What Does an Electrical Fire Smell Like?

You notice an odd smell in your home, like something might be burning. But you don’t see any smoke or flames. You might be catching the first whiff of an electrical fire, which can smell like burning plastic, rubber, hot metal, or even rotting fish. 

Over 20,000 electrical fires occur in the U.S. every year. They’re one of the sneakier types of fires because the danger can begin behind walls where you can’t spot it right away. If you notice an electrical fire smell in your home, never ignore it. Taking quick action could help save your home and protect your family. 

Key Takeaways 

• An electrical fire often smells like burning plastic, rubber, hot metal, or fish. 
• Common causes of an electrical fire are faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, and worn-out appliances. 
• If you smell burning with no clear source of fire, cut the power in your home and call for help. 
• Watch for warning signs of an electrical fire, like warm outlets, flickering lights, or buzzing sounds. 
• If you experience an electrical fire, SERVPRO can help you clean and restore your home “Like it never happened.” 

What Does an Electrical Fire Smell Like?

How an electrical fire smells depends on the material that’s overheating in your house.  

• Melting wire tends to smell like burning plastic since that’s the material coating the wires themselves. 
• Rubber components can give off a sharp, chemical scent, which some people think smells like rotting fish. 
• Arcing wires (when electricity jumps across a gap) can create a metallic smell or something close to ozone. 

The run-up to an electrical fire can give off a range of smells. So, if you notice an unexplained burning smell near your outlets, appliances, walls, or electrical panels, take it very seriously.  

Common Causes of an Electrical Burning Smell

A burning smell in your home won’t tell you exactly what’s wrong. What it can indicate, however, is that something behind your walls, inside an appliance, or within your wiring is running hotter than it should. 

Some of the more common issues that could cause an electrical fire smell: 

• Overloaded circuits and outlets: Plugging in too many devices or running appliances with high wattages on a single circuit can push your system past what it’s built to handle.  
• Loose, damaged, or aging wiring: Over time, the insulation in your wires can break down, while connections can naturally work themselves loose. This can create hot spots where the wires meet. 
• Overheating appliances and electrical components: Dust, worn-out motors, and internal defects can make your appliances run hotter than usual. 
• Faulty circuit breakers: If your breaker doesn’t trip properly when power demands get too high, it can lead to dangerous heat buildup. 

What to Do If You Smell Electrical Burning

Catching the scent of an electrical fire in your home, can be incredibly scary, especially if you can’t find the source. Resist the urge to start opening up outlets, panels, or appliances. Anything plugged in can carry a dangerous live current.  

Instead, play it safe and follow these steps: 

• Don’t touch damaged equipment: Avoid outlets, cords, or appliances that look scorched, melted, or that feel hot. 
• Get out if things escalate: If you see smoke, flames, sparks, or if the odor gets stronger, move everyone (including pets) out of your home and call 911.  
• Cut the power, but only if it’s safe: If you can reach your electrical panel without walking through smoke or danger, shut off your breaker. 
• Never use water on an electrical fire: Water conducts electricity. Throwing water on an electrical fire can put you at risk of a dangerous shock.  

Your safety and your family’s safety are always your first priority when putting out an electrical fire. Once the danger has passed, you can have a licensed electrician pinpoint the issue, and SERVPRO can address any fire and smoke damage.  

Warning Signs That May Accompany the Smell

If you’ve got electrical issues in your home, a burning smell usually doesn’t show up alone. Pay attention to what else is happening inside the house: 

• Smoke (even if it’s just a faint trace) 
• Visible sparks 
• Buzzing, crackling, or popping sounds 
• Outlets or switches that feel hot or look discolored 
• Breakers that keep tripping 
• Flickering or dimming lights 
• Sudden loss of power in one area 

Treat these warning signs the same way you’d handle an electrical fire smell. Get your family to safety and call for help.  

After an Electrical Fire: Inspection and Restoration

If you have an electrical fire in your house, let the firefighters handle the emergency. Don’t begin thinking about repairs until they give you the green light that it’s safe to return. Bring in a licensed electrician who can inspect and fix your electrical system. 

From there, SERVPRO can tackle any fire damage restoration. That can include clearing away smoke, soot, and lingering odors and checking for residue in other areas of your home. Our fire damage restoration process is designed to get your house back to normal.  

How to Reduce the Risk of Electrical Fires

Don’t let the conditions for an electrical fire build up over time. A little prevention can go a long way toward lowering your risk of facing an electrical fire in your home.  

• Use cords and outlets wisely: Don’t overload outlets and swap out any cord that’s frayed or cracked. 
• Operate appliances correctly: Unplug appliances you aren’t using and keep the vents of your electronics clear of dust. 
• Keep flammable items away from heat: Give space heaters, outlets, and electrical panels plenty of room to breathe.  
• Schedule an inspection: Call a licensed electrician to assess your home if you notice signs that could eventually turn into an electrical fire. 
• Stay ready: Test your smoke alarms every month and keep a Class C fire extinguisher in your house.  

Call SERVPRO After Fire and Smoke Damage 

No one plans for an electrical fire, but if you experience one, the most important thing is that you and your family are safe.  

After the firefighters and a licensed electrician have cleared your home, SERVPRO can help with the rest. Our experienced and knowledgeable team is available 24/7 to clear away the smoke, soot, and that lingering electrical fire smell.  

Find your local SERVPRO today.  

FAQs

What Does an Electrical Fire Smell Like?

Most people describe the smell of an electrical fire as burning plastic, hot rubber, or scorched metal, sometimes with a fishy or chemical edge. The smell comes from overheating wiring and other components.  

Why Do I Smell Electrical Burning When Nothing Is Burning?

Wires and electrical components can overheat inside your walls, outlets, or appliances long before you see any flames. The smell means something is running too hot. A fire may not have started yet, but it could soon if you ignore the warning signs.  

Should I Call 911 If I Smell Electrical Burning?

Yes, especially if the smell is strong, doesn’t fade, or you notice smoke, sparks, or heat. When in doubt, evacuate your house and call 911. It’s always better to be cautious with electrical hazards.