What Should You Do If You Smell Burning from a Power Point or Switchboard?
A burning smell from a power point or switchboard is dangerous — stop using the affected area immediately and call a registered electrician.
A burning smell from a power point, light switch, appliance, cable or switchboard should never be ignored. It can signal overheating, damaged wiring, a loose connection or an electrical fault that may create a fire or shock risk.
If the smell is strong, getting worse, coming from the switchboard, or linked with smoke, sparks, heat, buzzing or power loss, treat it as urgent.
Need urgent electrical help in Auckland? Call BPM Electrical on 0800 443 599.
Quick Answer: Is a Burning Electrical Smell Dangerous?
Yes. If you smell burning from a power point, switch, appliance or switchboard, stop using the affected area immediately. Keep clear, turn off power at the main switch only if it is safe, and call a registered electrician or emergency electrician in Auckland.
Quick safety steps:
- Keep away from the affected area
- Turn off power at the main switch only if safe
- Do not use the outlet, switch or appliance again
- Do not touch hot, wet, smoking or damaged fittings
- Call a registered electrician or emergency electrician
If there is visible fire, smoke, flames, or immediate danger to people or property, leave the area and call 111.
For urgent faults, contact our Emergency Electrician Auckland team.
What Should You Do First?
If you notice a burning smell near an electrical fitting, act carefully and avoid touching anything that may be live, hot or damaged.
1. Stop using the affected outlet, switch or appliance
Do not keep plugging appliances into the power point. Do not switch the fitting on and off to “test” it.
If an appliance appears to be the source and it is safe to do so, switch it off and unplug it from the wall. Do not unplug anything if the outlet is smoking, sparking, wet, visibly damaged, hot to touch or making a buzzing or crackling sound.
2. Keep people away from the area
Keep children, pets and other people away from the affected fitting or switchboard. Avoid touching the faceplate, plug, switch, cable or appliance until it has been checked.
3. Turn off power only if it is safe
If the smell is coming from a power point, light switch or appliance, you may be able to turn off the affected circuit or main switch at the switchboard.
Only do this if:
- The switchboard is dry
- There is no visible smoke or flame
- You do not need to touch damaged wiring
- The switchboard itself is not hot, sparking or buzzing
- You can access it safely
If the burning smell is coming from the switchboard itself, do not touch it if there are signs of heat, smoke, arcing, melted parts or water damage.
4. Do not use water
Never throw water on an electrical fire or smoking electrical equipment. If there is a fire, smoke or immediate danger, leave the property and call 111.
5. Call a registered electrician
A burning smell usually means something needs professional fault-finding. BPM Electrical can inspect the affected fitting, wiring, circuit or switchboard and carry out compliant repairs where required.
For non-urgent home electrical issues, visit our Residential Electrician Auckland service page.
Common Causes of a Burning Smell from Electrical Fittings
A burning electrical smell can come from several different faults. The cause is not always visible from the outside, so it should be checked by a registered electrician.
Burning smells and tripping circuits can become more noticeable in winter when heaters, dryers, heat pumps and other high-load appliances are used more often.
Overloaded circuit
An overloaded circuit can happen when too many appliances are drawing power from the same circuit, power point or multi-board. This can lead to heat build-up, repeated tripping, warm plugs, discoloured fittings or a burning smell.
This is more likely where high-draw appliances are used, such as heaters, dryers, kettles, microwaves, ovens or multiple devices on one outlet.
Loose connection
A loose wire or poor connection can create heat and arcing behind a power point, switch or inside the switchboard. This can produce a burning plastic smell and may damage the fitting or surrounding wiring.
Loose connections are not safe to investigate as DIY work. The fitting may look normal from the outside while still being unsafe behind the faceplate.
Damaged power point
A cracked, loose, scorched, buzzing or hot power point should not be used. Discolouration, melting, burn marks or a plug that feels unusually hot can point to overheating or damaged contacts inside the outlet.
Stop using the power point until it has been checked.
Faulty appliance
Sometimes the smell comes from the appliance rather than the wall outlet. A damaged cord, plug, internal motor, heating element or charger can overheat and create a burning smell.
If the appliance is the likely source and it is safe, switch it off and unplug it. Do not use it again until it has been inspected, repaired or replaced.
Moisture or water damage
Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. Leaks, flooding, condensation, outdoor power point damage or water near the switchboard can increase the risk of short circuits, corrosion, electric shock and fire.
Do not touch wet fittings or switchboards. Call a registered electrician for safe inspection.
Old wiring
Older Auckland homes, including villas, bungalows and properties that have been renovated over time, may have wiring or circuits that no longer suit modern electrical loads.
Warning signs can include burning smells, flickering lights, warm outlets, frequent tripping, damaged fittings or a switchboard that looks outdated.
If you are concerned about older wiring, visit our House Rewiring Auckland page.
Switchboard fault
A burning smell from a switchboard is serious. It may involve overheating breakers, damaged fuses, loose connections, overloaded circuits, arcing, moisture damage or aged components.
Do not keep resetting breakers if a burning smell is present. The switchboard needs professional inspection.
Learn more about Switchboard Upgrades Auckland if your switchboard is old, overloaded or frequently tripping.
Urgent Electrical Help in Auckland
If you smell burning, see sparks, notice smoke, feel heat from a power point or switchboard, or your breaker keeps tripping, do not ignore it.
BPM Electrical provides Auckland-wide emergency electrical support for urgent faults, burning smells, switchboard issues, damaged power points and unsafe wiring concerns.
Call BPM Electrical on 0800 443 599
or visit our Emergency Electrician Auckland service page.
When Is It an Electrical Emergency?
Treat the situation as an electrical emergency if you notice any of these warning signs:
- Smoke from a power point, switch, appliance or switchboard
- Sparks or arcing
- A strong or worsening burning smell
- Heat from a power point, plug, switch or switchboard
- Electric shock or tingling from a fitting, tap, appliance or switch
- Repeated circuit breaker tripping
- Buzzing, crackling or sizzling sounds
- Burn marks, melting or discolouration
- Sudden power loss in part or all of the property
- Water near electrical fittings or the switchboard
If there is fire, smoke, flames or immediate danger, evacuate and call 111.
If there is no visible fire but you smell burning, see heat damage, hear buzzing, or your power keeps tripping, contact BPM Electrical for urgent electrical support in Auckland.
Burning Smell from a Switchboard
A burning smell from your switchboard should be taken seriously. Your switchboard controls and protects the electrical circuits in your property, so heat, arcing, smoke or melting inside it can affect the safety of the wider installation.
Possible causes include:
- Overloaded circuits
- Loose connections
- Damaged breakers or fuses
- Ageing switchboard components
- Moisture or corrosion
- Poor previous electrical work
- Circuits carrying more load than they were designed for
Do not remove the switchboard cover. Do not touch exposed components. Do not keep resetting a breaker if it trips again or if there is a burning smell.
A registered electrician can inspect the switchboard, identify the fault and advise whether repair or a switchboard upgrade is needed.
Older Auckland Homes and Wiring Risks
Many Auckland homes were built or altered long before today’s appliance loads, home offices, heat pumps, EV chargers and modern kitchen equipment became common.
Older villas, bungalows and renovated homes may have:
- Ageing wiring
- Limited power points
- Overloaded circuits
- Older switchboards
- Mixed wiring from different renovation stages
- DIY or non-compliant alterations
- Insufficient circuit protection for modern usage
A burning smell does not automatically mean the whole house needs rewiring, but it is a warning sign that should be investigated. If the issue is linked to old cabling, repeated faults, damaged insulation or overloaded circuits, BPM Electrical can advise on safe repair or rewiring options.
What Not to Do
When you smell burning from a power point, switchboard or electrical fitting, avoid anything that could increase the risk of shock or fire.
Do not:
- Keep using the outlet
- Plug the appliance back in to test it
- Keep resetting a tripping breaker
- Touch damaged fittings
- Remove power point or switch covers stages
- Open the switchboard
- Touch exposed wiring
- Spray water on electrical equipment
- Ignore a burning smell because it “comes and goes”
- Attempt wiring repairs yourself
Electrical faults can be hidden behind walls, fittings or the switchboard. Even if the smell disappears, the cause may still be present.
When to Call BPM Electrical
Call BPM Electrical if you smell burning from a power point, switch, appliance connection, ceiling fitting, light switch or switchboard.
BPM Electrical provides Auckland-wide residential, commercial and industrial electrical services, with emergency electrical support available for urgent faults. The team includes EWRB registered professionals and Master Electricians, and BPM has been serving Auckland since 2009.
You should contact BPM Electrical if:
- A power point smells burnt
- A switchboard smells hot or burnt
- A breaker keeps tripping
- A plug, outlet or switch feels hot
- You see sparks, smoke, melting or discolouration
- Lights flicker with a burning smell
- You are unsure whether the issue is safe
- Your home has older wiring or an outdated switchboard
BPM focuses on compliant workmanship, clean and respectful worksites, and safe electrical solutions for Auckland homes and businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a burning smell from a power point dangerous?
Yes. A burning smell from a power point can indicate overheating, damaged wiring, a loose connection, a faulty appliance or an overloaded circuit. Stop using the outlet immediately and call a registered electrician. If there is smoke, fire or immediate danger, leave the area and call 111.
What should I do if my switchboard smells like burning?
Keep clear of the switchboard and do not remove the cover. If it is safe, turn off the main switch. Do not touch the switchboard if it is hot, smoking, sparking, wet or making buzzing sounds. Call an emergency electrician to inspect it urgently.
Can a tripping breaker cause a burning smell?
A tripping breaker does not usually cause the smell by itself, but the fault behind the tripping may involve overheating, overloading, damaged wiring or a faulty appliance. Do not keep resetting a breaker if there is a burning smell. The circuit needs to be checked by a registered electrician.
Should I turn off the power if I smell burning?
Turn off the power at the main switch only if it is safe to do so. Do not touch a switchboard or fitting that is hot, wet, smoking, sparking or visibly damaged. If there is fire, smoke or immediate danger, leave the property and call 111.
When should I call an emergency electrician?
Call an emergency electrician if you smell burning, see sparks or smoke, feel heat from a power point or switchboard, get an electric shock, hear buzzing or crackling, or experience repeated breaker tripping. These can be signs of a serious electrical fault.
Can old wiring cause burning smells?
Yes. Old or damaged wiring can overheat, arc or fail under modern electrical loads. This can cause burning smells, flickering lights, tripping circuits, warm outlets or damaged fittings. Older Auckland homes should be checked by a registered electrician if these warning signs appear.
Smell burning from a power point, switchboard or electrical fitting?
Do not ignore it. Stop using the affected area, keep clear, turn off power only if safe, and call BPM Electrical for urgent electrical help in Auckland.
Call BPM Electrical on 0800 443 599 for safe fault-finding, emergency electrical support, switchboard repairs, switchboard upgrades, residential electrical work and rewiring advice.