Burning Smell from Your Electrics in Manchester

  • Sockets, switches, light fittings and fuse boxes
  • Thermal imaging to find the hot spot
  • 30-90 minute emergency response
  • Damaged wiring and accessories replaced
07976 458345

Burning Smells

Never ignore a burning smell from your electrics

A burning, fishy or hot plastic smell is one of the clearest warning signs of an electrical problem. It usually means something is overheating: a loose connection, an overloaded socket, a failing accessory or damaged cable insulation.

If you notice it, switch off the affected circuit or the main switch at your consumer unit if it's safe to do so, unplug nearby appliances and call us. If you can see smoke or flames, leave the property and call 999.

Our electricians use thermal imaging and careful inspection to find the source, replace any damaged wiring or accessories, and test the circuit before it's switched back on.

Areas we cover: Manchester, Salford, Stockport, Trafford, Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Tameside and Wigan, across Greater Manchester.

How it works

  1. 1

    Make it safe

    We isolate the affected circuit straight away.

  2. 2

    Find the source

    Thermal imaging and inspection locate the hot spot.

  3. 3

    Repair or replace

    Damaged wiring, sockets or switches are replaced.

  4. 4

    Test before power-up

    The circuit is tested before we switch it back on.

Response times

An electrician with you in 30 to 90 minutes

30-90minute response
across Greater Manchester

Electrical emergencies can't wait. Because our electricians live and work across Greater Manchester, we can usually have someone at your door within 30 to 90 minutes of your call, day or night, weekends and bank holidays included.

07976 458345
  1. 1

    You call us

    Ring us any time, day or night, and tell us what's happening and where you are.

  2. 2

    We send your nearest electrician

    The closest available local electrician is sent out to you straight away.

  3. 3

    They ring ahead

    Your electrician calls when they're on the way, with an estimated arrival time.

  4. 4

    On site in 30 to 90 minutes

    We make everything safe, find the fault and give you a fixed-price quote before any work starts.

Response times depend on your location, traffic and the time of day. If there is smoke, fire or someone has had an electric shock, call 999 first.

Burning Smells: your questions answered

Why does my socket smell of fish?

Many electrical fittings are made from plastics that give off a fishy smell when they overheat. It's a sign that a socket, plug or connection is getting dangerously hot and should be checked straight away.

Is a burning smell an emergency?

Yes. Treat any burning smell from your electrics as an emergency. Switch off the circuit if it's safe to do so and call us. If there is smoke or fire, call 999 first.

Can I keep using the socket until you arrive?

No. Stop using it, unplug anything connected to it if it's safe, and switch off the circuit at the consumer unit.

Related services

Got an electrical emergency?

Call us 24/7, 365 days a year

07976 458345