Why Does My Electrical Panel Smell Funny?

Have you ever walked past your electrical panel and wondered, what’s that odd odor coming from the breaker box? Why does the circuit breaker smell like burning plastic?

If so, you may have just noticed a sign of a serious electrical problem, and you should contact a professional electrician right away. In the meantime, here’s a quick look at some possible causes and sources of funny electrical panel smells.

What Is the Smell Coming from My Electrical Panel?

It’s not uncommon for homeowners to notice a burning or “hot” smell coming from the electrical panel. It may be reminiscent of melting plastic or, even worse, burnt toast or smoke. In either scenario, it means something has gone wrong, and it could get much worse if you don’t address it right away.

What Does a Smelly Electrical Panel Mean?

A melting or burning scent coming from the electrical panel is a very serious issue. It could mean that:

• There is a bad circuit (one that has failed and no longer works).
• A wire is not connected properly.

Either scenario can lead to an electrical fire, which can quickly spread to other areas of your house. If you notice a strange odor or an electrical fire smell coming from the panel, turn off and unplug all electrical equipment and immediately call an electrician. It’s also a good idea to turn off the main power supply to your home by switching the service switch to the “off” position.

Irregular smells coming from the electrical panel are nothing to ignore. Luckily, the expert electricians at Lon Lockwood Electric are here to keep you and your family and your home safe.

Call us today at (585) 766-4702 or contact us online to book any type of electrical service in and around Webster, NY.