i'm having trouble removing a breaker from an old (1950's) Zinsco residential panel. it definatly looks as if it hasn't been touched since in-stallation. it has 8 spaces ,and breakers designed to supply 120v or 240v per single breaker space. theres no service disconnect to disable the panel for full on wrestling. panel also is situated in confined space (kitchen cabinet!) so it is tough to get leverage. i'm afraid to bulldog it with pliers\screwdriver for fear of breaking fragile looking plastic. any tips or tricks would be appreciated.
old panel Q's
- Thread starter lat1
- Start date
- Status
LarryFine
Master Electrician Electric Contractor Richmond VA
- Location
- Henrico County, VA
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor
Re: old panel Q's
Pull the meter.lat1 said:
jeff43222
Senior Member
- Location
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
This might be a good time to suggest a panel upgrade. Can you even get Zinsco breakers anymore?
Otherwise, I'd go with Larry's suggestion.
Otherwise, I'd go with Larry's suggestion.
77401
Banned
Zinsco breakers are available @ Home depot
the problem your having is probably due to a overheated, corroded, oxidized buss/breaker connection. Typical on old Zinsco panels.
Even whe you do get it out you won't want to put a new one back as it will deterioate fast.
But to get it out, so you can show the damage to your customer ...what I do is, rest my kleins on the side of the box, then use your screwdriver on the kleins for leverage to pry it out. Place the tip of the driver inside the plastic round parts You will probably damage the breaker but its already shot so go for it.
the problem your having is probably due to a overheated, corroded, oxidized buss/breaker connection. Typical on old Zinsco panels.
Even whe you do get it out you won't want to put a new one back as it will deterioate fast.
But to get it out, so you can show the damage to your customer ...what I do is, rest my kleins on the side of the box, then use your screwdriver on the kleins for leverage to pry it out. Place the tip of the driver inside the plastic round parts You will probably damage the breaker but its already shot so go for it.
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