Why We Replaced This Zinsco Panel (And Why You Should Too!)

 Why We Replaced This Zinsco Panel (And Why You Should Too!)

At River Brooks Electric, we recently replaced an old Zinsco panel, and it wasn’t just a routine upgrade—it was a necessary safety improvement. If you’ve ever heard about Zinsco panels, you probably know they have a reputation… and not a good one. Here’s why we made the switch and why you should consider replacing yours too.

What’s Wrong with Zinsco Panels?

Zinsco panels were widely installed in homes from the 1950s to the 1970s, and while they seemed fine at the time, major issues have been discovered over the years:

✅ Breakers don’t trip properly – A breaker’s job is to shut off power when there’s a problem. Zinsco breakers often fail to do this, increasing fire risk.

✅ Aluminum bus bars corrode easily – This leads to overheating, arcing, and potential electrical fires.

✅ Breakers can get stuck – Even if a breaker looks “off,” it might still be allowing electricity to flow!

✅ Obsolete and unrepairable – Replacement breakers are hard to find and expensive, and some don’t even fit properly.

Why This Panel Had to Go

The panel we replaced had all the classic Zinsco issues—corrosion, breakers that wouldn’t trip, and visible burn marks inside the panel. The homeowner had noticed flickering lights and occasional hot electrical smells, which are clear warning signs. Rather than waiting for a potential fire hazard, we upgraded to a modern, reliable panel.

What We Installed Instead

We replaced the outdated Zinsco panel with a new 200-amp modern panel that meets today’s electrical safety codes. The new panel:

✔️ Ensures proper breaker function
✔️ Prevents overheating and arcing
✔️ Provides room for future upgrades
✔️ Gives peace of mind

Do You Have a Zinsco Panel? Here’s How to Tell

If your home was built between 1950 and 1980, check your electrical panel. A Zinsco panel might have:

🔍 The name Zinsco or Sylvania (some Sylvania panels are rebranded Zinsco models).
🔍 Colorful breakers with a thin metal bus bar behind them.
🔍 Breakers that feel loose or don’t fully snap into place.

If you suspect you have a Zinsco panel, don’t wait for a disaster! Call 336-572-1246 today for a free estimate on upgrading to a safer, code-compliant panel. Sparta, NC 28675



Location: Ennice, NC 28623, USA

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