Zinsco Replacement

[bryanclark]

I'm possibly buying a new house and one of the things that I want to get rid of is the Zinsco Board. Can anyone offer any advice on new boards that are safe and will give us room to grow?

thanks,
bryan

 

[charlie b]

Re: Zinsco Replacement

That is not the way the process starts (i.e., picking out a new panelboard). You need to get into contact with an electrical contractor in your area. There is a service load calculation to be performed, in order to make sure the new panel will have a sufficient rating for the house. Replacement of a service panel may also require replacement of some portion of the house wiring. That cannot be known until someone who understands the rules takes a look at the existing wiring.

I am in the same situation myself (thing about buying a house that has a Zinsco panel). If all you need is a new panel, the project will not be too expensive. In my case, I am looking at a complete rewiring of the house (by my own choice, not necessarily because any code or rule would have required it).

But let me add that if you have any thoughts about doing the replacement yourself, I would urge you to reconsider. I would also tell you that we are not permitted to assist a do-it-yourself person with electrical installation questions.

 

[bryanclark]

Re: Zinsco Replacement

thanks Charlie,

dude, don't worry I fully respect areas of expertise that I have no business pretending to know something about and residential electrical matters is one of them. I have ZERO intention of doing it myself.

The house is presently owned by a sub-contractor who has had the wiring redone. It's an old home c.1924. Here's what sucks: The excuse (and they are right in a sense) is that the Zinsco board appears to be in good order (no oxidation, or evidence of arcing (YET!)). From their perspective, they have a good working panel.

From my perspective, I told them that if I was a selling them a used Ford explorer with the Firestone tires that have been known to shred but at present appear to be in good working order I couldn't live with myself. But hey, that's me. I'm an honest guy.

 

[jimwalker]

Re: Zinsco Replacement

The Zinsco panel was not safe when it was brand new.I would hire a licensed electrician to look at this so called rewired house.You might ask what brand he likes to use.A coupe good brands are square D,Cutler hammer.Your likeness to Firestone is a good one.That tire that caused the crash that killed someone probably look good a few miles before too.

 

[charlie b]

Re: Zinsco Replacement

Originally posted by bryanclark:From their perspective, they have a good working panel.

That is true. Although that brand of panel has had a history of failures, one cannot validly infer that any one specific panel is unsafe.

But it does give you a good reason to insist that the panel be replaced, as a condition of your buying the house. I would put that condition into my written offer to buy the house. As to who pays for the replacement, that is between you and the owner to negotiate. But I would suggest that you not wait until after you move in. Get it into the contract.

 

[Minuteman]

Re: Zinsco Replacement

Christmas Day last week, a buddy calls, his folks overloaded a kitchen circuit while cooking. Zinsco panel main breaker trips, won't reset. I have one. As I R&R the main, I see the arcing that was under the main & other breakers that was hidden. Needless to say. They are now are the proud owners of a Cutler Hammer Panel.