Zinsco Subpanel in bathroom

[Barbqranch]

Apartment appears to have been built around 1980. Apartment unit subpanel is located in bathroom, approx. 6 feet from nearest faucet or water. They want it replaced with new one, no new circuits, they just don't want to move it. Is there any approved way this can happen? So far, apparently no failures in panel, they are just trying to be safe.

 

[jumper]

Not really. Existing is grandfathered in, replacing means moving the panel.

Possible you could get variance, but doubtful IME.

 

[LarryFine]

What's on the opposite side of the wall?

 

[jumper]

What's on the opposite side of the wall?

:thumbsup:

 

[Barbqranch]

Bedroom on other side of wall. Owner doesn't want that, would rather leave as is for the time being.

 

[jumper]

It is a shame you cannot replace since you are not adding, but the liability for an inspector to approve it is too much. Down the line if anything happened, he/she could possibly be held responsible and in this sue happy world.......

 

[JFletcher]

Bedroom on other side of wall. Owner doesn't want that, would rather leave as is for the time being.

Spin it around so it faces the bedroom, hang a picture or mirror over it. or paint the door/deadfront same color as the wall. Problems solved.

 

[electrofelon]

Spin it around so it faces the bedroom, hang a picture or mirror over it. or paint the door/deadfront same color as the wall. Problems solved.

.....and hang another picture in the bathroom to cover the back of the new panel

 

[Buck Parrish]

I tell them it will be flagged by a bank inspector if they ever sale the house.

 

[jumper]

.....and hang another picture in the bathroom to cover the back of the new panel

I like it!

 

[Barbqranch]

Thanks to all confirming my opinion. The owner will have to decide which route to take.

 

[augie47]

If its a Zinsco panel I would want it as close as possible to the water, preferably a fire hose

 

[jumper]

If its a Zinsco panel I would want it as close as possible to the water, preferably a fire hose

:thumbsup:

 

[RumRunner]

Apartment appears to have been built around 1980. Apartment unit subpanel is located in bathroom, approx. 6 feet from nearest faucet or water. They want it replaced with new one, no new circuits, they just don't want to move it. Is there any approved way this can happen? So far, apparently no failures in panel, they are just trying to be safe.

Explain to the owner that replacing it is not going to make it any safer. . .if leaving it at the same location.

Those Zinsco panels had been long time staples and popular among wholesalers in LA . (I think they were made here but no longer) This was before Home Depot and Lowe's.
I had installed dozens of them and they still work flawlessly as you stated. This was about thirty years ago.

 

[sameguy]

Now that it's up to the owner, I'm suggesting going with some FPE products!

 

[augie47]

Now that it's up to the owner, I'm suggesting going with some FPE products!

always good to upgrade

 

[tortuga]

always good to upgrade

At least FPE is still manufactured
Schneider Electric calls it 'stab-lok' these days
Just dont forget your AFCI breakers:
https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/p.single-pole-15-amp-stab-lok-arc-fault-circuit-interrupter-breaker.1000112733.html

 

[JFletcher]

At least FPE is still manufactured
Schneider Electric calls it 'stab-lok' these days
Just dont forget your AFCI breakers:
https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/p.single-pole-15-amp-stab-lok-arc-fault-circuit-interrupter-breaker.1000112733.html

At $108 a piece I'd rather change the panel to a Square D homeline, and put the appropriate afci Breakers in that

 

[tortuga]

At $108 a piece I'd rather change the panel to a Square D homeline, and put the appropriate afci Breakers in that

Yeah if the customer is willing to pay for a panel change of course replace it. They can come in handy if your needing to just add one circuit and the panel change is less than ideal or straightforward. Like if your looking at having to relocate a panel out of a bathroom.