sylvania panel (not the zinsco type)

[haywire]

Is ther a place I can buy the guts for a sylvania panel (not the zinsco type)? The bussbar is showing signs of corrosion at one of the breaker.

 

[chris kennedy]

One of our local supply houses has a bone-yard, very much like a 'You-Pik-It' auto parts. Why not sell a panel change?

 

[haywire]

Thanks for the quick response.

That was my first suggestion but the owner wants a cheaper sollution. I told her I would check it out but haven't had any luck finding parts.

 

[chris kennedy]

Got a model number, maybe a pic?

 

[templdl]

I believe that the Westunghouse BR breaker would work as would the Challenger C breaker. BUT, is it UL? I think not.
I looked at the UL letter for C-H breaker replacements and the Sylvania panel is not on it.

 

[hurk27]

I think T&B wound up with the sylvania line, but they dumped them also?

 

[templdl]

I think T&B wound up with the sylvania line, but they dumped them also?

I seem to remember that also. I would be worth giving T&B a call.

 

[Ponchik]

Thanks for the quick response.

That was my first suggestion but the owner wants a cheaper sollution. I told her I would check it out but haven't had any luck finding parts.

Explain to them why cheaper solution isn't always the best solution.

The customers always want it cheap. :happysad:

In your neck of the woods, you can try Bay breakers in San Jose. www.baybreakers.com

 

[norcal]

A Sylvania panel is a ancient relic, & any used parts provided will be owned (warrantied) by the installing contractor for a year, at least in CA, IMHO, replace it or walk.......

BTW, Zinsco became Sylvania, which was sold by GTE & was renamed Challenger, & was later purchased by Westinghouse, who later bought the CBS TV network & sold off their industrial lines, Eaton bought the electrical lines & merged it into their Cutler-Hammer subsidiary & sold Challenger & the Westinghouse safety switch line to T & B......

 

[templdl]

Explain to them why cheaper solution isn't always the best solution.

The customers always want it cheap. :happysad:

In your neck of the woods, you can try Bay breakers in San Jose. www.baybreakers.com

I have found that often times no matter what you quote there are those that want it cheeper.

Also, regarding the used breaker market, my concern has always been it the breaker meets the orginal factory specifications. With these nickel dime breakers can one afford to replicate a factory test? I think not and as such wouldn't it be a gamble to use them? The interesting part about installing used equipment is they fill a space in the panel, they are able to be switched on and off and as long as they are not required to trip on an overload of fault which most breakers neverhave a need to they could be defective and you will never know it.

 

[mjf]

I have found that often times no matter what you quote there are those that want it cheeper.

Also, regarding the used breaker market, my concern has always been it the breaker meets the orginal factory specifications. With these nickel dime breakers can one afford to replicate a factory test? I think not and as such wouldn't it be a gamble to use them? The interesting part about installing used equipment is they fill a space in the panel, they are able to be switched on and off and as long as they are not required to trip on an overload of fault which most breakers neverhave a need to they could be defective and you will never know it.

Here's a copy of a PM I had with another forum member a few years ago regarding remanufactured breakers:


Over the years reading posts here it seems to me like you would be the guy to ask about finding a zinsco "RC38-40dp" breaker.

I know, replace the panel, right. Not going to happen at this time.

Condo complex, each building has a Zinsco 6 meter/main breaker bank.

I need to replace one of the main breakers it's a 40 amp double pole.

Some jackass replaced it with a 60 amp at one time and since I saw it I can't leave it like that.

I see them available and remanufactured on the internet.

Anyway, any leads, advice, recomendations on where to (or where not to) shop would be greatly appreciated.

Mike Friedman, MJF Electric


This is the reply (which I believe to be true):

"I don't deal with anything that small, and anyone claiming they remanufactured something that small is full of it, they just wiped it off to make it look pretty. To remanufacture any MCCB per recognized standard it takes several days of labor, parts, and testing so it costs several hundred bucks to reman even the smallest one, which is why any reputable dealer will not sell them."

"Someone makes a replacement for those. But, if you ever need anything larger give me a shout."


At that point, I bought a new replacement breaker even though "remanufactured" breakers were available at a significant savings.

 

[templdl]

Here's a copy of a PM I had with another forum member a few years ago regarding remanufactured breakers:


Over the years reading posts here it seems to me like you would be the guy to ask about finding a zinsco "RC38-40dp" breaker.

I know, replace the panel, right. Not going to happen at this time.

Condo complex, each building has a Zinsco 6 meter/main breaker bank.

I need to replace one of the main breakers it's a 40 amp double pole.

Some jackass replaced it with a 60 amp at one time and since I saw it I can't leave it like that.

I see them available and remanufactured on the internet.

Anyway, any leads, advice, recomendations on where to (or where not to) shop would be greatly appreciated.

Mike Friedman, MJF Electric


This is the reply (which I believe to be true):

"I don't deal with anything that small, and anyone claiming they remanufactured something that small is full of it, they just wiped it off to make it look pretty. To remanufacture any MCCB per recognized standard it takes several days of labor, parts, and testing so it costs several hundred bucks to reman even the smallest one, which is why any reputable dealer will not sell them."

"Someone makes a replacement for those. But, if you ever need anything larger give me a shout."


At that point, I bought a new replacement breaker even though "remanufactured" breakers were available at a significant savings.

Great!! At least you know the plays and are doing the right thing when it is so easy to not do so. I learned a few things about how you go about adrewwing that issue.
Thanks

 

[thunder15j]

A Sylvania panel is a ancient relic, & any used parts provided will be owned (warrantied) by the installing contractor for a year, at least in CA, IMHO, replace it or walk.......

BTW, Zinsco became Sylvania, which was sold by GTE & was renamed Challenger, & was later purchased by Westinghouse, who later bought the CBS TV network & sold off their industrial lines, Eaton bought the electrical lines & merged it into their Cutler-Hammer subsidiary & sold Challenger & the Westinghouse safety switch line to T & B......

Thanks for the history lesson. I enjoy that kind of info. You must have been in the business for a long time... or you are linked to a good website for electrical trivia.