Is a burning smell from a plug socket dangerous?

Yes — assume it is. It usually means a connection is arcing and overheating, which is a fire risk. Switch the circuit off and have it checked before using it again.

The smell has gone — do I still need an electrician?

Yes. The smell going does not mean the fault is fixed; it may just mean the circuit is off or the load has changed. The underlying loose or damaged connection is still there and still a risk.

Troubleshooting & Advice

What to Do If You Smell Burning Electrics

A burning smell from electrics is never normal. Here are the steps to take straight away — and why you should not wait.

By Steels Electrical · 4 June 2026 · 4 min read

The short answer

If you smell burning from a socket, switch or fuse box, treat it as an emergency. Stop using the affected circuit, switch it off at the consumer unit, unplug anything on it, and do not use it again until an electrician has checked it. If there is smoke, scorching or heat, switch off the main supply and call 999 if you suspect a fire. Then call an emergency electrician.

A burning or “fishy” smell from your electrics is one of the few electrical problems that genuinely cannot wait. It usually means a component is overheating — and overheating is how electrical fires start. Here is exactly what to do.

Take these steps immediately

If you smell burning from sockets, switches, the fuse box or an appliance:

Switch off the affected circuit at the consumer unit. If you are not sure which one, switch off the main switch.
Unplug appliances on that circuit if it is safe to reach them.
Do not touch anything that is hot, scorched or smoking.
If there is smoke or visible burning, get everyone out and call 999.
Open windows to clear fumes once the power is off.
Do not use the circuit again until an electrician has inspected it.

What causes that burning smell

A hot-plastic or fishy smell from electrics is typically overheating insulation or a component. Common causes are a loose connection in a socket or switch arcing and heating up, an overloaded socket or extension lead, a failing appliance, or a fault at the consumer unit. The smell often appears before there is any visible damage — which is exactly why it should not be ignored.

Why you should not wait

Electrical fires frequently start at loose connections that have been quietly overheating for weeks. By the time you can smell it, the problem is already advanced. A quick visit to find and fix the connection is a small job; a fire is not. If you are anywhere in Manchester, Stockport or Tameside, we offer a 24/7 emergency call-out for exactly this kind of problem.

Frequently asked questions

Is a burning smell from a plug socket dangerous?: Yes — assume it is. It usually means a connection is arcing and overheating, which is a fire risk. Switch the circuit off and have it checked before using it again.
The smell has gone — do I still need an electrician?: Yes. The smell going does not mean the fault is fixed; it may just mean the circuit is off or the load has changed. The underlying loose or damaged connection is still there and still a risk.

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