What To Do If an Outlet Smells Like It’s Burning: Follow Our Guide

If you’ve noticed a burning smell coming from an electrical outlet, don’t ignore it − it’s a warning sign that something could be seriously wrong.

That sharp, smoky odour might mean the electrical outlet is overheating, the wiring is faulty, or there’s a risk of an electrical fire. It might be tempting to just unplug everything and hope the smell goes away, but this is one of those situations where quick action matters.

Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take right away to stay safe and prevent damage to your home. In this blog, we’ll walk you through exactly what to do if an outlet smells like it’s burning, common causes of the issue, and how to prevent it from happening again.

Unplug All Devices Immediately

As soon as you notice a burning smell coming from an outlet, the first thing you should do is unplug everything connected to it. This simple action can help prevent further damage or even stop a fire from starting.

Here’s what to do:

Turn off and unplug all devices – Power down anything connected to the outlet (like lamps, chargers, or appliances) and carefully unplug them.
Avoid touching the outlet itself – If the outlet feels hot, don’t touch it directly. Use the plug, not the outlet face.
Move any flammable items away – Keep papers, fabrics, or electronics away from the outlet area just in case.
Don’t plug anything back in – Even if the smell stops, don’t reuse the outlet until a professional inspects it.

Unplugging quickly can help cut power to the faulty connection and reduce the risk of fire.

A man notices a burning smell from an oulet

Do a Quick Visual and Smell Check

After unplugging everything, take a moment to safely inspect the outlet. A quick look and sniff can help you spot warning signs that something’s not right.

Here’s what to check:

Discolouration or scorch marks – Look for black or brown marks around the outlet. This could mean the wiring inside has overheated.
Melted plastic or warping – If the faceplate or plug looks melted or distorted, that’s a strong sign of overheating.
Sparks or smoke – If you see sparks or even a hint of smoke, don’t go any further – call an electrician immediately.
Lingering burning smell – A persistent burnt or fishy odour usually means something electrical is cooking behind the scenes.

Don’t touch the outlet directly, especially if it feels warm or hot. Your goal here isn’t to fix it – just to gather information for your electrician so they can handle it properly.

Don’t Use the Outlet Again Until It’s Inspected

If an outlet smells like it’s burning, it’s essential to stop using it completely – no exceptions.

Even if the smell fades or nothing looks visibly damaged, there could still be hidden wiring issues behind the wall. Using the outlet again without having it checked could lead to serious problems like electric shocks, equipment damage or even an electrical fire.

The safest move is to mark the outlet or cover it so no one accidentally plugs something back in. Then, get in touch with a licensed electrician as soon as possible. They’ll inspect the outlet, the wiring behind it, and the connected circuit to find the root cause of the smell.

It’s better to go without one outlet for a little while than to risk a bigger, more dangerous issue. Safety first – let a professional give it the all-clear before you plug anything in again.

Check Your Circuit Breaker Panel

If an outlet smells like it’s burning, it’s a smart idea to check your circuit breaker panel. Cutting power to the affected outlet can help prevent further damage or reduce the risk of fire. Here’s what to do:

Find your switchboard – Usually located in the garage, hallway, or outside your home.
Identify the circuit – If you know which breaker controls the smelly outlet, switch it off right away.
Look for tripped breakers – A breaker that’s already flipped to the off position or is sitting in the middle may have tripped due to a fault.
Leave it off – Don’t reset or turn it back on until a licensed electrician has checked everything out.

Turning off the circuit is a precautionary step – it won’t fix the issue, but it can help avoid further hazards. Always err on the side of caution when it comes to your home’s electrical safety.

A woman on the phone to an electrician

Call a Licensed Electrician

Once you’ve unplugged everything and made sure no one is using the outlet, your next step should be to call a licensed electrician. A burning smell from an outlet is a serious red flag – it usually points to overheating wires, a damaged outlet, or a bigger electrical issue hiding behind the wall.

Trying to fix it yourself might seem like a good idea, but electrical work is risky without the right training. A qualified electrician can safely inspect the outlet, test the wiring, and identify the cause of the smell. They’ll let you know if the outlet needs to be replaced, rewired, or if there’s a larger issue in your electrical system.

Don’t wait until it becomes a fire hazard. Getting an expert in early means you’re protecting your home, your family, and your peace of mind. When it comes to electricity, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Common Causes of Burning Outlet Smells

A burning smell from an outlet is never normal – and it usually means something is going wrong behind the scenes. Here are some of the most common causes:

Overloaded circuits – Plugging too many high-powered devices into one outlet can cause overheating and melting.
Loose or damaged wiring – Wires that aren’t connected properly can arc, spark and create a burning smell.
Old or worn-out outlets – Outlets wear out over time. If yours is decades old, it might be failing internally.
Faulty appliances – Sometimes the issue isn’t the outlet but the device plugged into it. A damaged plug can overheat and emit a smell.
Moisture in the wall – Water and electricity never mix. Dampness behind the wall can cause short circuits and smells.

If you notice any of these issues, it’s time to stop using the electrical outlet and call a qualified electrician right away.

Preventing Future Issues

Once you’ve dealt with a burning electrical outlet, it’s important to take steps to stop it from happening again.

Here are some simple ways to keep your outlets safe and your home protected:

Avoid overloading outlets – Don’t plug too many high-wattage devices into one outlet. Use power boards with built-in surge protection if needed.
Upgrade old outlets – If your outlets are outdated or worn, have an electrician replace them with modern, safer models.
Schedule regular electrical inspections – A licensed electrician can spot early warning signs and fix small issues before they become big problems.
Use the right appliances – Make sure the devices you’re plugging in are in good condition and don’t have damaged cords or plugs.
Install safety switches – Safety switches (RCDs) cut power instantly if they detect a fault, helping prevent fires and shocks.

Being proactive now can save you from serious trouble later.

An electrician works on an electrical switchboard

Always Put Safety First

A burning smell from an outlet is something you should never ignore. It’s a clear warning that something’s not right – whether it’s faulty wiring, an overloaded circuit or a worn-out outlet.

The good news is that taking quick action can make all the difference. Unplug everything, avoid using the outlet and check your circuit breaker. Then, call in a licensed electrician to inspect things properly. They’ll identify the cause and make sure everything is safe again.

To prevent it from happening in the future, be mindful of how many devices you plug in, keep an eye on the condition of your outlets, and get regular electrical check-ups. When it comes to electricity, safety should always come first. Acting fast not only protects your home – it gives you peace of mind.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Electrical Outlets

Do you have any questions about burning smells from powerpoints? If you do, we’ve got answers to the most commonly asked questions right here.

Yes, it’s still dangerous. A burning smell often means something is overheating behind the outlet, like loose wiring or an overloaded circuit. Even if there’s no visible smoke or damage, it could still lead to an electrical fire. It’s best to stop using the outlet and call a licensed electrician to check it out.

It’s not recommended. While replacing an outlet might seem like a quick fix, the smell could be coming from deeper electrical issues in the wiring or circuit. DIY electrical work can be risky and may make the problem worse. It’s always safest to get a professional to handle it.

Yes, absolutely. If the smell disappears, the issue might still be there – like melted wiring or internal damage. Don’t take chances. Avoid using the outlet until it’s been inspected by a qualified electrician.