The Zinsco Electrical Panel, Zinsco Circuit Breakers – HAZARD INFORMATION

Warnings have been issued with regard to the Zinsco electrical panel, Zinsco circuit breakers, or Zinsco-Sylvania electrical equipment. Please DO NOT try to fix anything yourself. There is a strong risk of electrical shock that is potentially FATAL, as well as a risk of fire from arcing between the panel and breakers. DO NOT remove the cover of your panel to check the inside. This is something only a licensed electrician should be doing. The potential of FATAL electrical shock from removing or replacing a panel cover is greatly increased without properly insulated tools and protective gear. Call a licensed electrician IMMEDIATELY if you believe there is something wrong with your panel or if a replacement is required.

Signs that your Zinsco electrical panel and Zinsco circuit breakers may be failing include:

• Flickering lights
• Humming or other noise from panels, switches, receptacles, and fixtures
• The odor of burning electrical equipment, such as:
  • Plastic receptacles
  • Receptacle covers
  • Circuit breakers
  • Electrical wiring
• Hot to touch:
  • Walls near or around receptacles and switches
  • Receptacles and switches themselves feel hot
• Appliances or other electronic devices turn off when others are switched on

You will not find an official recall of the Zinsco electrical panel and equipment. This appears to be due to the fact that the company went out of business prior to these discoveries. Zinsco electrical panels do not meet current safety codes and requirements. The Zinsco electrical panels would not receive the UL listing in today’s world. Certain components of this panel and other Zinsco equipment contain aluminum, which is not compatible with the copper used for most connections and wiring today.

Arcing caused by a lack of connection between the Zinsco circuit breakers and the busbar can start fires and melt equipment installed. The problem arcing causes is compounded by the fact that Zinsco circuit breakers do not necessarily trip when the circuit is overloaded. When the breaker fails to trip, the overload of electricity is passed into the appliances and electronics, causing electrical fires. The pitting that occurs over time from arcing to the busbar can prevent the solid connection to the breakers essential to functioning properly. A breaker is supposed to trip when the circuit is overloaded. The overload can be caused by lightning or other sources of power surges. In cases where the connection has deteriorated, the breakers can be turned off, and the panel will continue to conduct power. The problem this presents is that an unsuspecting homeowner may flip a breaker to turn off power and not be aware that it is still HOT. This presents a risk of FATAL electrical shock or fire hazard.

With any electrical repairs or replacements, the homeowner is always safer to contact a licensed and insured electrician to perform the work. The license is to ensure that the contractor really knows what they are doing. The insurance (especially Workers Compensation) is necessary so that if something does go wrong while they are working on your property, the contractor’s insurance pays for the damages or injury and not the homeowner’s.