200A Service Upgrade - Zinsco Panel Replacement in Elk Grove
Before
After
Project Highlights
Upgraded electrical service from 100A to 200A for increased capacity
Eliminated critical safety hazard by replacing notorious Zinsco meter main
Met strict insurance requirements with modern code-compliant installation
Installed new meter main with proper grounding and bonding
Enhanced home safety by removing fire-prone electrical system
Passed utility and building department inspections on first attempt
Provided homeowner with peace of mind and insurability
Project Overview
This Elk Grove homeowner faced a critical situation: their insurance company required immediate replacement of the home’s outdated Zinsco meter main panel. Zinsco electrical panels, manufactured from the 1950s through the 1970s, are now recognized as serious fire hazards due to their inherent design flaws and have been widely discontinued.
Beyond the immediate insurance requirement, the existing 100A service was insufficient for the home’s modern electrical needs. We performed a complete service upgrade to 200A, providing both the safety compliance and electrical capacity the homeowner needed.
Challenges Addressed
Zinsco Panel Hazards
Zinsco panels are notorious for several critical safety issues:
- Bus Bar Failure: The aluminum bus bars are prone to overheating and melting
- Breaker Malfunction: Circuit breakers often fail to trip during overload conditions
- Fire Risk: These panels have been linked to numerous residential fires
- Insurance Liability: Most insurance companies now refuse to cover homes with Zinsco panels
Additional Concerns
- Insufficient Capacity: Original 100A service could not safely handle modern appliances and electrical loads
- Code Compliance: Existing installation did not meet current California electrical codes
- Insurance Requirements: Immediate replacement was mandatory for policy renewal
- Safety Risk: Every day the Zinsco panel remained installed posed a significant fire hazard
Solution Details
We completed a comprehensive service upgrade including:
Service Upgrade
- Coordinated with PG&E for utility service disconnection and reconnection
- Upgraded electrical service from 100A to 200A capacity
- Installed new meter main with modern safety features
- Properly sized service entrance conductors per NEC requirements
Electrical Panel Replacement
- Removed and disposed of dangerous Zinsco meter main panel
- Installed code-compliant main breaker panel with 200A capacity
- Modern circuit breakers with proper overcurrent protection
- Proper grounding and bonding per current electrical code
Safety Features
- Ground fault protection for required circuits
- Proper weatherproofing and exterior-rated equipment
- Professional circuit labeling for easy identification
- Surge protection capability for sensitive electronics
Results
The homeowner now has a safe, reliable electrical system that:
- Meets all insurance company requirements for coverage
- Provides ample capacity for current and future electrical needs
- Eliminates the serious fire hazard posed by the Zinsco panel
- Complies with all current California electrical codes
- Passed both utility and building department inspections on the first attempt
This project demonstrates our commitment to electrical safety and our expertise in handling critical safety upgrades. The homeowner can now rest easy knowing their home’s electrical system is both safe and properly insured.