by Susan Miller
LOMAA
Zinsco electrical panels (also known as Sylvania) were popular in the 1970s when many homes in Oakmont were built. It was later learned that these panels had flaws, such as faulty circuit breakers which failed to trip, aluminum components and corrosion, breakers melting to bus bars, and inadequate response to modern electrical demands. Moreover, even if a Zinsco panel appears functional, replacement is recommended. These panels have distinctive qualities which make them fairly recognizable, such as color-coded breaker handles (e.g., blue, red, green) or a vertical layout (www.electrica-inc.com). It is strongly recommended to consult with a professional electrician for identification and replacement.
According to Assistant Fire Marshall Jared McDaniel, “Updating old electrical panels is always a good practice in terms of home fire and electrical safety, but not typically required by the Building Codes unless your home is undergoing significant renovations.”
Insurance companies are starting to change the equation, however. Rachel Adams, of the George Peterson Insurance Agency, notes that Zinsco panels have become an issue for insurance underwriters within the last eighteen to twenty-four months. Therefore, if your insurance policy is not automatically renewed, one of the questions asked will be, “Do you have a Zinsco panel?” If the answer is yes, getting insurance may still be possible, but it will be at a higher cost, Adams notes. This also holds true for sub-HOAs which seek to get insurance renewed as a group. If even one homeowner has not updated their panel, Adams shared that insurance may cost a significant amount more, if it is even possible to get insurance as a group, which may not be the case.
If and when you opt to make the change, the work needs to be done to Code so a permit will be required, the work must be done by a licensed electrician, and a follow-up inspection will be performed. An electrician will be able to pull the permits for you and schedule the inspection with the City (srcity.org). This will ensure that your home is brought in line with current safety standards. Insurance companies may also require a copy of the permit, the final inspection certificate, the paid invoices and photos of the new panel to verify that the work was properly done, so keep a copy of all records as you go through this process (www.caibaycen.com). PG&E will coordinate power shutoff while the panel is being replaced.
In conclusion, Zinsco panels are a factor in insurance renewal and home safety. If you have a Zinsco or other outdated panel, your insurance company may only give you thirty to sixty days to replace it. Therefore, it is essential to plan carefully so that you can tackle this prudently within your budget and timeline.
Quick Checklist
- Check if you have one:
□ Labels: Zinsco, GTE-Sylvania, or Sylvania
□ Brightly colored breaker handles, vertical layout
- Know the risks:
□ Breakers may fail to trip → fire hazard
□ Corrosion, overheating, and arcing possible – even if panel looks fine
□ Insurance companies are flagging these panels
- Take Action:
□ Get a licensed electrician to identify and inspect
□ Plan now for replacement – before an insurance deadline or failure
□ Ask about rebates or HOA group contracts to lower costs
TIP:Replacement improves both safety and insurability. Acting early avoids last-minute expenses and coverage issues.