Burning Smell from Electrical Panel: What to Do

Why a Burning Smell From a Panel Is Always Treated as an Emergency

Electrical panels don't give off odors under normal conditions. When you smell burning plastic, hot metal, or something chemical near the panel, it means materials inside are overheating. The temperatures required to produce those smells are high enough to melt wire insulation, warp circuit breakers, and ignite surrounding components. What starts as a minor failure can escalate to a house fire in minutes.

Unlike other household problems where you have time to research and compare options, a burning panel requires immediate action. The National Fire Protection Association reports that electrical failures and malfunctions cause thousands of home fires every year, and panels are a common ignition point. You're not overreacting by treating this as urgent.

Waiting to see if the smell goes away or trying to troubleshoot the issue yourself both create unnecessary risk. The voltage inside a residential panel ranges from 120 to 240 volts, which is enough to stop your heart on contact. Even if you shut off the main breaker, capacitors and other components can retain charge. This is why electricians use specific tools and protocols before they even open the panel door.

The Most Common Causes of Electrical Panel Odors

Most burning smells from panels trace back to either loose connections, overloaded circuits, or failed breakers. Loose connections create resistance, which generates heat that degrades the metal and insulation until the connection fails. You'll smell the breakdown before you see visible damage.

Overloaded circuits force more current through wiring than it was designed to carry. The excess load heats the wires and the breaker terminals. If the breaker doesn't trip when it should, the overheating continues until something melts or catches fire. This happens more in older homes where the panel was sized for a smaller electrical demand than what modern households require.

Failed breakers produce a distinct odor because the internal components are literally cooking. Breakers contain springs, contacts, and trip mechanisms that degrade with age and use. When they fail, they can arc internally or refuse to trip under fault conditions. Both scenarios generate heat and the smell of burnt electronics. Aluminum wiring, which was used in some homes built between 1965 and 1973, also contributes to panel problems because it expands and contracts more than copper, which leads to loose connections.

What to Do and What to Avoid in the First Few Minutes

Your first action should be to get everyone out of the immediate area. Don't touch the panel or attempt to open it. If the smell is strong or you see smoke, leave the house and call 911. Fire departments respond to electrical emergencies and can determine if the situation requires immediate suppression or just monitoring while you wait for an electrician in Landrum, SC.

Call a licensed electrician immediately. Explain exactly what you're experiencing, including the location of the smell, how long you've noticed it, and whether you've seen any sparks or discoloration. Most electrical service companies prioritize these calls because they understand the risks. Don't wait until morning if this happens at night. Emergency electrical service exists for situations just like this.

When a Panel Needs Repair vs. Full Replacement

Not every panel problem requires a full replacement, but many do. The decision ultimately depends on the panel's age, capacity, and the extent of the damage. If the burning smell comes from a single failed breaker and the rest of the panel is in good condition, swapping out the breaker might solve the problem. If the issue stems from loose connections at the bus bars or corrosion throughout the panel, replacement becomes the safer choice.

Panels older than 25 years are candidates for replacement regardless of whether they're currently failing. The breakers wear out, the connections loosen, and the overall capacity rarely meets modern electrical demands. Federal Pacific, Zinsco, and Challenger panels have documented failure rates high enough that many electricians recommend replacing them on sight. These brands were installed in millions of homes but have since been identified as fire hazards.

Electrical panel replacement also makes sense when you're adding major appliances or circuits. If your home still has a 100-amp panel and you're installing central air conditioning, an electric vehicle charger, or a hot tub, upgrading to a 200-amp panel prevents future overloads. The cost of replacement is substantial, but it's a fraction of what you'd spend rebuilding after a fire. Licensed electricians can evaluate the panel's condition and give you a clear recommendation based on what they find, not just what they smell.

Are You Worried About Your Electrical Panel?

Your electrical panel is the heart of your home's power distribution system. When it starts to fail, you don't have the luxury of time. If you smell burning near your panel, treat it as the emergency it is. Clear the area, reduce your electrical load, and get professional help immediately. Mr. Electric provides emergency electrical service because we know these situations can't wait. Our electricians have the training and tools to diagnose panel problems safely and execute repairs or electrical panel replacement when needed. Call us now if you're dealing with a burning smell from your panel. We'll get someone to your home fast and make sure your electrical system is safe before we leave.