Published September 30, 2026
What is a Zinsco panel?
Zinsco was a brand of residential electrical panels and breakers installed in many homes built from roughly the 1950s through the 1970s. The company is long gone, but a lot of its panels are still in service, including in older neighborhoods around Sacramento, Carmichael, and Citrus Heights.
Zinsco panels are widely regarded by electricians and home inspectors as a concern, and many insurers and home inspectors flag them during a sale. The main issue raised is that some breakers may not reliably trip when they should.
How to tell if you have one
Open the door of your main electrical panel (usually in the garage or on an exterior wall) and look for the Zinsco or GTE-Sylvania name on the label. Zinsco breakers are often multi-colored rather than all black.
Only look. Do not remove the panel cover or touch breakers or wiring; that work belongs to a qualified electrician.
Warning signs to take seriously
Breakers that feel warm, a burning smell near the panel, flickering lights, or breakers that never seem to trip are all reasons to call an electrician promptly, whatever brand of panel you have.
Our free panel inspection
Sacramento Edge Construction offers free panel inspections. Our electrical department, led by Anthony Francisco and Edwardo Cervantez, will take a look at your panel, explain what we see in plain language, and let you know whether a repair or replacement makes sense. There is no obligation.
If a replacement is the right call, we can give you a free estimate and discuss financing options. Request your inspection through the estimate form or call us directly.