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  1. #1
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    Default 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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  2. #2
    Join Date
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    Default Re: Zinsco breakers installed in a “Magnetrip” panel.

    Quote Originally Posted by Gene South View Post
    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
    .
    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.)
    .

    Last edited by Billy Stephens; 04-22-2010 at 05:54 PM.
    It Might have Choked Artie But it ain't gone'a choke Stymie! Our Gang " The Pooch " (1932)
    Billy J. Stephens HI Service Memphis TN.

  3. #3
    Ron Bibler's Avatar
    Ron Bibler Guest

  4. #4
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    Default Re: Zinsco breakers installed in a “Magnetrip” panel.

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


  5. #5
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    Default Re: Zinsco breakers installed in a “Magnetrip” panel.

    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.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  6. #6
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    Default Re: Zinsco breakers installed in a “Magnetrip” panel.

    Quote Originally Posted by Billy Stephens View Post
    .


    Electrical:
    *Replace
    Service Panel ( Beyond it's Service Life.)
    * Replace Panel located at ABC ( Beyond it's Service Life.)
    .
    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry Peck View Post
    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.
    .
    Or.
    * see above edit.
    .

    It Might have Choked Artie But it ain't gone'a choke Stymie! Our Gang " The Pooch " (1932)
    Billy J. Stephens HI Service Memphis TN.

  7. #7
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    Chico,Ca
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    Default Re: Zinsco breakers installed in a “Magnetrip” panel.

    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?


  8. #8
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    Default Re: Zinsco breakers installed in a “Magnetrip” panel.

    Quote Originally Posted by Billy Stephens View Post
    .
    .
    Or.
    * see above edit.
    .
    .
    Gene,

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

    It Might have Choked Artie But it ain't gone'a choke Stymie! Our Gang " The Pooch " (1932)
    Billy J. Stephens HI Service Memphis TN.

  9. #9
    Join Date
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    Default Re: Zinsco breakers installed in a “Magnetrip” panel.

    Hi Billy, thanks.

    Gene


  10. #10
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    Southern Vancouver Island
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    Default Re: Zinsco breakers installed in a “Magnetrip” panel.

    Quote Originally Posted by Rollie Meyers View Post
    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

    Quote Originally Posted by Rollie Meyers View Post
    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)

    John Kogel, RHI, BC HI Lic #47455
    www.allsafehome.ca

  11. #11
    Guy W Opie's Avatar
    Guy W Opie Guest

    Default Re: Zinsco breakers installed in a “Magnetrip” panel.

    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.


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