Zinsco & Sylvania (Panels that were produced when Sylvania took over the Zinsco brand) Zinsco panels and Sylvania panels from the late 1970s and early 1980s when Sylvania bought out Zinsco have an inconsistent history of various problems associated with them. Typically, the panels are outdated and even dangerous by today's standards. Zinsco and Sylvania panels are no longer manufactured, and while some replacement parts might be available, they might be difficult to find and expensive to buy. Zinsco circuit breakers may fail to trip in response to an overcurrent or a short circuit. A circuit breaker that may not trip does not afford the protection that is intended and required, creating a fire hazard. Simply replacing the circuit breakers might not be a reliable repair. There appears to be no official recall on these panels, mainly because the companies that made these panels are out of business.
Below is a Thermal Image a home inspector took at a recent home inspection of a Zinsco electrical panel
Shown is the places where the breakers connect of pinch the bus bars are showing overheat, which usually means that the breakers are arcing to the busbars.
To Learn more about Electrical Panels and other Types of Dangerous Panels Contact Phillip @ Solomon Electrical Services, for a electrical safety inspection.
