Causes of Electrical Burning Smell & How to Find the Source

An electrical burning smell is a warning sign that should never be ignored. It often indicates overheated wiring, overloaded circuits, or failing electrical components, which pose a fire hazard if left unchecked. 

If you smell burning plastic, rubber, or an acrid electrical odor, you need to find the source immediately and take action to prevent a dangerous situation.

This guide will help you understand the most common causes of an electrical burning smell, how to locate the problem, and what steps to take to protect your home and safety.

Jump right in:

🔹 Overloading a Circuit Generates Excess Heat That Damages Wires, Causing a Burning Smell
🔹 Faulty Electrical Wiring Creates Resistance, Leading to Overheating and a Burning Smell
🔹 A Malfunctioning Electrical Outlet Overheats, Burning Insulation and Plastic Components
🔹 Overheating Light Fixtures Cause Wires and Insulation to Burn, Producing a Burning Smell
🔹 A Short Circuit Causes Sparks That Burn Wires and Release a Burning Smell
🔹 A Faulty Circuit Breaker Fails to Shut Off Overloaded Circuits, Overheating Wires and Producing a Burning Smell
🔹 HVAC System Components Overheat, Burning Insulation and Wires That Cause a Burning Smell
🔹 A Failing Electrical Appliance Produces Heat That Burns Internal Wires, Emitting a Burning Smell
🔹 Rodents Chewing on Electrical Wires Expose Conductors, Causing Sparks and a Burning Smell
🔹 Damaged Power Strips and Extension Cords Overheat, Burning Insulation and Producing a Burning Smell

How to Respond to an Electrical Burning Smell

Call (704) 804-3320 if you have any questions or need immediate electrical assistance in Charlotte, NC.

Overloading a Circuit Generates Excess Heat That Damages Wires, Causing a Burning Smell

An overloaded circuit occurs when too many electrical devices draw power from the same circuit. This excessive demand increases heat in the wiring, which can degrade insulation and emit a burning odor. Overheated wires pose a fire hazard, especially if the circuit breaker fails to trip.

How to Find the Source of an Overloading Circuit

  • Check the circuit breaker panel for tripped breakers or a warm surface.
  • Identify outlets with multiple high-power devices plugged in, such as space heaters or kitchen appliances.
  • Feel the outlets and plugs—if they are hot, unplug the devices and allow them to cool.
Close-up of a malfunctioning electrical outlet with scorch marks and an overheating power strip showing melted insulation, a warning of potential fire hazards and electrical damage.

Faulty Electrical Wiring Creates Resistance, Leading to Overheating and a Burning Smell

Damaged, aged, or improperly installed wiring increases electrical resistance. This resistance generates heat, which can burn insulation and cause an odor similar to burning plastic or rubber. Faulty wiring is a serious fire hazard, especially in older homes or buildings with outdated electrical systems.

How to Identify Faulty Electrical Wiring

  • Look for discolored or charred outlets and switch plates.
  • Listen for buzzing or crackling sounds coming from walls or fixtures.
  • If flickering lights or frequent breaker trips occur, there may be wiring issues behind walls.

A Malfunctioning Electrical Outlet Overheats, Burning Insulation and Plastic Components

Loose or worn-out connections inside an outlet create heat buildup, which can melt plastic casing or insulation. If the outlet smells like burning plastic, the electrical contacts may be corroded or loosely connected.

How to Identify a Malfunctioning Outlet

  • Feel for warmth around the outlet cover.
  • Inspect for dark spots or scorch marks on the outlet face.
  • Plug in a small device—if it sparks or smells burned, stop using the outlet.

Overheating Light Fixtures Cause Wires and Insulation to Burn, Producing a Burning Smell

Using a lightbulb with a higher wattage than the fixture rating generates excessive heat. This heat can melt insulation, deform socket components, and burn surrounding materials.

How to Identify Overheating Light Fixtures

  • Check if the bulb wattage exceeds the fixture’s rating (printed inside the socket).
  • Feel the light fixture for excessive heat.
  • Look for discoloration or warping around the socket area.

A Short Circuit Causes Sparks That Burn Wires and Release a Burning Smell

A short circuit happens when an electrical current takes an unintended path, bypassing the resistance and generating intense heat. This can melt wiring insulation, produce sparks, and emit a strong electrical burning smell.

How to Identify a Short Circuit

  • Look for flickering lights, unexpected power loss, or a tripped breaker.
  • Inspect appliances that stopped working suddenly for signs of burning.
  • Smell around outlets, switches, and devices for burnt plastic odors.

A Faulty Circuit Breaker Fails to Shut Off Overloaded Circuits, Overheating Wires and Producing a Burning Smell

Circuit breakers cut power when a circuit overloads. A defective breaker may not trip properly, allowing excessive heat to build up in the wiring and cause insulation to burn.

How to Diagnose a Faulty Circuit Breaker

  • Open the breaker panel and check for warmth or a burning odor.
  • Listen for buzzing noises coming from the panel.
  • Observe if a circuit breaker keeps tripping frequently or fails to reset.

HVAC System Components Overheat, Burning Insulation and Wires that Cause a Burning Smell

Electrical components in furnaces, air handlers, or HVAC blowers can overheat due to motor failure or dust buildup. This can cause wires or insulation inside the system to burn.

How to Identify Faulty HVAC Components

  • Smell near air vents when the HVAC system is running.
  • Check for a burning odor coming from the furnace or air handler unit.
  • If the smell occurs when the system turns on, turn it off and inspect for overheating.

A Failing Electrical Appliance Produces Heat That Burns Internal Wires, Emitting a Burning Smell

Household appliances contain motors, capacitors, and wiring that can overheat. When an internal component burns, it releases a sharp electrical smell.

How to Identify a Failing Electrical Appliance

  • Unplug appliances one by one to see if the smell disappears.
  • Inspect power cords for melting or discoloration.
  • If an appliance stops working suddenly and smells burnt, it may have an internal short.

Rodents Chewing on Electrical Wires Expose Conductors, Causing Sparks and a Burning Smell

Rodents like mice and rats chew through electrical insulation, exposing bare wires. This can create sparks, shorts, and even fires. If wiring is compromised, it can emit a distinct burning odor.

How to Diagnose Chewed Wires

  • Inspect hidden areas like basements, attics, or crawl spaces for chewed wires.
  • Look for droppings or gnaw marks around electrical panels and outlets.
  • If circuits trip randomly, damaged wiring may be the cause.

Damaged Power Strips and Extension Cords Overheat, Burning Insulation and Producing a Burning Smell

Overloaded power strips or frayed extension cords can overheat, melting insulation and releasing a burning smell. Cheap or low-quality power strips are particularly prone to failure.

How to Identify Damaged Power Strips and Extension Cords

  • Check for cords that feel hot to the touch.
  • Look for cracks, frays, or melted spots on extension cords.
  • Unplug devices from the power strip and see if the smell stops.

How to Respond to an Electrical Burning Smell

An electrical burning smell signals a potential fire hazard. Follow these steps to respond and identify the source safely.

1. Turn Off the Power to Prevent Further Overheating

Electrical fires start when excessive heat melts insulation or ignites nearby materials. Cutting power reduces the risk of fire and prevents further damage.

How to Do It

  1. Unplug the device immediately if the smell is localized (such as from an outlet or appliance).
  2. If the smell is widespread or you cannot find the source, turn off the power at the main circuit breaker.
  3. If you hear sizzling, see smoke, or notice a glow inside an outlet or breaker panel, leave the power off and do not attempt repairs.

2. Unplug Devices to Stop Electrical Flow

Faulty appliances, overloaded power strips, or damaged extension cords can overheat and cause a burning smell. Removing the power source helps determine whether the issue comes from a specific device or the electrical system.

How to Do It

  1. Unplug nearby appliances or electronics one by one.
  2. Wait a few minutes and check if the smell dissipates.
  3. If the odor remains, the issue likely originates from wiring, outlets, or the electrical panel.

3. Inspect Outlets and Switches for Heat or Discoloration

A hot or discolored outlet is a warning sign of overheating or an electrical arc. Loose connections or damaged wiring behind walls may also produce a burning smell.

How to Check

  1. Feel outlets, switches, and surrounding walls for warmth.
  2. Look for scorch marks, melted plastic, or discoloration around outlets.
  3. Listen for buzzing or crackling noises when an outlet is in use.

If you detect any of these signs, do not use the outlet until an electrician inspects it.

4. Check the Electrical Panel for a Burning Smell or Warm Breakers

A circuit breaker should trip when a circuit overloads. If a breaker fails, it can overheat and cause wires to burn inside the panel.

How to Inspect Safely

  1. Stand near the breaker panel and smell for burning odors.
  2. Feel the panel cover—if it’s hot, do not open it.
  3. Look for a breaker that is tripped or stuck in the middle position.
  4. If you see sparks, smoke or hear buzzing, turn off the main breaker and call an electrician immediately.

5. Examine Appliances for Internal Electrical Damage

Household appliances contain motors, capacitors, and wiring that can overheat and burn. A failing appliance may still function but emit a distinct burning odor.

How to Check

  1. Unplug the appliance and let it cool for 10-15 minutes.
  2. Inspect the power cord and plug for melted insulation or discoloration.
  3. When using the appliance, check for unusual noises, excessive heat, or flickering lights.
  4. If an appliance smells burnt even when unplugged, it likely has internal damage and should not be used.

6. Ventilate the Area to Remove Smoke and Odors

If the burning smell lingers, open windows and doors to clear the air. Smoke from overheated wiring can contain harmful chemicals, so improving airflow helps reduce exposure.

Steps to Take:

  1. Turn on fans or open windows to dissipate smoke.
  2. Avoid using electrical devices until the source is identified.
  3. If the smell persists or worsens, it indicates ongoing overheating—turn off power and seek professional help.

7. Call Our Licensed Electrician if the Source is Unclear or Damage is Found

Electrical issues can worsen if left unchecked. Our professional electrical inspection is necessary if you cannot identify the source or notice visible damage.

When to Call Our Electrician:

  • The burning smell persists even after unplugging devices.
  • A breaker panel or outlet feels warm or emits a burning odor.
  • You see melted wires, sparks, or smoke.
  • Lights flicker, and outlets stop working unexpectedly.

Call Ewing Electric Co. at (704) 804-3320. 

8. Evacuate and Call Emergency Services if Fire or Smoke is Present

If you see flames, heavy smoke, or popping sounds from electrical components, evacuate immediately. Electrical fires can spread quickly and release toxic fumes.

What to Do:

  1. Evacuate everyone from the home or building.
  2. Call 911 or emergency services.
  3. Do not use water on an electrical fire. Use a Class C fire extinguisher if trained to do so.
  4. Wait for professionals to inspect and restore power safely.

Preventing Electrical Burning Smells in the Future

  • Avoid overloading circuits by plugging high-power devices into separate outlets.
  • Replace damaged cords and power strips before they overheat.
  • Schedule electrical inspections to check for faulty wiring or outdated panels.
  • Use surge protectors for appliances to prevent electrical spikes.
  • Ensure proper wattage for light fixtures to prevent excessive heat buildup.

Call (704) 804-3320 for Immediate Electrical Assistance in Charlotte, North Carolina

Ewing Electric Co. provides fast, expert electrical services in Charlotte, NC. We ensure your home is safe from hazards like burning electrical smells caused by faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or failing outlets. 

Our licensed electricians offer panel upgrades, wiring repairs, outlet replacements, and emergency services to prevent electrical fires.

Call (704) 804-3320 Ewing Electric Co. for electrical assistance in Charlotte, NC.