What Causes a Burning Smell Near a Power Point or Switchboard?

A burning smell near a power point, light switch or switchboard should always be treated as urgent. It usually means a connection is overheating, a circuit is overloaded or insulation is starting to melt, and any of these can lead to an electrical fire. Switch off the affected circuit at the switchboard if it's safe to do so, don't touch the fitting, and call a licensed electrician straight away. If you see smoke or flames, leave the building and call 000.

What to do right now

• Smoke, flames or sparking: get everyone out and call 000. Don't try to fight an electrical fire with water.
• Smell only: if you can reach the switchboard safely and it isn't hot, smoking or buzzing, switch off the circuit for that area, or the main switch.
• Don't touch the outlet, switch or board where the smell is coming from.
• Unplug nearby appliances only if the plug and outlet aren't hot or damaged.
• Call an electrician. This is exactly what 24/7 emergency callouts are for.

What different smells can mean

Fishy or "urine-like" smell: many electrical components are made from plastics and resins that give off a distinctive fishy odour when they overheat. People often look for a dead animal before realising it's the power point. Take it seriously.

Hot plastic or burning rubber: usually cable insulation, a plug or a fitting overheating.

Dusty burning smell from a heater: if it happens the first time a heater or ducted system runs after months off, it's often dust burning off and fades quickly. If it persists, have it checked.

Common causes

Loose or corroded connections

The most common cause. When a wire isn't held tightly in a terminal, current passing through the poor connection generates heat. The plastic around it can start to smell well before there's visible damage. Loose connections occur in power points, light switches, junction boxes and the switchboard itself, especially in older homes.

An overloaded circuit

Heaters, kettles, air fryers and other high-draw appliances on the same circuit, or plugged into a power board, can overheat the outlet or cable. Older homes often have wiring and power points that were never designed for modern loads. See are power boards safe long-term?

Ageing wiring

Very old rubber-insulated (VIR) cable becomes brittle and can crumble, exposing conductors. If your home hasn't been rewired in many decades, read can old wiring be dangerous?

A failing appliance

Sometimes the smell is from an appliance, not the fixed wiring. If the smell disappears when one appliance is unplugged and the outlet is cool and undamaged, have that appliance checked or replaced.

Downlights and light fittings

Old halogen downlights run very hot and can scorch nearby materials or insulation if they don't have proper clearance. See can downlights be a fire hazard?

Warning signs that often come before a burning smell

• power points or switches that feel warm
• brown or black discolouration around outlets or on the switchboard
• flickering lights or breakers that keep tripping
• buzzing or crackling sounds

If you notice any of these, book an inspection before it gets worse. Our guide to warm, sparking or noisy power points covers what's normal and what isn't.

What an electrician will do

A licensed electrician will isolate power to the affected area, find the source of the heat, and check the wiring and connections either side of it. Typical repairs include replacing a damaged outlet or switch, remaking connections, replacing heat-damaged cable, and splitting an overloaded circuit. If the switchboard is the source, or shows heat damage, a switchboard upgrade may be needed. In Victoria, you'll receive a Certificate of Electrical Safety for the repair work.