Burning smell from an outlet — what should I do?

A burning smell from an outlet is an electrical emergency that requires immediate action. Turn off the circuit breaker for that outlet right now, unplug anything connected to it, and don't use the outlet until a licensed electrician inspects it.

The burning smell indicates dangerous overheating that could lead to an electrical fire. This typically happens when wires are loose, connections are corroded, or the outlet is overloaded beyond its capacity. In New Brunswick's humid maritime climate, moisture can also cause corrosion in outlets, especially in basements, bathrooms, or exterior locations, making this type of failure more common.

Immediate steps you need to take:

First, locate the circuit breaker that controls this outlet and switch it off immediately. If you're not sure which breaker it is, turn off the main breaker to be safe. Remove any plugs from the outlet, but don't touch the outlet itself - it may be hot enough to burn you. If the burning smell is very strong or you see any smoke, leave your home immediately and call 911.

What's likely happening inside that outlet:

Loose wire connections create resistance, which generates heat. Over time, this heat burns the plastic outlet, wire insulation, or even the wooden framing behind it. Aluminum wiring (common in 1960s-70s NB homes) is particularly prone to this problem because aluminum expands and contracts more than copper, loosening connections over time. Federal Pacific panels, still found in some New Brunswick homes, can also cause outlet overheating due to breakers that don't trip properly.

Why this is dangerous in New Brunswick homes:

Many NB homes have older wiring systems, and our maritime humidity accelerates corrosion in electrical connections. Ice storms and power fluctuations from NB Power can also stress electrical systems. Additionally, many homes still have knob and tube wiring or aluminum wiring that's more susceptible to these failures. The combination of older electrical systems and Maritime climate conditions makes burning outlet smells a serious fire risk.

What happens next:

A licensed TSANB electrician needs to inspect the outlet, the circuit, and potentially your entire electrical panel. They'll determine if it's a simple outlet replacement or a more serious wiring problem. This work requires a TSANB permit and inspection - don't let anyone tell you otherwise. The electrician will also check for similar problems at other outlets on the same circuit.

Insurance considerations:

If this leads to fire damage, your insurance company will investigate the electrical system. DIY electrical repairs or unpermitted work could void your coverage. Having a licensed electrician handle this properly protects both your safety and your insurance coverage.

Emergency contacts:

If you smell burning and can't locate the source, or if the smell is getting stronger, call 911 immediately. For NB Power outages or downed lines, call 1-800-663-6272. Many New Brunswick electricians offer 24/7 emergency service for situations exactly like this.

Need help finding an emergency electrician? New Brunswick Electrical can connect you with licensed professionals who handle urgent electrical issues throughout the province.

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