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Subject - zinsco breakers
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tower3
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Two weeks after replacing most of the breakers in my house (built in 1971) about 1/2 of my house went black. No breakers were tripped my circuit tester would beep when within about 10 inches of any wire switch or outlet involved. The problem seems to be a contact problem in the breaker box. Is there a known problem with new zinsco breakers used in an old box? Things are working ok now but nothing has really been done other than wiggling the breakers and securing the cover plate. I'm out about $700 for new breakers and trouble shooting by the kitchen contractor and been told to contact an electrician. Any help would be very appreciated thanks ken
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JimmyDee
| Contacting an electrician sound like a good idea to me. I don't understand why the breakers were replaced in the first place. Were you having problems with them? May have gotten the wrong replacement breakers.
Jim
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Scott Vickrey
| This panel has aluminum buss bars. I'm sure you replaced the breakers because you were having problems with them. They replacement breakers were expensive I bet. The problem is where the breakers clip onto the buss bars. The buss bars are easily damaged and when they start arcing it eats through the buss bar. Did you buy the breakers from an electrical supplier that also has electricians? If so, maybe you can take them back and have them change the panel. Otherwise, I would Ebay the breakers and have someone change the panel with a GE or Square D panel. Zinsco panels also generate a lot of heat due to the poor contacts This can cause premature tripping of the breakers. I bet when you replaced the breakers there were weld looking spots and discoloration of the metal buss bars. These panels are obsolete that's why the breakers cost so much. Bite the bullet here and do the right thing for you and your family. Replace that dangerous piece of junk! Hope that helps.
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David Hyatt
| I agree with Scott you probably have a bad bus bar not bad breakers. The sad thing is Zinsco breakers cost more than replacing the whole panel with a GE. If I could get my money back I would and scrap that Zinsco junk. Ebay may be a good idea. Good luck.
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tower3
| Thanks all for the replies - very good advice. One of the guys I surf with is an electrician I'll see if he can check it out . The buss bars are alum but looked ok to me, may be burnt on the underside. Again thanks for the help. ken
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AMPMWIRED
| DONT WASTE TIME AND MONEY ON ZINSCO BREAKERS.RULE OF THUMB WITH THESE PANELS ARE CHANGE A FEW IF NEEDED,IF THEY ARE MORE THAN 4 OR 5 BREAKERS BAD IT IS CHEAPER AND SAFER TO GET A NEW MAIN PANEL.
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boccinono
| I agree with everyone above. Replace the panel.Another old panel to change is the federal pacific. Both are garbage.
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