Originally Posted By: jpope This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Do you ever get the feeling that you’re just in a bad neighborhood?
After inspecting one of the worst Zinsco panels I've ever come across, along with an equally scary service drop, I'm on the roof of the home and look over at the house next door and see this.
Apparently this whole neighborhood had Zinsco service panels 
-- Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
"At JPI, we'll help you look better"
(661) 212-0738
Originally Posted By: jpeck This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Jeff,
When I saw the heading "Bad Neighborhood" I thought about yesterday's inspection ... overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway from a large house in Palm Beach. 
Not to worry, there were pigeons in the attic, what a mess.
Originally Posted By: bkelly1 This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Is posting a picture, or even taking a picture of someone’s property without permission a crime. Someone once told me it was called voyerism? or something similiar…Just asking.
Originally Posted By: jpope This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
mkober wrote:
What's the history on Zinsco servicel panels? Never heard of them, much less seen any.
Sorry Mike. I must have missed this post.
Zinsco/Sylvania have a reputation quite similar to FPE although they have their own unique problems as well. To really get up to speed, I would suggest you run a search on this board for all of the previous Zinsco threads.
Here is my stand. To sum it up, Zinsco/Sylvania panels, just by virtue of the brand name, warrant (at minimum) a thorough inspection by a qualified electrician. The inspection should include dismantling of the panel to expose the bus bars and mechanical operation of all of the breakers.
Jerry P. will say "Don't waste your time, just throw it away." Others will say, "If you see no obvious problems, leave it alone."
I have recommended in-depth inspections on Zinsco panels that appeared to have had no problems only to find out from the sparkie, that several of the breakers were completely frozen - they could not be opened by hand and would not trip even when excessive over-current was applied.
The blade type bus bar is the Zinsco signature. These have their own problems and most have signs of damage.
Here is a picture showing the blade type bus bars that will assure you that you are looking at a Zinsco.
Here's a 100 amp main that wouldn't trip.
-- Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
"At JPI, we'll help you look better"
(661) 212-0738
I guess that was a logical choice for a replacement. 
?