A burning smell from a power outlet is a serious electrical emergency that requires immediate action. The smell is typically caused by overheating wiring, a loose connection arcing inside the outlet, a melting plastic faceplate, or a short circuit. Turn off the circuit at your switchboard immediately and do not use the outlet. Call a licensed electrician as an emergency — burning outlets are a leading cause of electrical fires in Australian homes. Do not attempt to inspect or repair the outlet yourself.
What to do right now
- 1
Turn off the circuit immediately
Go to your switchboard and turn off the circuit breaker for the affected outlet. If you are unsure which circuit it is on, turn off the main switch. This is the single most important step to prevent a fire.
- 2
Unplug everything from the outlet
If you can safely do so, unplug any appliance from the outlet. Do not touch the outlet if it is hot, discoloured, or visibly damaged. Check the appliance plug — it may be the source of the burning smell.
- 3
Check for signs of fire
Look for smoke, visible flames, or discolouration on the wall around the outlet. If there is any sign of active fire, call 000 immediately and evacuate the house. Electrical fires can spread inside walls unseen.
- 4
Call a licensed electrician immediately
This is an emergency. Contact a licensed emergency electrician through Urgent Electrician. Do not restore power to the affected circuit until an electrician has inspected the outlet, wiring, and switchboard.
When to call an emergency electrician
- ⚠️Any burning or melting plastic smell from a power outlet — this is always an emergency
- ⚠️Visible scorch marks, discolouration, or melting on the outlet faceplate
- ⚠️The outlet or wall around it is hot to the touch
- ⚠️You hear crackling, buzzing, or popping from inside the wall near an outlet
- ⚠️Smoke is visible from an outlet or from behind a wall
- ⚠️A circuit breaker or safety switch trips along with the burning smell
How much does it cost?
Replacing a fire-damaged power outlet in Australia costs $150–$400 including parts and labour. If the wiring behind the outlet is heat-damaged, rewiring that section costs $300–$1,000. Extensive fire damage to wiring may require partial or full rewiring of affected circuits, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000+. Emergency after-hours callout fees of $200–$500 apply. This is not a cost to delay — the risk of electrical fire far outweighs the repair expense.