Can You Say "Zinsco"

As a home inspector we find problematic panels, these panels with a history of problems that can led to safety concerns.One of these panels that we see is the “Zinsco”. Many of these panels were installed in single-family homes, multi family apartments, and condos in the 1960's and 1970's. They are easily identified because of the bright colored breakers.
Originally the Zinsco panels were made in Puerto Rico. Zinsco later sold their manufacturing plants to Sylvania, who then marketed them under the Sylvania brand until finally closing down.
Some of the ones that I have seen have buss bars made of aluminum. This material will corrode quite easily. A corroded buss bar can present a real hazard. I have seen pictures of these panels that have gone into meltdown. The breakers will arc on the buss bar and cause a bad connection, and this can cause a panel meltdown. These breakers also have a history of failing to trip in a current overload situation. This condition includes the Zinsco and the Sylvania panels. The only way to check the condition of the buss bar is to have an electrician remove all of the breakers. But if it was my panel, I would replace it. Truly, replacing these panels is the best way to assure safety.

Yes I know FP panels, I will discuss those tomorrow.