Zinsco Panel Safety

[ESolar]

I recall that these panels are not considered safe. Client wants to add solar breaker. Can go tandem with the 15s and get two spaces. I'm thinking panel upgrade. Thoughts?

 

[augie47]

By the time you buy the Zinsco breakers you may be well on they way to matching the cost of a new safer panel.

 

[tom baker]

And as a bonus the HO will get a correct panel directory

 

[SSDriver]

Definitely upgrade time. I wouldn't even trust that all of those breakers still trip at the right amperage/curve. Also what's the bus bar rating and size of solar installation?

 

[ESolar]

That bus bar is 125A. But one could derate to 100A, maybe - depending on the demand. The solar will probably require ~30A. But with NEM3 close to being in effect, everyone in Calif. should be building for the future. So they may want more.

 

[norcal]

That one will be fun to replace, being semi-flush in stucco, and a center conduit that is likely RMC, those old UG Zinsco panels are a odd one.