Burning smell or sparking outlet

Quick answer

If you see smoke or flames, get everyone out and call 911 from outside. If there is no fire, turn off the appliance and the circuit breaker if you can do so safely, stop using that outlet, and call a qualified electrician.

Safety first: If there is smoke or fire, leave the home and call 911; do not stay to investigate. Never throw water on an electrical fire, because water conducts electricity.

What to do now

  1. Smoke or flames: get out and call 911. A home fire can spread very quickly. Get everyone out, crawl low under any smoke, and call 911 from outside. Source: Home Fires - Ready.gov
  2. Never use water on an electrical fire. Water conducts electricity, so throwing it on an electrical fire can electrocute you. Source: 4 Things To Do If There's an Electrical Fire - Southern California Edison
  3. Cut the power only if it is safe. If smoke, fire or a strange odor is coming from an appliance, wires or an electric motor, turn off the appliance and the circuit breaker or the main switch, but only if you can reach them safely. Source: 4 Things To Do If There's an Electrical Fire - Southern California Edison
  4. Know the warning signs. Call a qualified electrician for a burning or rubbery smell, sparks from an outlet, discolored or warm outlets, flickering or dimming lights, a tingling feeling when touching an appliance, or breakers and fuses that trip often. Source: Electrical Safety Tip Sheet - NFPA (hosted by City of South San Francisco)
  5. Treat a warm outlet as a problem. Outlets should not feel warm when you touch them. If one does, call your landlord or an electrician. Source: Fire Safety Checklist for Homeowners and Renters - U.S. Fire Administration
  6. Leave the repair to an electrician. Make sure all electrical work in your home is done by a qualified electrician, and replace cracked or damaged cords rather than trying to repair them. Source: Electrical Fire Safety - U.S. Fire Administration

When to call a professional

Once there is no active fire, call a licensed electrician. Describe exactly where the smell or sparks came from and what was plugged in, and ask them to inspect the outlet, the wiring behind it and the breaker for that circuit.

Find electricians (379 listed)

Pick your state and city on the directory page, or use the location search at the top of this page, then call a local company directly.

Frequently asked questions

Is a burning smell from an outlet an emergency?

It can be. If you see smoke or flames, get out and call 911. If not, fire safety groups list a burning or rubbery smell as a reason to call a qualified electrician.

Should I turn off the breaker?

If you can reach it safely and there is no fire near the panel, turning off the appliance and the circuit breaker is recommended. If there is smoke or fire, leave and call 911 instead.

Can I put out an electrical fire with water?

No. Water conducts electricity and can cause electrocution. Get out and call 911.

General safety information, not professional advice. In an emergency, call 911. More guides: home emergencies: what to do first.