Our homes are full of electrical technology these days, yet many have outdated wiring systems and fuse boxes. With the extra electrical demands that we now place upon our home's electrical system, there are often things that can go wrong.
If you have a burning smell in your house, it could indicate an issue with the electrical system that requires immediate attention. This is particularly important for homeowners in Wixams and Bedford, where older properties might be more prone to electrical issues.
Why is there a Burning Smell?
For electricity to function correctly as a system in our homes, it requires sufficient electrical force (voltage), minimal obstruction (resistance), and adequate flow (current). When electrical connections become loose, there is a problem. Poor contact increases obstruction, leading to inadequate flow, causing heat to build up and further obstructing electrical current flow.
This situation can quickly escalate, causing wiring connections and cabling to overheat and burn out. The resulting smell is a distinct fishy, plastic odour. Once you experience the smell of electrical burning, you will not forget the pungent odour.
Tackling Repairs
There is no safe way to carry out DIY electrical work unless you are a trained professional. Minor tasks like changing a light bulb or replacing a plug top are safe if a competent guide is followed. However, attempting to tackle burnt-out wiring repairs is fraught with danger and should be left to a professional electrician. Compliance with the BS7671 wiring regulations is essential.
If you live in Wixams or Bedford and notice a burning smell, it's a good idea to establish where the smell is coming from. This will save a licensed electrician some time on-site and may even enable you to get a quote for repairs more quickly.
Will a Circuit Breaker Trip?
A circuit breaker will not always trip even when there is an electrical burning smell. If you have a burning smell in your house, particularly in older homes in Wixams and Bedford, there’s a good chance that an outdated fuse box or consumer unit may not detect the issue. It may be up to you to discover the cause and contact an emergency electrician for assistance.
Circuit breakers are designed to trip when too many appliances or light bulbs are used, not necessarily for a potential fire. To prevent further damage, don’t rely solely on circuit breakers or fuses in your fuse box. The best course of action is to turn off all the trip switches in your consumer unit along with the main switch. This will isolate the power and prevent electrical issues from worsening.
Older Homes
Unfortunately, older homes, common in Wixams and Bedford, tend to be more at risk for electrical issues, especially if they have not been rewired recently or had regular maintenance. If you detect a burning smell or electrical fire smell, it could be due to failing wiring junctions, a damaged fuse box, or electrical accessories that need inspection and replacement.
Due to the hidden nature of wiring systems, the source of the smell can be difficult to pin down. Wiring systems in older homes aren’t meant to last forever and will eventually fail. As the PVC insulation around the copper wire heats up and begins to melt, you might notice a strange smell of rotten eggs or a smoky odour. This damage is irreversible, and the affected wiring or electrical equipment will need to be replaced.
Warning Signs
When electrical problems start, it is often inconvenient to deal with them immediately. Electrical outlets may begin to fail intermittently, lights may flicker, or switches might trip in the electrical panel or consumer unit.
These warning signs should not be ignored, as they may indicate that a rewire is imminent. Before committing to a rewire, consider chatting with a trustworthy electrician in Wixams or Bedford to see if some repair works could be carried out instead. Well-maintained wiring systems can last for 50 years or more before needing rewiring.
Preventative Measures
Prevention is better than cure. To avoid issues with a burning smell in your house, proactive and preventative measures may be necessary. An older house in Wixams or Bedford will likely contain old equipment in need of servicing and maintenance. Routine maintenance should always be carried out on equipment regardless of age to prevent premature failure or electrical breakdown.
Circuit Overload
An overloaded circuit is often the source of the burning smell or smoky odour. When wiring and components are loaded beyond their capability, they overheat, causing fire hazards. Most electrical panels or consumer units should protect against this, but design problems or DIY electrical installations can prevent the system from switching off when necessary.
Overloading a wall socket beyond its capabilities is a common issue, especially in older homes in Wixams and Bedford. Most wall outlets are not sufficiently rated to cope with two power-hungry appliances being used simultaneously. In the UK, double plug sockets are generally rated to 13 amps, meaning that using a dishwasher and washing machine in the same socket will cause a problem.
Emergency Electrician in Wixams, Bedford
As emergency electricians serving Wixams, Bedford, and surrounding areas, we often get calls from properties where nothing has tripped at the consumer unit, but there is a burning smell coming from somewhere. Just because there is a burning smell or melting of electrical wiring or accessories does not mean that your fuseboard or consumer unit will detect this and trip out.
If you can smell electrical burning, there are several steps you should take immediately:
- Turn off all electrical appliances and unplug them from the wall where safe to do so.
- Go to your consumer unit and turn off any and all circuit breakers.
- If possible, also turn off your main switch.
- Call us on 01234 964905 straight away so we can attend to investigate.
If there is a fire, call the fire brigade and follow their advice. We will attend afterward to ensure that the electrical installation is safe to turn back on.
Many factors can cause electrical installations to burn, melt, overheat, and in some cases, catch fire. Only an experienced and qualified electrician can investigate these issues, assess the design of the installation, and determine the likely cause of the problems.
We are experts in emergency fault finding, design, and diagnosis of issues. You can check the gallery on our website to see some of the issues we come across or visit our Facebook Page to see more pictures of our emergency attendances and other works.
We are your local 24-hour emergency electricians in Wixams, Bedford, and surrounding areas. We can attend to a variety of issues, including power loss, burning smells, and partial power loss. We also carry out all sorts of electrical work, so contact us if you need anything.
Contact us today.
