If you notice a burning plastic or fishy smell, don’t ignore it
Knowing what an electrical fire smells like can help you act quickly to prevent a fire from spreading. The odor is often the first sign of an electrical fire that isn’t otherwise detectable. When an electrical fire begins, the smell is often described as “fishy,” but as it progresses, the components of the wiring can give off a burning plastic smell. If you are able to recognize the smell early, you can intervene to address the underlying cause before it becomes dangerous.
When electrical components heat up due to a short, an overloaded circuit, or a faulty component, they can put off fumes that smell fishy. Some people also perceive the odor of the overheated components as urine-like. This smell is a red flag that you have a problem somewhere in your electrical system and may need to put out an electrical fire.
Once an electrical fire heats up enough to cause smoke, the smoke carries the odor of burning plastic or rubber. This is because the insulation on the wires and connectors in the electrical system are made from plastic and will begin to burn if they get hot enough. If you smell burning plastic, it’s an indication that an electrical fire has started and you should act fast to get it under control. A certified electrical contractor near you can help resolve the problem quickly and safely.
Since an electrical fire is often described as smelling fishy, it can be easy to mistake it for a cooking odor. But if you don’t have any reason to be smelling fish, don’t simply dismiss the smell as some sort of kitchen odor—an electrical fire could be to blame. If there’s any doubt, it’s better to turn the power off and locate the source of the smell to prevent further damage.
An electrical fire can have many causes. If the problem isn’t evident in an appliance or an overloaded power strip, the cause can be hidden in the walls of your home. Because of this, the first thing you should do is shut off the power. From there, checking the outlets, light switches, and all of your appliances that are connected to power for damage or evidence of fire is a good place to begin, but hiring a licensed electrician to diagnose and solve the problem is the best and safest course of action.
