If you smell a burning odor coming from an outlet in your home, it could have several different causes. However, you do not want to simply ignore the issue. While some causes may be harmless to your outlet and home, other causes can be more dangerous. We’ll provide useful information to help you understand why your outlet may smell like it’s burning, as well as tips on how to address the issue. There are typically other indications that go along with the burning smell coming from your outlet, so it’s also important to take those into consideration. Keep reading to learn more.
What to do if You Smell Burning From Your Outlet
If you notice a burning smell emanating from one of your outlets, take the appropriate precautions to ensure everyone’s safety. The first thing you should do is to switch off the outlet at the circuit breaker and unplug any devices that are attached to it. Doing so can help prevent further damage in case electrical sparks were to come out of the outlet. It’s also important to keep children and pets away from the outlet while you figure out what should be done next. Should the outlet already be smoking heavily, safety should be your top priority and you should immediately call an electrician as they are trained to handle such situations.
All in all, if you ever encounter a burning odor around an outlet, it’s critical that you take appropriate steps to ensure your safety while you diagnose what the issue is or wait for a professional to arrive.
Causes of Burning Outlet Smells
Burning outlet smells can be caused by a variety of issues. They also are often accompanied by other warning signs. These may include outlets that shock you when you touch them, discoloration on the outlet, and a noise that comes from the outlet – often a humming or buzzing. Let’s take a look at the top causes of a burning smell coming from your outlet.
Exposed Wiring
One common cause of a burning outlet smell is exposed wiring. Exposed wiring can become singed due to coming into contact with other metals, leading to power surges and an outlet smell. When wires are exposed, they create an environment in which the outlet is more prone to issue and therefore more likely to emit these acrid smells. The outlet may be unable to handle the amount of electricity being drawn from it.
Improper Installation
When the wiring is improperly installed or damaged, the outlet will become more vulnerable to burning smells as well. This is because it is more likely to spark or overheat, which is what causes the burning smell.
Damaged Wiring
Electrical wiring may also be damaged from years of use, improper use by homeowners, or from nearby construction or weather events. Electrical wiring deteriorates over time, putting greater strain on the outlet and causing noticeable damage that emits burning odors.
Overloaded Outlets
If multiple appliances or devices are plugged into the same outlet without being split-up among different outlets, this can create an overload in that outlet as well as sparking and eventually burning smells due to all the energy flowing through one outlet.
Something is Stuck on the Outlet
Lastly, if a foreign object has been stuck in the electrical box that too may produce a burning outlet odor as the object begins to melt or corrode due to being in contact with live electricity. This is especially true for objects made with materials that generate more heat than electricity, such as foil wrappers.
What to do Next
Electrical outlet smells can be an indication of dangerous overheating, especially when they are accompanied by black marks, buzzing or crackling sounds. A burning outlet smell should not be taken lightly and it’s best to proactively take steps for safety. When it comes to outlet safety, there is rarely any room for guesswork.
If you detect the smell of burning coming from your outlet, it could mean that something is seriously wrong with your electrical system. The outlet should be inspected and assessed by an electrician as soon as possible to prevent any major damage or harm to yourself or property. A qualified electrician should then inspect the outlet system to locate and address any underlying issues such as faulty wiring or electrical overloads. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Overheating of Electrical Components
One common reason for a burning smell is the overheating of internal components within the outlet. Electrical outlets can become hot if they are drawing more current than they are designed to handle. Over time, this excess heat can cause internal parts of the outlet, such as the wiring, to deteriorate and emit a burning smell.
- Loose connections inside the outlet can cause resistance, which generates excess heat, leading to the smell of burning plastic or rubber. These issues can quickly escalate, causing electrical shorts or even fires.
- Additionally, old or worn-out outlets may not be able to distribute power efficiently, causing them to heat up faster and emit a burnt smell. Upgrading outdated outlets is one way to prevent overheating and ensure the safety of your home’s electrical system.
Faulty Devices or Appliances
Sometimes the issue may not be with the outlet itself, but rather with the device or appliance plugged into it. Faulty or damaged devices can draw too much power, causing the outlet to overheat and emit a burning odor. Appliances like space heaters, hair dryers, or air conditioners, which require a significant amount of electricity, are common culprits.
If the burning smell starts when a particular appliance is in use, it’s essential to unplug the appliance and avoid using it until you can have both the outlet and the device inspected. If the issue persists after removing the appliance, you’ll need to investigate further.
Poor Quality or Faulty Outlets
While it may not be the first thing that comes to mind, the quality of your outlets can also play a role in why you’re smelling something burning. Poor-quality outlets, often purchased for cost-saving reasons, may not be built to withstand the same amount of electrical flow as higher-quality outlets. Low-quality outlets may lack essential safety features such as surge protection and grounding, which can lead to overheating and burning smells.
Even brand-new outlets can be faulty if they were manufactured improperly or were defective to begin with. If you’ve recently installed a new outlet and are now experiencing a burning smell, consider replacing it with a high-quality model that meets safety standards.
Circuit Overload and Tripped Breakers
In addition to overloading individual outlets, circuit overload is another possible reason for a burning smell. If too many outlets are drawing power from the same electrical circuit, the wiring can become overloaded, leading to overheating. This can cause not only a burning smell but also tripped circuit breakers and potential power outages.
If you’ve noticed the burning smell in conjunction with frequently tripped breakers, it’s likely that your electrical system is overloaded. In this case, an electrician can help redistribute the load across different circuits or suggest upgrading your electrical panel to handle more power.
Arc Faults
An arc fault occurs when electricity is unintentionally discharged across an unintended path. This can happen due to loose or damaged wiring, which creates small sparks or arcs. These arcs generate intense heat and can lead to a burning smell as they start to melt or burn the insulation surrounding the wires.
- Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) are designed to detect and prevent arc faults, but older homes may not have these installed. If you suspect an arc fault is causing the burning smell, you should contact an electrician immediately. Arc faults are a significant fire hazard and need to be addressed quickly.
Electrical Fires Inside the Wall
One of the more dangerous possibilities is that the burning smell is a sign of a hidden electrical fire inside the walls. Sometimes, electrical fires begin in the wiring behind the outlet and can smolder for some time before causing visible flames. These fires may occur due to loose wires, short circuits, or overloaded circuits, which heat up and ignite surrounding materials like insulation or wood.
If you suspect an electrical fire, do not attempt to fix the problem yourself. Shut off the power to the affected area at the circuit breaker and immediately call an electrician or the fire department if the smell becomes stronger or you see signs of smoke.
Frayed or Chewed Wiring
Another overlooked cause of a burning smell is frayed or chewed wiring. If you live in an area where rodents or pests are common, they may have gnawed on the wiring behind your walls. Damaged wiring is not only inefficient but also dangerous, as it can lead to sparks, arc faults, or short circuits.
Inspect any accessible wiring or have a professional assess the situation to determine if there are any signs of animal activity. If pests are found to be the cause, addressing the pest problem and repairing the wiring is essential to maintaining a safe home.
Preventive Measures
Here are some additional preventive steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of encountering burning smells from your outlets:
- Inspect outlets regularly: Take a close look at your outlets to check for discoloration, melted plastic, or any physical damage.
- Avoid overloading outlets: Never plug multiple high-wattage appliances into a single outlet. Spread out the electrical load by using multiple outlets in different rooms or consider installing additional outlets.
- Upgrade your wiring: If you live in an older home with outdated wiring, it may not be able to handle the electrical demands of modern appliances. Upgrading your wiring can help prevent overheating and burning smells.
- Install AFCIs: As mentioned earlier, arc-fault circuit interrupters are designed to prevent arc faults, reducing the risk of electrical fires.
- Hire a licensed electrician: If you’re not sure whether your electrical system is up to par, hiring an electrician to perform a safety inspection is a wise investment.
Contact Coastal Home Services Today
If you smell burning coming from an outlet, it is important to take action and figure out the cause of the issue. A burning outlet smell could be caused by several factors, all of which should be addressed by a professional to prevent a fire or other hazards. If you are located on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina, Contact Coastal Home Services today. Our team of professionals will be happy to come out and take a look at your outlets to make sure everything is working properly. We want your home to be safe, so please don’t hesitate to give us a call.
