Manufactured for obsolete electrical panels, the Zinsco QC250 is a 50-amp, two-pole circuit breaker. It provides dependable thermal-magnetic trip functions for standard residential and commercial applications. This plug-on breaker mounts into legacy Zinsco load centers, ensuring exact compatibility for older infrastructure. When seeking a newly manufactured equivalent, the UBIZ250 serves as the direct substitute.
What load centers are compatible with the Zinsco QC250?
The QC250 is designed exclusively for use in legacy Zinsco load centers. It will not fit in modern panels from other manufacturers.
Can I use the QC250 in a Sylvania electrical panel?
Yes, if the panel is a GTE Sylvania panel that specifically accepts Zinsco QC style breakers. GTE Sylvania purchased Zinsco and continued manufacturing panels that use the exact same breaker footprint.
Is there a modern aftermarket replacement for the Zinsco QC250?
Yes, the Connecticut Electric UBIZ250 is a newly manufactured, direct aftermarket replacement for the 50-amp, 2-pole Zinsco QC250.
Are there known safety concerns with legacy Zinsco circuit breakers?
Yes. Legacy Zinsco panels and breakers have documented safety issues, including breakers failing to trip during overcurrent events and breakers welding to the bus bar. Many electricians recommend replacing the entire panel when these issues are present.
Can a faulty QC250 breaker cause damage to the panel bus bar?
Yes. A common failure mode for legacy Zinsco breakers is poor contact with the bus bar, which can lead to arcing, overheating, and the breaker melting or welding itself to the bus bar.
How does the QC250 connect to the panel bus bar?
The QC250 uses a plug-on mounting style, clipping directly onto the bus bar in compatible Zinsco load centers. Ensure the bus bar is free of corrosion or pitting before installation, as Zinsco panels are prone to bus bar degradation.
What wire sizes are accepted by the lugs on the QC250?
The terminal lugs accept wire gauges from 14 AWG to 4 AWG. Ensure you use the correct wire size for a 50-amp circuit, which is typically 6 AWG for copper or 4 AWG for aluminum, depending on the insulation type and local electrical codes.
What does the LI trip function code mean on this breaker?
The LI designation indicates that the breaker features both Long-Time and Instantaneous trip functions. The long-time function protects against sustained overloads, while the instantaneous function trips immediately during a short circuit, providing standard thermal-magnetic protection.
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Reviews
Review summary
Customers rate this product 5.0 out of 5 based on 15 reviews.
My experience was great. I had the item quickly; and it was more reasonably priced than other places I checked. Not having to pay freight was an absolute bonus.