GTE, Sylvania Zinsco Electrical Panel (Guide 2023)
Notoriously installed during the 1970s, production of GTE Sylvania Zinsco panel was terminated due to risks such as fires and electric shock. These panels are susceptible to corrosion which can ultimately cause a meltdown in breakers.
Purpose of a Home Electrical Panel
A home electrical panel is the central distribution point for all of the electricity that enters a home. It serves as the main control hub for all of the circuits in your house, distributing power to each individual circuit and allowing you to control which circuits are active and off at any given time.
The panel also acts as a safety measure, protecting against spikes in voltage and providing a way to quickly shut down electricity in the event of a power surge or an emergency.
It is important that the electrical panel is installed correctly, as it provides vital protection against fire and other dangers associated with electricity. Electrical panels should be routinely checked by a professional electrician to ensure they are functioning properly and up-to-date with current codes and regulations.
Proper maintenance of a home electrical panel is essential for keeping your family safe and preventing costly repairs down the line.
When to Replace Zinsco Electrical Panels
If your electrical panel is outdated, it may be time to consider an upgrade. Older models of panels typically have less capacity for providing power and are not equipped to handle the demands of today’s modern homes. If you have experienced frequent or consistent tripped circuit breakers, or if you notice charred marks on the panel, it is likely time for a replacement.
If your Zinsco electrical panel is more than 30 years old, you may want to look into a newer model. Electrical panels should be replaced immediately after experiencing any type of water damage, as this can lead to a serious problem. Due to the known issues, insurance companies have been reluctant to insure homes with them installed. Let’s dive into it more.
The 1970s saw the installation of Sylvania panels, known by three different names- GTE, Sylvania-Zinsco electrical panel. Don’t be fooled by its lookalike counterparts; this panel is easily distinguishable with its pastel-colored breakers lined up in a single row. On the other hand, most other panels are usually black and arranged in two rows.
Zinsco Electrical Panel Problems
Following its installation, a terrifying pattern began to emerge: the electrical panel’s bus bar was prone to melting and overheating, causing breakers that seemed “off” yet still delivered current. The result? Fire and shock hazards of an unparalleled magnitude.
In addition, the electrical panel utilizes a considerable amount of aluminum as its main component. Aluminum is known to be more volatile than other metals when it comes to expansion, contraction, and overheating–all of which may result in an increased risk for fire danger due to sparks or corrosion that diminishes conductivity.
Unsure of what a bus bar is? A bus bar is simply an electrically-conductive metal strip that distributes power throughout the panel. The circuit breakers attach to it, and those same breakers can be manually deactivated if necessary. In other words, they are responsible for “tripping” whenever you need to turn off the electrical supply.
In most cases following a home inspection in South Florida, insurance companies will require the replacement of this type of panel.
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Replacement costs for a Zinsco Sylvania electrical panel in Florida can be substantial, typically amounting to $1500.
Zinsco Electrical Panel Recall
The recall applied to all Zinsco panels manufactured before 1983. These panels are known to have a higher risk of failure, leading to fire and other safety issues. Additionally, these panels lack important safety features such as ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), which are now mandated in all new construction and remodeling projects. The recall also applies to any panel boards or circuit breakers used with the Zinsco panels.
The federal government and many state governments have issued warnings regarding these panels, urging homeowners to have their existing electrical system inspected and upgraded as soon as possible if it contains a Zinsco electrical panel. If your home has a Zinsco panel, we recommend contacting a qualified electrician to help assess the risk and determine if it needs to be replaced.
It is important to note that any electrical system can fail from time to time, regardless of age or brand. Properly maintained systems are less likely to create safety hazards, so it is recommended that all homes have a professional inspection and testing done on their electrical systems to ensure safety.
If you have any further questions about the Zinsco electrical panel, please do not hesitate to contact us for more information. We are happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Thank you for your reading our blog.
For additional questions or comments, be sure to reach out. GGR Home Inspections conducts home inspections in the Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami Dade county areas.
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