Sylvania electrical panels may be hiding potentially hazardous conditions

Sylvania electrical panels may be hiding potentially hazardous conditions. Sylvania is linked with the brand Zinsco, which is red flagged by insurance professionals and electricians as a hazardous electrical panel manufacturer. The problem with these brands of panels is that the breakers can malfunction or trip without cutting off the power. Conditions such as arcing or overheating were a common problem which led to their widespread replacement.

The panel design features aluminum bus bars which may corrode and deteriorate, eventually fusing together with the breakers, no longer allowing for a disconnection during overload conditions. Another problem is that the breakers may be switched off at the handle, but may still be conducting power due to the design issues.

If you have an electrical panel which features the brand names zinsco or Sylvania, it is strongly advised to contact your electrician to have the panel fully evaluated.