What Does An Electrical Fire Smell Like?

Fires can occur for many reasons. The cause of a fire may be due to an open flame that gets out of control or a brush fire that accelerates and burns everything in its path. You may have heard of electrical fires that can even start behind the walls in a commercial building or home. This latter type of fire has distinct components to it that may make it easier to identify and ultimately extinguish quickly in order to protect your home and your loved ones within it. Here are some ways to identify an electrical fire smell and what to do should you be faced with this situation to ensure you and your family remain safe.

What is an Electrical Fire?

An electrical fire occurs when the wires or other electrical components in your home start to burn. This can happen inside of the walls or in the open area of your rooms. Electrical fires may also occur in the areas of electrical systems, cables, and breakers. You may even experience an electrical fire from one of your household appliances. Electrical fires may be caused by old components, circuit overload, poor maintenance, and improper use. When fires of this type start in the open area of your home, they are much easier to identify and then take the necessary steps to put them out. In the alternative, if the fire begins behind the walls, this type of issue may be more difficult to identify in a timely manner. This is where using your sense of smell is imperative.

What Types of Smells Do Electrical Fires Emit?

Electrical fires can produce a variety of telltale smells that can make you take note and get help before it’s too late. Some of the scents you may notice during an electrical fire include burnt plastic, burning rubber, strong chemical odor, smell of burning wood, or even a fish-like smell. Any of these smells may indicate that something is burning which shouldn’t be and the next step is to identify where it’s coming from and extinguish the fire. 

What Other Signs May Show Potential for Electrical Fires?

Before it gets too late and you experience an electrical fire, there are a few signs to be on the lookout for other than a burning smell. Here are some things to watch out for in order to prevent a possible electrical fire:

• The circuit breaker in your home continues to trip for no apparent reason
• You find discolored electrical switches around your home
• You notice one or more charred outlets
• The lights in your home flicker continually
• Your outlets buzz when you plug cords into them
• You experience sparks from your outlets

What Should You Do If You Think There’s An Electrical Fire?

If you smell any of the scents mentioned above or see an active electrical fire, call 911 immediately. If you notice one or more of the warning signs listed above, but don’t feel there is a current electrical fire, contact your local electrician to come out to your home and evaluate the wiring. It’s important to take the necessary precautions to safeguard your home from potential electrical fires. An electrician can perform the necessary tests of your wiring and other electrical components in your home and ensure you live in a safe environment. If anything needs to be repaired, the electrician can do so properly and safely.  

Ensure Your Electrical Wiring is Safe with Help From NuBlue

Don’t take a chance with your electrical wiring and other electric components in your home. Call NuBlue to evaluate your wiring and ensure your electrical setup is in the best shape possible. The NuBlue team provides electrical repair services in the Charlotte, Fayetteville, Greenville, and Lake Norman areas of North Carolina. Make an appointment with our reputable team and we’ll send out our professional electricians to help you with all of your electrical needs. 

Contact the NuBlue team to learn more about our services and to book an appointment today!