Zinsco Panels

Potential Fire Hazard. Because they are prone to failure, Zinsco electrical panels are considered unsafe. The main concern is that they can catch fire from (i) circuit breakers overheating, and (ii) connections at bus bars becoming loose, which causes arcing inside the panels. Because the panels pose a fire hazard, many insurance carriers require condominium associations to replace them with a safer product. Failure to do so could make a condominium complex uninsurable.

Options for Replacement. Boards of directors have two options. The first is to require homeowners to hire an electrician to replace their panels. The second option is for the association to hire an electrician to do the work and impose a special assessment to pay for the materials and labor. Each option has its pros and cons. Having everyone hire an electrician may lead owners to choose the cheapest option, which may or may not be licensed and insured. Also, you may need to threaten some owners with lawsuits if they refuse to do the work. 

The second option ensures that a properly vetted, licensed, and insured electrician does the work. It may also be cheaper because of economies of scale. It will be easier to get the work done promptly. The downside is getting some people to open their doors for the work. In addition, someone will always claim that their unit was somehow damaged as a result. To minimize the risk, have someone accompany the electrician into the unit and take before-and-after photos of the panel.

Other Unsafe Electrical Panels

Insurance carriers have identified other electrical panels they consider problematic. Condominium associations should have an electrician inspect their electrical systems. If problems are identified, boards will need to begin setting aside funds to replace the panels, or, depending on the panels’ condition, pass an emergency special assessment and begin replacing them. 

• Federal Pacific
• Sylvania
• Magniprip
• Challenger
• Spa-blok
• Murray

ASSISTANCE: Associations needing legal assistance can contact us. To stay current with community association issues, subscribe to the Davis-Stirling Newsletter.