What to do in the first sixty seconds
Stop using the power point immediately and unplug whatever's connected, if you can do so safely without touching the point itself. If you know which circuit it's on and your switchboard's easily accessible, switch that circuit off at the board. If you're not sure which circuit, and it's safe to do so, switching off the main switch is the more cautious option.
What not to do
Don't keep using the power point to see if it happens again. Don't spray anything on it, don't try to open the faceplate yourself, and don't ignore it because the smell's faded, a burning smell fading doesn't mean the fault's resolved, it often means the immediate cause has stopped drawing current, not that the underlying issue is fixed.
Why a burning smell is different to buzzing or warmth
Buzzing or warmth at the switchboard usually points to a developing issue. A burning smell, particularly from a specific power point, more often means something's already overheated, insulation, a connection, or the point itself. That's a more advanced stage of the same underlying problem, and it's why this specific scenario needs an immediate response rather than a same-day booking. It's also worth noting that a burning smell doesn't need to be strong or obvious to be significant, even a faint, occasional smell from the same power point over a period of days or weeks is worth treating the same way as a sudden, strong smell, since it points to the same underlying overheating issue happening intermittently.
What we do when we arrive
We isolate the affected circuit safely first if it isn't already off, then identify exactly what's caused the smell, a loose connection, a failing point, or damage further back in the wiring. Depending on what we find, that might mean replacing the point, repairing a connection, or, if it points to a broader issue, recommending further work on that circuit or the switchboard itself. If the cause turns out to be isolated to that one point, the fix is often completed the same visit. If it points to a broader issue, we'll walk you through exactly what's involved before any further work goes ahead. If you're also seeing signs at the switchboard itself, see our 7 warning signs guide.