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An electrical burning smell in house, in most cases, is the smell of burnt rubber from the wiring covering. First of all, it’s barely a pleasant aroma, but what is more important — burnt rubber releases toxic particles, which are harmful to your health. Usually, such a smell is a sign of overheating wires and overloaded circuits. However, ignoring a problem isn’t a solution either. In this guide we will clear up every step you should take to avoid health hazards, costly repairs, and major damage from a faulty electrical grid. If you’re reading this article while having this issue, contact our expert residential electricians now.
What to Do Immediately When You Smell Electrical Burning
Don’t wait for a miracle when you’ve noticed a burning electrical smell. Only your quick actions can save you and your devices from further damage.
- Turn off the suspected source. If you can approximately locate the source of the smell, unplug it immediately.
- Shut off power at the breaker (if needed). When step 1 doesn’t work and you still can feel a strong burning smell, turn off the breaker.
- Look for visible signs. It might be a problem with an outlet, so check for burning marks around them. Also look if your lights are flickering or you can hear buzzing sounds.
- Avoid using affected circuits. Do not continue operating appliances or switches in that area.
- Call a professional. If the smell of electrical burning in house spaces continues, schedule an electric repair service right away.
Don’t ignore any unpleasant electrical odors, since they are a common sign of safety hazards. According to the U.S. Department of Energy stats, electrical system problems are a leading cause of electrical fires and home inefficiency.
What an Electrical Burning Smell Is Like (And What It Often Signals)
An electrical burning smell is sharp, acrid, and similar to melting plastic or overheated wiring. Many homeowners describe it as a plastic smell or the smell of overheated insulation.
Common causes:
- Overloaded circuits
- Loose or damaged wiring
- Failing appliances
- Short circuits
- Aging electrical panels
The electricity itself doesn’t smell. But it has an ability to create heat. In turn, heat melts the insulation so you feel the smell of burning electrical wires. Damaged insulation can easily lead to electrical fires, so never leave this issue unattended.
Is It Electrical or Something Else? Fast Ways to Tell
When you smell electrical burning somewhere around your house, it’s important to track the source to tell if it’s wiring or not.
Burning Smell from an Outlet or Switch
Our top electrician, Slavic, shares this:
If you suspect that you feel an electrical outlet burning smell, there is something you can do. Usually, when loose connections or overloaded wiring hide behind your wall, you can feel the warmth around it. Don’t touch it though! Just hover your hand around and look for discolored spots to ensure that’s the case.
Burning Smell from the Breaker Panel
Once you’ve realized there’s a burning wire smell coming from the breaker panel, don’t panic and don’t think it’ll pass by itself. Any issues with a breaker panel can be pretty dangerous. In addition, buzzing sounds or visible scorching are symptoms of a failing breaker or overloaded circuit. All you need to do when you see any of these is call a professional electrician the very next second.
Burning Smell from One Appliance (Microwave, Dishwasher, HVAC Blower)
Electrical problems don’t always stay behind the walls but also can be inside your appliances. You might notice that you’re smelling electrical burning only when a specific device runs. At this point, the problem is likely to be in the internal wiring or a failing motor. HVAC blowers and dishwashers are common culprits.
HomeAdvisor confirms our observations that the sooner you detect the electrical problem, the higher the chances repair will save the device.
Burning Smell in One Room Only
You can notice the smell of electrical burning in house located only in one room. That is a sign that the circuit’s wiring or outlets are damaged there. Damaged insulation inside walls often produces a persistent burning electrical smell.
Most Common Causes of an Electrical Burning Smell
Overloaded Circuits
Too many devices on one circuit cause heat buildup and wire damage.
Loose Electrical Connections
Loose wiring increases resistance, generating heat and a burning wire smell.
Aging or Damaged Wiring
Older homes may have deteriorating insulation.
Faulty Breakers
Breakers that fail to trip properly allow overheating.
Poor Electrical Maintenance
Skipping routine electrical maintenance increases the risk of hidden hazards.
What Not to Do
Don’t Ignore It
An electrical burning smell in house conditions should never be dismissed. Even if it fades, the problem may still exist.
Don’t Spray Air Freshener
Masking a burning electrical smell only delays action and increases risk.
Don’t Keep Resetting Breakers
Repeatedly resetting a tripping breaker can worsen wiring damage.
Don’t Attempt DIY Wiring Repairs
Electrical systems require trained professionals. Incorrect repairs can lead to serious hazards.
When to Call an Electrician
Whenever you’re smelling electrical burning, calling a licensed electrician is the best solution. Buzzing sounds or discolored spots around outlets are also reasons to have professional attention.
Professional inspection ensures:
- Safe diagnosis
- Proper repairs
- Code compliance
- Long-term protection
You can’t just wait and see what happens with the issue. Contact Fuse Service immediately, so our experienced technicians can restore safety and peace of mind.
