Norwich · Norfolk
Burning Smell From a Socket? Do This Now
A burning smell from a socket or switch is a stop-everything event. Electrical fires double in size in under a minute once insulation ignites.
Right now
1. Switch off the socket if you can do so without touching it — ideally at the consumer unit. 2. Unplug the appliance using the plug, not the cable, if it is safe. 3. Do not pour water on anything electrical. 4. If you see smoke, flames or melting: get everyone out and call 999. 5. Once safe, do not reuse the socket or the appliance until an electrician has inspected them.
What causes it
- Loose terminations — the top cause. A screw terminal works loose, resistance builds, heat follows, plastic carbonises.
- Overloaded socket extensions — daisy-chained extension leads under desks and behind TVs.
- Failing appliance — motors (fridges, fans) and heaters developing internal faults.
- Damaged cable — furniture on leads, door frames through cables, rodents in floor voids (Norwich's period terraces have their share).
What the electrician checks
The socket front comes off for a thermal and termination inspection; the circuit is tested (insulation resistance, RCD trip times); adjacent sockets on the same radial are checked for the same loose-terminal pattern; and the consumer unit is examined. Expect an ECIR/EICR-style written report after an emergency visit — keep it for insurance purposes.