Burning smell from outlet
What to do until the pro arrives
- Unplug whatever is in the outlet if the plug is cool enough to touch; otherwise leave it.
- Switch off the breaker for that circuit at the panel — if you are not sure which, switch off the main.
- Do not use the outlet again, even if the smell fades; the damage is inside the wall box.
- Look for discolouration or melting on the faceplate and on the plug that was in it, and photograph both for the electrician.
- If you see smoke or flames, leave the house and call the fire service.
Rules in the US: Repairing a burnt outlet or its wiring requires a licensed electrician in nearly every jurisdiction.
Rules in the Netherlands: Have an erkend installateur replace the socket and inspect the wiring; smouldering connections are a fire cause the insurer will ask about.
Rules in Poland: Only a person with SEP qualifications may repair the installation.
Rules in Spain: Repairs must be done by an authorised electrical installer.
Rules in Cyprus: Repairs must be done by an EAC-licensed electrician.
What a pro does that you can't
An electrician replaces the outlet and any heat-damaged wire, checks the connections on the rest of the circuit, and looks for the cause — a loose terminal, an overloaded circuit, or aluminium wiring.