What to Do If You Smell Burning From an Electrical Socket

If you smell burning plastic near a socket, switch, or your consumer unit, treat it as an emergency. Damaged or overheating wiring is the leading cause of domestic electrical fires. Here's the safe sequence to follow.

1. Stop using the affected socket immediately

Unplug whatever's connected to it. Do not touch the socket face if it feels hot or looks scorched.

2. Turn off the circuit at the consumer unit

If you can identify the circuit (kitchen, sockets, ring main), switch that MCB off. If you can't identify it, switch the main isolator off. This removes the fire risk while you get help.

3. Do not just 'try it again in an hour'

A burning smell means insulation has already been damaged. Even if the smell goes away, the fault is still there and can flash over the next time load is applied.

4. Call an emergency electrician

Explain what you smelled and what you've done. We'll advise over the phone whether it's safe to leave the rest of the system on, and get to you as fast as possible. Call 07535 361419 for 24/7 emergency callouts across Barnet and North London.

5. Don't attempt DIY on the socket

It can be tempting to unscrew the faceplate and look — please don't. The fault could be behind the wall, and the accessory could still be live from another circuit.

We'll isolate the fault properly, replace damaged wiring and accessories, test the circuit and issue certification for the repair. Better to spend an hour fixing a socket than to deal with a fire.