Zinsco Electrical panels used to be a common fixture in homes. Over time, it came to light that these electrical panels were not properly constructed and will frequently fail. These failures can expose the home to risk of fire and the homeowner to risk of electrical shock. Also, when these panels overwork they run the risk of overheating and melting. So if you have a Zinsco panel in your Clearwater Florida home, what are the biggest risks, and what do you need to do?Zinsco panels and breakers have design flaws. These design flaws aren’t shared among panels that were created and installed in the same time period. These flaws include:
- Certain pieces of the panel have aluminum
- There’s not a solid connection between the breakers on the bus bar
- The bus bar corrodes very easily
- Although the breaker appears to be off, the internal panel may still be conducting power
“In this situation, if a breaker melts to the bus bar of the panel and can no longer adequately trip in case of an overcurrent or short circuit, an extreme amount of power from the outside electrical supply surges into a home’s panel and circuits. Once that happens, it cannot be stopped or shut off manually. Electricity will burn until it runs out of fuel or the wires melt. The panel could overheat and catch fire, causing serious harm to a home and its occupants.” (Source: ismypanelsafe.com)If your Clearwater Florida home has a Zinsco panel, what should you do? It’s important to contact a licensed electrician to inspect your circuit breaker to ensure that it’s safely operating in your home. Your electrician might determine that you need to replace your electrical panel. Your local electrician can also help you select a new panel that is up to code.A Zinsco panel is just one problem you may have with your Clearwater Florida home’s electrical panel. If your panel is malfunctioning, an electrician can help diagnose the issue and recommend the best solution for your home.Positricity is your Clearwater, FL electrician that strives to address your electrical needs in a professional and timely manner. We offer rapid, quality service. We guarantee our work. Our phone support staff are ready for your call. Why not call us right now?