Panels & wiring
Zinsco panel replacement
Zinsco and Sylvania-Zinsco panels, common from the 1950s to the 1970s, have a reputation for breakers that can fuse to the bus bar and fail to trip. Many electricians recommend replacing them with a modern breaker panel.
- Call now to check electrician availability in your area
- Licensed, independent electricians
- 47 states + DC
About zinsco panel replacement
Zinsco panels used aluminum bus bars and breakers that, over decades, can overheat at the connection and in some cases melt onto the bus. A breaker that cannot trip cannot protect the wiring behind it.
Zinsco panels are recognizable by their colorful breaker handles and the Zinsco or Sylvania name on the label. They show up most often in homes built in the West in the 1960s and 1970s, and home inspectors routinely flag them.
- Zinsco Panel Replacement at a glance
- Panels & wiring
- Who does the work
- An independent licensed electrician
- Urgent calls
- Usually scheduled
- Typical first step
- Inspect the panel and service
Signs you need this
- "Zinsco" or "Sylvania" on the panel label
- Multi-colored breaker handles
- Discoloration or a burning smell at the panel
- Breakers that are hard to reset or feel hot
- A home inspection report recommending replacement
What the electrician does
- 1
Inspect the panel and service
The electrician identifies the equipment and checks the service and grounding.
- 2
Permit and utility disconnect
The permit is pulled and the utility schedules the shutoff.
- 3
Replace the panel
Circuits move to a new panel with current breakers and code-required protection.
- 4
Inspection and reconnect
The inspector approves the work before or after power is restored.
What affects the cost
Electricians set their own prices. These are the factors that move a quote up or down, so you can compare like for like.
- Number of circuits
- Service amperage changes
- Meter base and service entrance work
- Damage found at the bus or wiring
- Permit and utility fees
What you can do safely, and when to stop
Safe to do
- ✓ Note any breakers that are warm or hard to reset
Stop and call
- ✕ Do not try to remove a stuck breaker
- ✕ Do not open the panel
Zinsco Panel Replacement FAQ
Are Zinsco panels dangerous?
Many electricians and inspectors consider them a risk because breakers can fail to trip. Replacement is the common recommendation, especially if there is heat or discoloration.
Can Zinsco breakers be replaced individually?
Replacement breakers exist, but they do not fix bus bar damage, so electricians usually recommend replacing the whole panel.
How do I tell Zinsco from other panels?
Check the label for Zinsco or Sylvania, and look for thin breakers with colored handles.
Will a home sale require replacing a Zinsco panel?
Not legally in most places, but buyers, lenders and insurers often ask for it after an inspection.
How long does Zinsco replacement take?
Typically a day on site, plus permit and utility scheduling.
Where electricians offer this
Available through our network in 47 states and DC. Metro guides:
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Learn more →Federal Pacific Panel Replacement
Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) panels with Stab-Lok breakers have a long history of breakers that may fail to trip during an overload or short circuit.
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Electrical Safety Inspection
An electrical safety inspection is a hands-on check of the panel, wiring, grounding, devices and protection by a licensed electrician.
Learn more →Need help with zinsco panel replacement?
Call now, or send a request and a licensed electrician who serves your ZIP code will contact you.