What to Do If You Smell Burning From Your Switchboard
The electrical switchboard is the heart of your home’s power system. It distributes electricity to your lights, appliances, and devices, while also providing critical safety mechanisms like circuit breakers and safety switches. But what happens when you notice a burning smell coming from your switchboard?
This is one of the most serious warning signs of an electrical fault. Ignoring it could put your home and family at risk of fire, electric shock, or costly damage to appliances. In this guide, we will explain what it means, the immediate steps you should take, and how a licensed electrician can help.
Why a Burning Smell From Your Switchboard is Dangerous
Electricity generates heat as it flows through wires and circuits. A properly functioning switchboard is designed to handle this safely. But if you smell burning, it means something is wrong. The smell may come from:
- Overheating wires or insulation
- A faulty circuit breaker
- Loose or corroded connections
- An overloaded circuit drawing more power than it can handle
- A melted fuse or damaged component
The key risk is fire. Electrical fires can start inside switchboards and spread quickly through your home’s walls. Unlike smoke from cooking or candles, electrical smoke is toxic and fast-burning. That is why you should never ignore this warning sign.
Immediate Steps to Take if You Smell Burning
1. Stay Calm but Act Quickly
Panic can make the situation worse. Take measured steps to secure your safety.
2. Turn Off Power if Safe to Do So
If the smell is strong or you see smoke, the safest option is to turn off the main power switch at the switchboard. Only do this if it feels safe and you are not exposed to live wires or visible flames.
3. Unplug Appliances
If you cannot safely reach the switchboard, unplug major appliances to reduce the electrical load. This may help prevent further overheating.
4. Evacuate if Necessary
If you see smoke or flames, evacuate your household immediately and call Triple Zero (000). Safety should always come before property.
5. Call a Licensed Electrician
Once everyone is safe, call a qualified electrician. Do not attempt to open or repair the switchboard yourself. In Queensland, and across Australia, only licensed electricians can legally and safely carry out this work.
Common Causes of Burning Smells in Switchboards
Overloaded Circuits
Modern households use far more electricity than homes built 20 or 30 years ago. Air conditioning, large fridges, and multiple devices all put strain on old circuits. When circuits draw more current than they are designed for, overheating occurs.
Faulty Circuit Breakers or Fuses
Circuit breakers and fuses are designed to cut off power in the event of a fault. If these safety mechanisms fail or wear out, wires can overheat and produce a burning smell.
Loose Wiring or Poor Connections
Wires that are not properly connected create resistance, which generates heat. Over time, this can melt insulation or scorch plastic components inside the switchboard.
Age and Wear
Older switchboards, especially those with ceramic fuses, are more prone to faults. Insulation breaks down, protective components fail, and the entire system becomes less reliable.
Moisture or Pests
Moisture intrusion or pest activity can also cause damage inside switchboards. Rats, ants, or cockroaches can chew through insulation, creating sparks and heat.
How Electricians Diagnose the Problem
When you call an electrician to investigate a burning smell, they will carry out a full inspection. This usually involves:
- Checking the condition of wiring and insulation
- Testing circuit breakers and safety switches
- Inspecting for scorch marks or melted plastic
- Identifying overloaded circuits
- Ensuring compliance with current Australian Standards
The electrician will then recommend repairs or upgrades to resolve the fault and prevent it happening again.
Long-Term Solutions to Prevent Burning Switchboards
Switchboard Upgrades
If your switchboard is old or overloaded, upgrading is often the best solution. Modern switchboards use circuit breakers and residual current devices (RCDs) which are much safer than old ceramic fuses.
Safety Switch Installation
Safety switches are designed to cut power instantly if a fault is detected. If your home does not already have them on all circuits, installing them is highly recommended.
Regular Electrical Inspections
Just like cars, electrical systems benefit from regular servicing. Having an electrician inspect your switchboard every few years can catch problems early before they become dangerous.
Spreading Electrical Load
If your household is running too many high-wattage appliances on one circuit, an electrician can install new circuits to share the load. This reduces overheating and improves reliability.
What Not to Do
When you smell burning from your switchboard, it is important to avoid unsafe actions:
- Do not ignore it. Burning smells are not normal and will not fix themselves.
- Do not attempt DIY repairs. Electrical work is dangerous and illegal without a licence.
- Do not spray water or use a fire extinguisher directly inside a live switchboard.
- Do not keep resetting tripped breakers without understanding the cause.
When to Call Emergency Services
If you see flames, smoke, or sparks, treat the situation as an emergency. Evacuate immediately and call Triple Zero (000). Do not re-enter the house until firefighters declare it safe. Once the fire risk has been managed, contact an electrician to repair the underlying issue.
A burning smell from your switchboard is a serious warning sign that should never be ignored. While it might be caused by something minor like dust, more often it signals overheating, overloaded circuits, or failing electrical components. The risks of fire and electric shock are too great to take chances.
If you ever smell burning near your switchboard, act quickly. Turn off the power if safe, unplug major appliances, and call a licensed electrician as soon as possible. For peace of mind, consider regular inspections and upgrading old switchboards before problems occur.
At North Lakes & Surrounds Electrical, we help Brisbane families stay safe with expert inspections, repairs, and upgrades. If you notice a burning smell from your switchboard, call us straight away for fast, professional service.
