Why Are Zinsco Breakers Considered Dangerous?
The issue with Zinsco breakers goes back to World War 2 when updates to the National Electric Code allowed the temporary use of aluminum in manufacturing electrical breakers in panels due to low copper supplies. While most manufacturers continued to use copper, Zinsco chose a specific type of aluminum prone to electrical oxidation.
As a result of oxidation, the aluminum acts as an insulator instead of a conductor. This then leads to electrical fires and burnouts due to a combination of issues with the following components:
- Breakers can fail while in the “on” position, which leads to the switch appearing off but still allowing a current to flow through the system.
- The older Zinsco bus bars and circuit breakers don’t pass UL standards.
- The oxidation issue can lead to a poor connection between the breakers and the bus bars, which prevents the breaker from tripping, potentially melting the insulation and wires and causing a fire.
- Many models of Zinsco breakers feature a two-wire system with no grounding, which is exceptionally dangerous as ground wires help safely discharge the power supply to the earth.
How Do I Know If I Have Zinsco Breakers In My Home?
To help you identify whether you have a Zinsco breaker within your home, consider the following elements:
Blue and White Zinsco Label
Many models feature the blue and white or green and white Zinsco label. Zinsco was famous for this style of coloring and branding.
Magnatrip Label
Your breaker may also have a “Magnatrip” label, as Magnatrip was the brand name for Zinsco brand breakers produced between the 1940s and 1970s.
However, because of the age of the breakers and the potential for labels to wear over time, it might not be obvious from just looking at the breaker panel that you have a Zinsco brand breaker. An electrician can identify the Zinsco brand by the circuitry design and use of components. So, if you have any concerns your home has a Zinsco circuit breaker, you should book an electrician’s inspection as soon as possible.
Questions to Consider When Replacing Your Zinsco Breaker
What is the Future Electrical Demand in the Home?
Many homeowners only consider the current level of demand when upgrading older electrical panels. But you may want to update your kitchen with new appliances or renovate a basement and add an in-law suite, which places a higher demand on your panel. While 150 amps are suitable for most household use, you may consider a 200 to 400 amp panel with future renovations in mind.
Will I Need Other Electrical Work?
An electrical panel replacement is a large-scale electrical upgrade. It may be most cost-efficient to hire electricians for other required electrical work during the change over from the Zinsco panel. Whether it’s a lighting upgrade or a faulty outlet, taking on these tasks during the panel upgrade will help meet all electrical safety and performance needs after your panel replacement.
What is the Timeline for the Breaker Replacement Project?
Book an electrician as early as possible for any electrical work that impacts the safety of your home. You may be fortunate enough to get a same-day visit for this urgent electrical service, specifically so an electrician can inspect your panel and provide swift guidance on the replacement steps.
Call Custom Electrical for Urgent Zinsco Panel Replacement In Central and Eastern Iowa
Our Des Moines-based electricians provide Central Iowa with urgent responses to Zinsco panel upgrade service calls. We also offer electrical panel upgrades throughout Eastern Iowa, including Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and Davenport, IA. Call our electricians any time, 24/7, via 515-669-3418, or book online to confirm your panel upgrade appointment
