Why do my electrics smell like burning plastic or fish?

The distinctive smell comes from overheating plastic insulation, bakelite, or PVC in electrical components. A fishy smell in particular often indicates an overheating electrical component. Always treat this as an emergency.

Is it safe to just turn off the circuit and wait until tomorrow?

Turning off the circuit is the right first step. However, you should call an electrician as soon as possible. The damaged component could reignite if the circuit is accidentally turned back on, and the underlying fault needs professional repair.

What should I do if smoke is coming from a socket?

Turn off the main switch at the consumer unit immediately if you can reach it safely. Do not pull the plug from a smoking socket — turn off the supply first. If the socket catches fire, use a CO2 or dry powder extinguisher. If in doubt, evacuate and call 999.

Could it just be a new appliance smell?

New appliances can produce a slight smell when first used, but this should not be confused with an electrical burning smell coming from a socket or the consumer unit. If the smell is coming from the socket itself or from behind a switch plate, it is not the appliance — it is a wiring fault.

Emergency

Updated 30 August 2026

Smell Of Burning From Electrics

You can smell burning coming from a socket, switch, consumer unit, or electrical fitting.

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What's happening?

A burning smell from any part of your electrical installation is a warning sign of overheating. This is caused by a connection that has become loose and is arcing, an overloaded circuit generating excessive heat, or a component that is failing. Electrical burning has a distinctive acrid smell, often described as hot plastic or fish. It should always be treated as an emergency.

What usually causes it?

Loose connection at a socket, switch, or junction box causing arcing
Overloaded socket or circuit generating heat beyond safe levels
Failing MCB or RCD in the consumer unit overheating
Melting cable insulation from an overcurrent fault
Faulty appliance overheating and burning the socket it is plugged into

Is it dangerous?

Extremely dangerous. A burning smell from electrics means something is overheating and could be about to catch fire. This is a pre-fire condition. Turn off the affected circuit or the main switch immediately. If you see smoke or flames, evacuate and call 999.

Can I fix it myself?

Turn off the circuit or the main switch at the consumer unit immediately. If you can identify the specific socket or fitting that smells, isolate just that circuit. Unplug any appliance that is plugged into a scorched or discoloured socket. Do not continue to use the circuit. Do not attempt to investigate behind the socket plate — the components may still be dangerously hot.

When should you call an electrician?

Call an emergency electrician immediately. A burning smell from electrics is one of the most urgent electrical faults in a home. Even if the smell fades after you turn off the circuit, the underlying fault remains and could reignite. Do not restore power until an electrician has found and repaired the cause.

What will the electrician actually do?

Locate the source of the burning smell using visual inspection and thermal imaging if available
Inspect the consumer unit for overheating busbars, connections, and protective devices
Check all sockets and connections on the affected circuit for arcing damage
Replace any damaged sockets, switches, cables, or consumer unit components
Test the circuit to confirm it is safe before restoring power
Advise on any wider installation issues that may have contributed to the fault