Fishy/burning electric smell

[madeofstarlight]

Hi everyone, sorry if this is in the wrong place.

Since yesterday I keep catching a whiff of that fishy smell that comes from burning electrics. I've tried to follow the smell and can't locate it. In my old house I had it once and it was my light switch over heating but I've sniffed every switch/socket/light and can't find the source. It's not mega strong, just every now and again the smell catches my nose.

Any ideas what it could be or how I can find the source? Is there anything else that gives off a similar smell?

Thanks in advance!

My washing machine is like this on some cycles. It may be the motor in my case

Lightbulbs can sometimes give off a fishy smell near the end of their life.

Ive had a dishwasher plug hidden in a cupboard give off this smell and also a light fitting.

Do you have any high up sockets or switches like say above you extractor fan ?

It’s probably burning Bakelite which has a fishy smell. Bakelite is not used as much these days (I don’t think) but if you have an old appliance or plug (or socket) it could indicate there is a fault and something is overheating. I’d get an electrician to take a look.

Any new lightbulbs, they can smell?

I once had that smell from the fuse box when I was using a sunbed. It had melted (fuse box) but never caught fire.

Toaster? Microwave?

It can be the appliance itself and not the socket.

Interesting the number who are saying they know the smell as when microwave repair man came out (commercial microwave in shop) he swore that I was imagining any smell and electricity 'doesn't smell' Even after he found a fault he still said it was coincidence.

I think @Palominoo might be on to something about old lightbulbs, the one in the kitchen is the one that's been in since before I moved in and that's where I've smelled it most! I'll change it and see if the smell goes.

Thanks guys!

I had this and it was caused by a dangerous fault with the wiring on the very old fuse board. I ignored it for while because I did not realise what the smell was but I was wrong to do that.

Could I suggest you call the electricity supplier emergency number and ask for advice? I called and they were at my house within half an hour!

@Kelvingrove could you notice the smell from the fuse box if you went near it? Just asking because mine is in a cupboard and I can't smell it in there at all?

Yes. It took me a while to work out where it was coming from but eventually I heard a hissing noise and it was the current across the fuse board.