# Burning smell from an outlet or switch: what to do now

Updated: 2026-10-24 · https://pros411.com/en/guides/electricians/burning-smell-from-outlet

## Short answer

A burning smell from an outlet or switch means something is overheating. If you see smoke or flames, get everyone out and call 911 from outside. If not, stop using the outlet and switch off its breaker, standing on a dry floor. Then unplug what was plugged in. Leave the cover on and the breaker off, and call an electrician today.

> Safety first: Smoke, flames or a hot wall: get everyone out and call 911 from outside. Do not open the outlet or the switch, and do not turn the breaker back on to "test" it.

## What to do when an outlet smells like burning

![Cartoon wall outlet with scorch marks giving off a burning smell, a space heater plugged in](https://pros411.com/img/guias/burning-smell-from-outlet.webp)

1. **Burning smell near an outlet? Stop using it.** A smell like burning plastic or fish, a warm cover or brown marks mean something is overheating behind the cover.
2. **Smoke or flames? Get out and call 911.** Get everyone out, pets too, and call 911 from outside. Do not stay to look for the cause or to grab things.
3. **No smoke? Turn off that breaker.** Standing on a dry floor, switch off the breaker for that room. Not sure which one it is? Switch off the main breaker.
4. **Then unplug what was plugged in.** With the power off, pull the plug by its head and move the appliance away. Do not use that outlet again until it is fixed.
5. **Leave the cover on and call today.** A loose wire or a melting outlet needs an electrician. Do not open it, and leave the breaker off until it is checked.

## Why outlets and switches overheat

- A loose wire connection behind the outlet or switch.
- A worn outlet that no longer grips the plug, so the contact heats up.
- Too much on one outlet, like a space heater on a power strip.
- A damaged plug or cord on the appliance.

## What not to do

- Do not turn the breaker back on to see if the smell comes back.
- Do not take the cover off or spray anything into the outlet.
- Do not throw water on an electrical fire. Get out and call 911.
- Do not plug the heater back into a power strip or another busy outlet.

## When to call an electrician

- The outlet or switch smelled burnt, even once.
- You see brown or black marks, melted plastic or a cracked cover.
- The outlet or switch feels warm, buzzes or crackles.
- The smell comes back, or you cannot find where it comes from.

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## Frequently asked questions

### What does an electrical burning smell like?

Often like burning plastic, and sometimes like fish. If it comes from an outlet, a switch or the panel, switch off that breaker and call an electrician.

### Is a burning smell from an outlet an emergency?

Yes, treat it as urgent. If there is smoke or flames, get out and call 911. If not, switch off the breaker and call an electrician today. Use the "24/7 emergencies" filter to find one who answers now.

### Can I keep using an outlet that smelled burnt?

No. Leave its breaker off and keep it unplugged until an electrician checks it. The damage behind the cover can keep heating up.

### Why does my outlet smell like fish?

Many outlets and wires have plastic parts that give off a fishy smell when they overheat. Switch off the breaker and call an electrician.

### Should I call 911 for a burning smell?

Call 911 if you see smoke or flames, if the wall feels hot, or if the smell gets stronger after the breaker is off. If the smell is faint and fades with the breaker off, call an electrician.

### Can a light switch cause a burning smell?

Yes. A loose connection or a worn switch can overheat, especially a dimmer with too many lights on it. Turn off its breaker and call an electrician.