Zinsco Electrical Panels
A Zinsco TM or SylvaniaTM-Zinsco electrical panel is a latent fire hazard. Serious electrical hazards may be present in any Zinsco or Sylvania electrical panel, which could result in overheating, fire, or inability to turn off the electrical power in the home. A licensed electrician who is familiar with this equipment should be called to inspect the panel for immediate fire and shock hazards, and regardless of its visually-apparent condition, this equipment should be replaced.
Additional information about these hazards is available at an independent building failures research website:
www.inspect-ny.com/electric/Zinsco.htm
View of a Zinsco Panel Tag.
Example of a common Zinsco label found on the deadfront panel cover. Look for this label when trying to determine if you have one of these. Also notice the stamped letter "Z" located in the lower right corner of this picture. It serves to identify a panel where the label was removed.
Zinsco and Sylvania Panels in the same home.
In this example the home not only had a Zinsco brand panel, but there was also a Sylvania distribution panel installed. Notice the unique color coding of the circuit breakers not found in other brands. Both panels should be replaced by a licensed electrician.
www.inspect-ny.com/electric/Zinsco.htm