What Should I Do If I Smell Burning From a Power Point or Switchboard?
Quick Answer
A burning smell from a power point or switchboard should always be treated as urgent. Turn off and unplug any appliances at that power point if it's safe to reach, avoid touching the switchboard itself, and switch off the main switch if you can do so safely. If you see smoke, flames, or feel unsafe at any point, leave the property and call 000 first, then arrange an emergency electrician.
What Could Be Causing the Problem?
- A loose or overheating wiring connection at the power point or switchboard
- A faulty appliance overheating the outlet it's plugged into
- An overloaded circuit generating excess heat
- Deteriorating insulation on wiring inside the wall or switchboard
- A failing component within the switchboard itself
What Can I Safely Check?
- If safe to do so, unplug any appliance at the affected power point without touching the point itself
- Avoid touching the switchboard, especially if it feels warm or you see any discolouration
- If you can safely reach the main switch, turn off power to the property
- Move away from the area and do not attempt to investigate further yourself
When Should I Call an Electrician?
- Immediately — this is considered an electrical emergency, not a wait-and-see situation
- If you see smoke, flames, or sparking, evacuate and call 000 first
- If the smell persists or returns after isolating power, contact an emergency electrician straight away
- If you're ever unsure whether it's safe to stay in the property, treat it as unsafe and leave
What Will an Electrician Check?
- Safely isolate and test the affected circuit before any further use
- Inspect the power point, switchboard and wiring for the source of overheating
- Identify and repair or replace the faulty component causing the issue
- Check surrounding circuits and connections for related risk
- Confirm the property is safe before restoring power
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Should I call 000 or an electrician first?
If there's any visible smoke, flames, or immediate danger, call 000 first. For a burning smell without visible fire, contact an emergency electrician promptly.
Is it safe to keep using other power points in the house?
It's best to avoid using power points near the affected area until an electrician has assessed the situation, as the underlying cause may not be isolated to just one point.
Can a burning smell go away on its own and not be a problem?
No — a burning smell from electrical equipment should never be ignored, even if it seems to stop, as it indicates a real fault that needs investigation.
What causes a switchboard to smell like it's burning?
This is often caused by a loose connection, overloaded circuit, or a failing component generating heat — all of which need professional assessment.
How quickly can an emergency electrician respond?
Response depends on current availability — call directly to discuss urgency and timing for your situation.
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