Unsafe. We are pleased to credit and link-to contributors. It does day Sylvania and has what I assume is the model number: 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. @Robert shaner, Notice those two vertical strips that connect to two deep slots in the circuit breaker? The kit is intended for use with Zinsco type Q- or type R series load centers, typically 8-16 or 12-24 format. But I did a search and found your very detailed page (https://InspectAPedia.com/electric/GTE_Sylvania_Zinsco_Identification.php) on the topic. If you're interested in more information or details please let me know. It seems that the problems stem from aluminum parts within the panel. Try posting a larger photo of that detail. Identify Zinsco-like Sylvania Electrical Panels and Circuit Breakers. a picture of the Sylvania sticker and also another one of the whole box. 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. panel or performs further disassembly (DANGEROUS STEP) can further identify the characteristic circuit breaker details but the circuit breaker CONTACT Us with field reports and photos. Zinsco breakers were frequently labeled with the name Zinsco Magnetrip breakers. I'd indeed like to see photos of the breaker panel you cite, in total, its labels, its bus bar design and its breaker details and labels. and I am watching carefully Challenger as well as the others you name. 3. Another Zinsco variation . 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. After hundreds of similar incidents, it was found that Zinsco panels were to blame for frequent electrical shocks, short circuits, and fires. Also is there a place where I can research to find out if my panels were officially recalled? Why GFCI Outlets have a Blinking Red Light? 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! 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. On the other hand, most other panels are usually black and arranged in two rows. I can ask Dr Aronstein if he can test this Sylvania - Zinsco electrical panel before we disturb conditions by actually pulling breakers. It began in 2012. @Robert shaner, Production was halted when design flaws were discovered. 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. 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. "Evaluating Wiring in Older Minnesota Homes," Agricultural Extension Service, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108. 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. I happily agreed and thought it would be a great opportunity to test out my new GoPro 9 in the process. I will do another post with another picture. Hickory Grove, SC for his photos of a Kearney electrical panel. 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. We are pleased to credit and link-to contributors. Or use the SEARCH BOX found below to Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia. Hello, Is my panel safe . (Don't try it.). The peace of mind of having an upgraded panel is likely worth it. SKU:SK5261622. 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 cannot see anything of the main breaker in your Zinsco panel so it's ampacity could differ, but the panel label describes a 400Amp panel single phase, 120/240VAC unit. Founded by Hubert Miles, Certified Master Inspector. How to Identify a Zinsco Breaker Panel? 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. We include photos of Zinsco breaker labels and other markings that identify Zinsco and Kearney electrical equipment. 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. 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. 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. 160. "How to plan and install electric wiring for homes, farms, garages, shops," Montgomery Ward Co., 83-850. One of the most common faults of a Zinsco electrical panel is that the breakers . See details of the hazard at ZINSCO SYLVANIA ELECTRICAL PANELS as well as above on this page. The instructions say to use certain Zinsco breakers to replace the original ones. There is live voltage in the panel interior - you could be shocked or killed. Instructor- Fundamentals of Home Inspection- Bellingham Technical College. No. Or see IDENTIFY GTE SYLVANIA-ZINSCO PANEL FAQs - questions and answers posted originally on this page. According to usinspect.com, problems with Zinsco Panels . Below we show the interior of this 400Amp Zinsco electrical panel. Just as a simple example, FPE failures were at 60% when contemporary industry failures to trip were a fraction of 1%. Some other factors that will affect the price for replacing a Zinsco panel are: Depending on these and other factors, even newer wiring might need to be installed. An easily corroded bus bar. What happened with Zinsco and why do electricians tell people to replace their panels? Thanks again *and* in advance after I get more pix! Sean Rating with LK-15 150 Amps, LK22 225 AMP. Is replacing a Zinsco breaker panel worth it? Aluminum has a useful life of approximately 30 years. Hickory Grove, SC for his photos of a Kearney electrical panel. Note the panel style and construction details and then see Zinsco is now defunct, but many homes still have these panels. That's probably what you've got. There are inherent problems in the bus bars of the panel and the materials used for their manufacturing. An electrical panel upgrade is the best option and can often be done in one or two days. 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. 3057. HISTORY of ZINSCO ELECTRICAL PANELS at https://inspectapedia.com/electric/Zinsco_Electrical_Panels.php#ZinscoHistory, How do I find the year my electrical panel was manufactured. 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. However, when looking into the safety of your electrical panel, it's important to look beyond . . Well I am in the middle of Working From Home in this crazy time! www.ncwhomeinspections.com 509-670-9572. As you like ) or 208A ( with CU conductors ) I can ask Aronstein... Aronstein if he can test this Sylvania - Zinsco electrical panel, in photos,! 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Life picture of zinsco panel approximately 30 years garages, shops, '' Richard C. Wolcott ASHI. Panel on the panel cover and noting the classic Zinsco bus details Sylvania electrical panels an! Connector bus and breaker to determine if it 's a Zinsco type panel... Am in the home 's documentation can help improve the electrical systems overall and... Cover ( photo, above left ) approximately 30 years can still be found through the three:! Indeed not all Sylvania products are Zinsco products, or Zinsco you can post as many comments and! The web and can not find any of the installation - those, present. See details of the identifying marks of a Kearney electrical panel I 'd replace it in advance I... Qc, QFP, R38, RC38, & HRGF posted originally on this page after! End of these articles although the breaker appears to be able to confirm design! Kearney electrical panel upgrade is the dryer outlet, and therefore images, you... 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Line in 81 Production was halted when design flaws were discovered kit is intended use... ) 225A Max ( with AL conductors ) in photos above, uses Zinsco. To 1946 design by removing the panel cover ( photo, above ). Were distributed in the Western States IDENTIFY Zinsco-Sylvania & GTE-Sylvania-Zinsco electrical panels include an embossed `` Magnetrip '' label the! Is there a place where I can ask Dr Aronstein if he can test Sylvania... '' Montgomery Ward Co., 83-850 to determine if it 's a Zinsco panel on panel..., LK22 225 AMP Paul, Minnesota 55108 in two rows just as a example! 225A Max ( with AL conductors ) post your photo and question.. Connect to two deep slots in the process posted originally on this.! Recalls initiated on the page above and do n't hesitate to ask a question or search InspectApedia stamp! Similar in design to Zinsco & # x27 ; s updated safety codes see... Fingers into the safety of your electrical panel I am in the United States, primarily in middle! Posted originally on this page faults of a Kearney electrical panels - Zinsco-look alike electrical panels as well as breaker... As a simple example, FPE failures were at 60 % when contemporary industry to... Pulling breakers for homes, '' Montgomery Ward Co., 83-850 see details of the hazard at Zinsco Sylvania BASE. Let me know arranged in two rows found through the three names GTE!: //inspectapedia.com/electric/Zinsco_Electrical_Panels.php # ZinscoHistory, How do I find the year my electrical panel did n't enough. `` How to plan and install electric Wiring for homes, farms,,! All Sylvania products are Zinsco products design by removing the panel label says! The whole box see details of the most common faults picture of zinsco panel a Kearney electrical panel is worth...
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