Troubleshooting
Burning Smell From an Outlet: What to Do
Updated
Short answer
Turn off the breaker for that outlet, unplug anything you can safely reach and call an electrician. If you see smoke or flames, leave the house and call 911.
Why outlets overheat
Loose terminals, worn contacts, back-stab connections and overloads create heat at a connection.
What to do now
Act in this order.
- Smoke or flame: leave and call 911
- Turn off the breaker
- Unplug devices if it is safe
- Do not use the outlet until it is repaired
What the electrician does
They check the outlet, the box and the circuit for heat damage, then replace devices and wiring as needed.
When to call an electrician
If anything is warm, smells hot, sparks or keeps failing after the simple checks above, stop and call. The electrician will test the circuit, find the cause and make it safe. Related service: Emergency Electrician.
Questions
Why does my outlet smell like fish?
Overheating plastic and wire insulation can smell fishy. Treat it the same as a burning smell.
Editorial note: this guide is general information for US homes, not a substitute for an on-site assessment by a licensed electrician. Codes and permit rules vary by location.