Serving Tampa & Surrounding Areas 
If your home was built between the 1960s and the 1970s, there’s a chance you might have a Zinsco electrical panel. These panels, once a popular choice, have since proven to be a significant fire hazard. While Zinsco panels were phased out in the late 1970s, many homes still have them installed, and homeowners need to be aware of the risks associated with these outdated electrical systems.
Here at Home Service Heroes, we believe in helping homeowners understand the potential dangers and what steps they can take to protect their homes. Let’s dive into the six key things you should know about Zinsco electrical panels.
1. What Is a Zinsco Electrical Panel?
Zinsco electrical panels were widely installed in homes throughout North America during the 1960s and 1970s. However, these panels are now considered outdated and unsafe due to several design flaws. The primary concern is that Zinsco breakers can fail to trip during an electrical overload, which can lead to overheating and even house fires. The use of aluminum in the panel components contributes to this failure, as the metal can melt and fuse, preventing the breaker from doing its job.
2. No Official Recall
Despite the well-documented failures of Zinsco panels, there has been no official recall. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has not issued a recall, primarily due to the significant investment required to initiate one. Nevertheless, many electricians and safety experts strongly recommend replacing Zinsco panels due to the known risks.
3. Identifying a Zinsco Breaker Panel
Not sure if your home has a Zinsco panel? Here are a few ways to identify one:
- Look for the Zinsco logo on the panel.
- Check for labels that say “Zinsco Magnetrip” breakers.
- Some panels may be labeled as Sylvania or GTE Sylvania, as Zinsco was rebranded under these names after it was sold to GTE Sylvania in the 1970s.
If your home was built before the 1990s, it’s worth checking to see if you have one of these outdated panels.
4. Home Inspections and Zinsco Panels
Zinsco panels are typically flagged during home inspections due to their known safety hazards. Even if your Zinsco panel seems to be functioning today, it doesn’t mean it’s safe. The failure of these panels is often unpredictable, which makes them a concern for any homeowner. While they may still meet the electrical codes of the time they were installed, that doesn’t mean they’re safe by today’s standards.
5. Insurance Challenges with Zinsco Panels
Many insurance companies are hesitant to provide coverage for homes with Zinsco panels. Some may even refuse coverage altogether, while others might offer a grace period to replace the panel. If you’re planning to sell your home or secure a new insurance policy, having a Zinsco panel could present a serious roadblock.
6. Replacement Breakers Aren’t a Safe Solution
While it might be tempting to simply replace the Zinsco breakers with new ones, this isn’t a viable long-term solution. Even replacement breakers have been known to malfunction. The best and safest option is to replace the entire panel to avoid future risks.
Is Your Home Safe?
At Home Service Heroes, we understand how important it is to keep your home safe from electrical hazards. If you have a Zinsco panel, we strongly recommend considering an upgrade. Our team of licensed electricians can inspect your current system and provide you with a detailed estimate for replacement. Don’t wait until it’s too late – schedule an inspection with us today and protect your home from the dangers of outdated electrical panels.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Home Service Heroes at 813-653-4221.
