Thread: Zinsco breakers installed in a “Magnetrip” panel.

Today in a year 1940 built home I found Zinsco breakers installed in a “Magnetrip” panel. I know of the Sylvania/Zinsco panel issues. Anyone know about Zinsco breakers in a Magnetrip panel and what issues may be associated. Thanks. I can research this myself but have to get a report done and don’t have the time right now and was hoping someone can enlighten me. See photos.

Thanks

Gene

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Originally Posted by Gene South

Today in a year 1940 built home I found Zinsco breakers installed in a “Magnetrip” panel. I know of the Sylvania/Zinsco panel issues. Anyone know about Zinsco breakers in a Magnetrip panel and what issues may be associated. Thanks. I can research this myself but have to get a report done and don’t have the time right now and was hoping someone can enlighten me. See photos.

Thanks

Gene

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Gene,

Why Would this ( same type of bus bar ) and problematic breakers be any better?

Just a Quick Glance at the posted panel with Aluminum Branch Circuits , degraded wiring, Neutral Wrapped Around The Service Cables, and ------

You might be Over Thinking The Whys.

Electrical:
*Replace Service Panel ( Beyond it's Service Life.)
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OK Bub...

YouTube - Zinsco Breaker Test (Fire)

Zinsco Electrical Panels - Fix-it Forum: Home Improvement & Do It Yourself Repair Forum
Additional information at Bob Vila web-site.


Best

Ron
Santa Rosa California Home Inspection - Exterminating & Thermal Imaging

Billy, yes of course. You are right. I wasn't seeing the trees for the forest.

That is not a split bus panel (at least not intentionally split bus, although I have seen some Zinsco panels with split buses because they arced and burned completely through).

That means it has too many mains (if this is service equipment).

If that is not service equipment then there is no insulate neutral conductor to the panel.

Either way, replace it as there is way too much wrong to even attempt to fix it, especially considering you are trying to "fix it" and still end up with a Zinsco panel.

Originally Posted by Billy Stephens

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Electrical:
*Replace Service Panel ( Beyond it's Service Life.)
* Replace Panel located at ABC ( Beyond it's Service Life.)
.

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

That is not a split bus panel (at least not intentionally split bus, although I have seen some Zinsco panels with split buses because they arced and burned completely through).

That means it has too many mains (if this is service equipment).

If that is not service equipment then there is no insulate neutral conductor to the panel.

Either way, replace it as there is way too much wrong to even attempt to fix it, especially considering you are trying to "fix it" and still end up with a Zinsco panel.

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Or.
* see above edit.
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Old Zinsco breakers were marked as"Magnetrip" (1950's or so) Only advantage of that era Zinsco was the bus was plated copper not aluminum.

BTW, what is the funky filler plate in the panel deadfront?

Originally Posted by Billy Stephens

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Or.
* see above edit.
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Gene,

When They Replace " The Panel " it can no longer be in a Clothes Closet.
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Hi Billy, thanks.

Gene

Originally Posted by Rollie Meyers

Old Zinsco breakers were marked as"Magnetrip" (1950's or so) Only advantage of that era Zinsco was the bus was plated copper not aluminum.

Thanks, Rollie

Originally Posted by Rollie Meyers

BTW, what is the funky filler plate in the panel deadfront?

That would be the carpet.

The wire coming in on the right going to the bus on the left could be the neutral. We don't care why.
My guess is that there's a disconnect ahead of that old antique. At least, there should have been.

Be careful calling out aluminum when there's cloth insulated wiring. Those silvery wires, at least some of them, are tinned copper. (Rubber insulation with cloth cover)

The panel should be replaced. As far as being in a clothes closet some areas it will probabably have to be moved and in some the rehab code will allow it to stay.