Short answer: Stop using the power point straight away. If it’s safe to do so, switch the appliance off at the wall, unplug it (only if the plug isn’t hot or damaged), and turn off that circuit at the switchboard. If you see smoke, flames or sparking, get everyone out and call 000. A burning, melting-plastic or fishy smell from a power point usually means a loose connection, an overloaded outlet or a failing appliance plug is overheating. It needs a licensed electrician before you use it again.
A burning smell from a power point is one of those things you shouldn’t ignore or “keep an eye on”. Electrical faults and appliances cause around 40% of house fires in NSW each year, according to the NSW Government. Overheating outlets are a common starting point. Here’s exactly what to do, and why.
Right now: a quick safety checklist
- Is there smoke, flame, sparking or crackling? Get everyone out, close the door behind you, and call 000. Don’t throw water on an electrical fire.
- No smoke or flame? Switch the power point off at its switch.
- Unplug the appliance, but only if the plug and outlet aren’t hot, melted or blackened. If they are, don’t touch them.
- Turn off the circuit at the switchboard. If you’re not sure which circuit it is, turn off the main switch. Use a torch.
- Don’t use the outlet again until it’s been checked.
- Call a licensed electrician.
If anyone got a shock, call 000 for injuries. Ausgrid also asks you to report shocks and tingles on 13 13 88.
What the smell is telling you
People describe it in different ways: burning plastic, hot dust, a “fishy” or ammonia smell, or a smell like burnt toast with no toast. All of them point to the same thing: plastic or insulation getting hot enough to start breaking down.
Loose connection inside the power point
Over years of plugging and unplugging, terminals can loosen. A loose connection creates resistance, and resistance creates heat. You may not see anything from the outside until the faceplate discolours.
Overloaded outlet
Double adaptors and power boards running heaters, kettles, air fryers or portable air conditioners can push more current through one outlet than it’s designed to handle for long periods. The outlet, the plug or the power board heats up.
A failing appliance plug or cord
Sometimes the problem is the plug, not the power point. Look for a plug that’s discoloured, a cord that’s hot near the plug, or a loose fit where the plug falls out easily.
Old or damaged wiring
In older homes, the cable behind the outlet may have brittle insulation. Heat from a loose connection can damage it further. If your home has old wiring, an electrician may recommend checking the whole circuit.
Warning signs before the smell
Catch it earlier by watching for:
- a power point or switch that’s warm to the touch
- brown or black marks around the outlet
- crackling, buzzing or sizzling sounds
- plugs that are loose or fall out
- sparks when you plug something in
- lights that flicker when an appliance on the same circuit runs
What the electrician will do
A licensed electrician will:
- isolate the circuit and remove the power point
- inspect the terminals, cable and back box for heat damage
- trim back and re-terminate damaged cable, or replace the section if needed
- fit a new power point
- test the circuit, including insulation resistance and RCD operation
- check the load on the circuit and whether you need extra outlets or a dedicated circuit
If the outlet is overloaded because there simply aren’t enough power points, adding more is often the real fix. See our power point installation cost guide.
Why a safety switch might not trip
A safety switch (RCD) detects current leaking to earth. A loose connection that’s overheating may not leak any current to earth, so the RCD won’t necessarily trip. That’s why a smell or heat should always be taken seriously, even if nothing has tripped. Working smoke alarms are your warning if a fault does turn into a fire.
Preventing it
- Use one heater or high-power appliance per outlet, and don’t run them off power boards.
- Replace damaged plugs, leads and cheap power boards.
- Have loose or worn power points replaced.
- Add power points where you’re relying on adaptors.
- Get older homes checked with an electrical safety inspection.
Smelt something at a power point? Turn that circuit off and call us. We respond across the Inner West, including Marrickville, Ashfield, Dulwich Hill and Petersham. See our emergency electrician page, or call 0421 772 661.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my power point smell fishy?
A fishy or ammonia-like smell is often the smell of overheating plastic or insulation. Stop using the outlet, turn off the circuit and call an electrician.
Can a burning power point cause a fire?
Yes. An overheating connection can ignite nearby materials. Treat any burning smell from an outlet as urgent.
Is it safe to use the power point if the smell goes away?
No. The cause, usually a loose or damaged connection, is still there. Leave the circuit off until an electrician has checked it.
Should I call Ausgrid or an electrician for a burning power point?
A burning power point is a fault inside your home, so call a licensed electrician. Call 000 if there’s smoke or fire. Contact Ausgrid if you get a shock or tingle, or suspect a supply problem.