Thread: Electrical shock from the cover of this Zinsco panel

I Removed the cover from this Zinsco panel today and dang what happened to the guy that did this

Don't let this be you

I did not re-install the cover... I tape the door off for Safety... The owner need to call Sparky. A.S.A.P.

Best

Ron Bibler
Santa Rosa California Home Inspection - Exterminating & Thermal Imaging
www.sonomehomeinspection.com

Similar Threads:

• Freestanding patio cover
• Electrical service box located in closet
• Electrical Lines Inspector
• CPSC Recall: Floor Electrical Outlets
• Table of Contents on the Cover Page?

I alway tape the top with several layers of tape before I put them back on.

I recently finished my required NC training for electrical safety. I learned that those Zinsco panels were originally considered part of the service equipment and were not intended to have the inside cover removed without first removing the meter to disable the power. I don't remove meters and that panel needs replacing for other reasons.

Originally Posted by Ron Bibler

I Removed the cover from this Zinsco panel today and dang what happened to the guy that did this

I'm fine Ron. Thanks for asking.

Failure to follow the cover removal instructions attached on the inside surface of the panel cover ...

Originally Posted by Roger Frazee

Failure to follow the cover removal instructions attached on the inside surface of the panel cover ...

I would bet this happened when the they were trying to put the cover back on. Not from trying to remove it...

At any point these panels can bite big time. look at this other arc flash point in the panel. at first i was thinking some one was doing some repairs. But after thinking about it this was part of the original arc flash.

OUCH!

Best

Ron

Reason #2 for not removing the cover of a Zinsco panel!

Here's a nearly burned-through meter bar on a Pushmatic...

Originally Posted by Marc Morin

Here's a nearly burned-through meter bar on a Pushmatic...

Marc... Do you have some more photos of that panel.

Best

Ron

While on the subject of panels and dead-fronts...Here's an interesting 'find' from recent inspection.

The deadfront was replaced with a sheet of plastic, with cut-outs to accommodate the breakers. The plastic was then trimmed with 1/4 round and completely hot-glued in place, including gluing some of the breakers...I guess they were a bit loose!. The innovator had the presence of mind to make it 'look nice' by spraying it matte black.

No, I did not even attempt to remove it.

Originally Posted by Ian Page

While on the subject of panels and dead-fronts...Here's an interesting 'find' from recent inspection.

The deadfront was replaced with a sheet of plastic, with cut-outs to accommodate the breakers. The plastic was then trimmed with 1/4 round and completely hot-glued in place, including gluing some of the breakers...I guess they were a bit loose!. The innovator had the presence of mind to make it 'look nice' by spraying it matte black.

No, I did not even attempt to remove it.

I suppose its better than NO dead front.

Originally Posted by Dana Bostick

I suppose its better than NO dead front.

Kinda make you think ? What became of the original cover?

Did he use it to make something else. Like a cover for his tractor with a bit of duct tape

Best

Ron

Ron,

Here you go...

Ron,

A few more...

Good ole Zinsco. Where you inspecting how tight the lugs were on the breakers, or some pink or blue or other color wiring?

I just push each breaker slowly to the off position noting how far one has to push it. If you get to the off position and the breaker has not tripped, that's a problem. A new one trips at 1/3 of the way to off. So if they go much past the half way mark the breaker spring is toast.