An electrical panel is a crucial component of a home’s electrical system. It distributes power to various circuits and appliances throughout the house. You want to keep the electrical panel in good working order to ensure the safety and reliability of your home’s electrical system. However, bad smells can come from the electrical panel, indicating a problem that requires immediate attention. Find out the most common bad smells from electrical panels and learn what you should do in these situations.
Common Bad Electrical Smells
Several common bad smells can emit from electrical panels, including the following. Read on to find out more!
Burnt Plastic or Rubber Smell
This smell is often caused by electrical overheating. It is usually due to several factors, including loose wiring, overloaded circuits, or damaged components. As the insulation or wiring heats up, it may emit a burnt plastic or rubber smell. Usually, that indicates a problem with the electrical system. Any of these smells need to be addressed.
Rotten Egg or Sulfur Smell
A sulfur or rotten egg smell is a telltale sign of a natural gas or propane leak. If this smell comes from your electrical panel, it could indicate a gas leak. You should immediately shut off the power to the panel and evacuate the building. Contact the gas company or a professional to address the issue.
Fishy or Urine-Like Smell
Detecting a fishy or urine-like smell from your electrical panel could indicate that rodents or other animals have entered the panel and caused damage or left behind waste. Rodents can gnaw through wires and insulation, causing electrical problems and creating a potential fire hazard.
Burning Smell
Smoke or burning smells from your electrical panel can indicate an electrical fire or other serious problem. A short circuit, a damaged component, or an overloaded circuit could cause it. If you detect this smell, immediately shut off the power to the panel and contact a professional for help.
Metallic or Ozone Smell
Ozone or metallic smell coming from your electrical panel could be caused by electrical arcing. Arcing occurs when electricity jumps across a gap or interrupts the circuit, creating sparks and ozone gas. This smell can be dangerous and could result in a fire or other serious problems. If you detect this smell, you should immediately shut off the power to the panel and contact a professional to diagnose and address the issue.
What Bad Smells Could Mean for Your Home
You always want to pay attention to any smells from your HVAC system. Those electrical panel bad smells can indicate a range of potential dangers, including the following.
Risk of Electrical Fires
Electrical issues that cause bad smells can also create a fire hazard. For example, if the wiring is overheated or damaged, it can spark a fire. If left unaddressed, this problem can lead to serious property damage and even injury or loss of life.
Health Hazards
Some bad smells from electrical panels can indicate the presence of toxic fumes, such as sulfur or ozone gas. These fumes can harm human health and cause respiratory problems, eye irritation, and other health issues. In severe cases, exposure to toxic fumes can be fatal.
Damage to Electrical Appliances
Bad smells can also indicate that there is a problem with the electrical panel that could cause damage to electrical appliances. For example, a power surge or an electrical arc can damage or destroy electronic devices like computers, televisions, or appliances plugged into the outlet.
You always want to take bad smells from electrical panels seriously and address them promptly to avoid potential hazards. If you detect a bad smell, you should immediately turn off the power to the panel and contact a professional to diagnose and address the issue.
During the inspection or repair, the technician will carefully examine the electrical panel to identify the source of the odor. Once they’ve found the problem, the technician will work to fix it. They may also advise you on steps to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future, such as avoiding overloading circuits or ensuring that wiring is properly insulated.
In these situations, you will want to have your electrical system inspected by a professional to ensure everything is functioning properly. At Dawson's Electric, we are a reliable and experienced electrical company that provides electrical panel installations, outdoor lighting, surge protection, generators, and electrical repairs in Fuquay-Varina and nearby areas. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and safeguard your home against potential electrical hazards.
