Burning Smell from Electrical Outlet: What to Do Immediately

Burning Smell from Electrical Outlet: Take Action Now

If you smell burning coming from an electrical outlet, switch, or anywhere in your walls, this is a serious warning sign that requires immediate attention. Electrical fires can start behind walls where you can't see them, making a burning smell one of the most important warning signs to never ignore.

Immediate Steps to Take

1. Don't Panic, But Act Quickly

A burning smell doesn't always mean there's an active fire, but it does mean something is wrong and getting worse.

2. Turn Off Power to the Circuit

If you can safely access your electrical panel:

• Find the breaker for the affected circuit
• Switch it to the OFF position
• If you're unsure which breaker, turn off the main breaker

3. Unplug All Devices from the Outlet

Remove anything plugged into the outlet showing problems. This stops the flow of electricity and removes fuel from the potential fire source.

4. Check for Visible Damage

Without touching the outlet, look for:

• Burn marks or discoloration
• Melted plastic
• Visible sparking
• Smoke

5. Feel for Heat (Carefully)

Using the back of your hand (never your palm), check if the wall around the outlet feels warm or hot. Don't touch the outlet itself.

When to Call 911

Call emergency services immediately if you see:

• Active flames
• Visible smoke coming from walls
• Sparking that won't stop
• Fire spreading

Common Causes of Electrical Burning Smells

Overloaded Outlet

When too many devices draw power through a single outlet, the wiring can overheat. This is especially common with:

• Power strips loaded with devices
• Space heaters
• Multiple high-draw appliances

Loose Wiring Connections

Over time, wire connections can loosen, creating resistance that generates heat. This is particularly common in:

• Older Vancouver homes (30+ years)
• Outlets that have been heavily used
• DIY electrical work

Faulty Outlet

Outlets wear out over time. Signs of a failing outlet include:

• Plugs that feel loose
• Sparking when plugging/unplugging
• Discoloration around the outlet

Damaged Wiring Behind Walls

Wiring can be damaged by:

• Rodents chewing through insulation
• Nail or screw punctures
• Age deterioration
• Previous water damage

Aluminum Wiring (1960s-70s Homes)

Many Vancouver-area homes built in the late 1960s and early 1970s have aluminum wiring, which is prone to overheating at connections. If your Burnaby, Richmond, or Surrey home was built during this period, aluminum wiring concerns should be addressed by a licensed electrician.

Why You Need a Professional Electrician

Electrical problems that cause burning smells are not DIY repairs. You need a licensed electrician because:

1. Safety: Working with electrical systems requires proper training and equipment
2. Code compliance: Repairs must meet BC Electrical Code standards
3. Insurance: DIY electrical work can void your home insurance
4. Hidden damage: Professionals can assess damage you can't see

What Our Electricians Will Do

When you call ERG Electric Ltd. for a burning smell concern, our licensed technicians will:

1. Safe inspection of the affected outlet and surrounding wiring
2. Thermal imaging to detect hidden hot spots behind walls
3. Circuit testing to identify the source of the problem
4. Proper repairs that meet all code requirements
5. Documentation for your records and insurance

Preventing Electrical Fires

After addressing the immediate issue, prevent future problems by:

• Never overloading outlets
• Replacing old, worn outlets
• Having your electrical system inspected every 5-10 years
• Upgrading aluminum wiring with proper connectors
• Installing AFCI breakers for arc fault protection

Vancouver's 24/7 Emergency Electrical Service

ERG Electric Ltd. provides 24/7 emergency electrical services throughout Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, and the entire Lower Mainland. Electrical emergencies don't wait for business hours—and neither do we.

Smelling something burning? Don't wait. Call ERG Electric Ltd. immediately at 778-237-2470.