Why are Zinsco breakers so expensive?
The reason why Zinsco/compatible breakers are so gosh darn expensive is because Zinsco panels are obsolete and have a somewhat checkered field failure history — while they do not suffer as badly from the issues that plague FPE’s line of non-breakers, the Zinsco breaker line still has some of the same problems: namely …
Are Zinsco breakers safe?
One of these electrical panels is known as Zinsco. Zinsco breaker panels are dangerous and no longer considered safe to use. Due to the type of aluminum used, Zinsco breakers can melt and fuse to the bus bar. If this happens, the breakers will not be able to trip and can cause electrical fires.
How many amps is a Zinsco panel?
With the growing number of gadgets, 150 amps is standard today. Homes built earlier often have their original power system with a 60 amp capacity. Here, power passes through either a fuse box or a split-buss panel. The most common brands for these outdated boxes are Zinsco and Federal Pacific.
Are there 80 amp breakers?
Square D Homeline 80-Amp 2-Pole Standard Trip Circuit Breaker.
What is wrong with Zinsco panels?
As time has passed, electricians and home inspectors have discovered that certain Zinsco panels often can fail to operate properly and may leave homes and homeowners at risk to both fire and electrical shock. The panel could overheat and catch fire, causing serious harm to a home and its occupants.
Do all Zinsco panels need to be replaced?
If you know or suspect you may have a Zinsco brand panel, most experts in the field of electricity today recommend the panel be replaced. Even if an electrician tells you, he can replace parts, it would be wise to still opt for total panel replacement.
What is the problem with Zinsco electrical panels?
Zinsco panels may have significant design flaws. Additionally, aluminum wiring can lead to overheating and interfere with electricity flow. The bus bars are damaged and destroy easily. The design of the Zinsco electrical panel allows breakers to slide up and down the bus bars if a breaker is absent.
What is a Zinsco breaker?
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. Production was halted when design flaws were discovered. Panels were known to fail, while still conducting power.
When did Zinsco go out of business?
Production of Zinsco panels halted in mid-1970s. Experts say that Zinsco panels produced during this time would not receive today’s UL listing. They would not be allowed to be sold to the general public because they no longer pass current safety codes.
What size wire do I need for 80 amps?
For a 80 amp you need a 4-gauge copper wire. For a 100 amp service, you will need a 1-gauge wire. For 125 and you will need a 1-gauge copper wire.
Has Zinsco panels been recalled?
While Zinsco too was part of a major recall and lawsuit, the company no longer exists. Thousands of homes around the country may still have these malfunctioning and known hazardous electrical panels installed.