A Common Panel With a Controversial History
Today, during a 4-point inspection, I opened an electrical panel and immediately spotted the brand: Sylvania.
Now, if you’re not in the industry, that name might not mean much to you. But for home inspectors, electricians, and insurance underwriters, seeing “Sylvania” on a panel raises eyebrows.
Let’s talk about why.
A Quick History
Sylvania panels were manufactured back when Zinsco was still around. In fact, many of the panels labeled as Sylvania are essentially Zinsco panels rebranded. These panels were commonly installed in homes built in the 1970s and 1980s.
The issue? These panels were later found to have design flaws that could cause the breakers to overheat, fail to trip, or even melt to the bus bar, creating a serious fire hazard.
Some models are worse than others, but generally speaking, if the panel says Sylvania and it has the Zinsco-style breakers (thin breakers that slide onto an aluminum bus bar), it’s a known red flag.
Why It Matters
Most homeowners never even think about their electrical panel until there’s a problem. But insurance companies? They care a lot.
- Many carriers will not write or renew a policy if a home has a Sylvania (Zinsco) panel.
- Some may give you 30 days to replace it after a home inspection report.
- Others will flat-out deny coverage unless it’s been upgraded.
These panels may still function, but that doesn’t mean they’re safe or insurable.
What We Do During an Inspection
When we open an electrical panel, we document the brand, condition, and any visible issues. In the case of Sylvania panels:
- We take photos of the interior and exterior of the panel.
- We look for signs of overheating, arcing, or corrosion.
- We note the type of breakers and whether they’re the original Zinsco-style.
- And if we find one? We flag it for further evaluation by a licensed electrician.
What Should You Do?
If you have a Sylvania panel in your home, here are a few steps you can take:
- Get it evaluated by a licensed electrician familiar with these models.
- If you’re planning to sell your home, consider replacing it ahead of time to avoid delays.
- If you’re buying a home with one, budget for a replacement in your negotiations.
Replacing an outdated panel may not be cheap, but it’s a smart investment and sometimes a necessary one.
Sylvania panels are a piece of electrical history, but not one you want active in your home today. At SW Inspections, we know what to look for and how to document it clearly for insurance companies and real estate agents.
Not sure what kind of panel you have? Book an inspection and we’ll walk you through everything you need to know.