⚡ Electrical Tips

Burning Smell from Power Point? What to Do RIGHT NOW (Brisbane Guide)

16 min readUpdated Jul 2026ARAaron · Licensed Electrician 1500996

Burning smell from a power point? Stop using it immediately. Turn off the circuit breaker for that room, unplug everything, and call a licensed electrician. A burning smell from an electrical outlet is one of the clearest warning signs of a serious electrical fault — and it can lead to an electrical fire if you ignore it.

I’ve been called out to dozens of homes across Capalaba, Cleveland, and the Redlands where homeowners smelled burning from a power point and didn’t know what to do. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the immediate safety steps you need to take, the most common causes of burning smells from power points, and when it’s an emergency that needs an electrician right now.

Key takeaways: A burning smell from a power point is always a warning sign. Turn off the power immediately. Don’t use the outlet. Call a licensed electrician — even if the smell seems minor, it could be the early stages of an electrical fire. At Amplus Electrical & Air, we charge $150/hour with no call-out fee, and most burning power point issues are resolved in under an hour.

Immediate Safety Steps: What to Do RIGHT NOW

If you smell burning from a power point, follow these steps immediately:

1. Turn off the circuit breaker for that room at your switchboard
2. Unplug everything from the affected power point — but only if it’s safe to do so (don’t touch it if it’s hot or smoking)
3. Don’t use the power point — even if the smell stops, the fault is still there
4. Check for visible damage — look for scorch marks, melted plastic, or discolouration around the outlet
5. Call a licensed electrician — don’t wait, electrical faults can cause fires

When to call 000:

• If you see smoke or flames coming from the power point
• If the power point is hot to touch or sparking
• If the burning smell is strong and spreading
• If you feel faint or dizzy from the fumes

Don’t be a hero — electrical fires can spread quickly. If you’re not sure, evacuate and call 000.

When to Call 000 vs When to Call an Electrician

Not every burning smell is a life-threatening emergency, but you need to know the difference. Here’s when to call emergency services vs when to call us:

Call 000 Immediately If:

• You see smoke or flames coming from the power point or switchboard
• The power point is sparking or making crackling sounds
• The burning smell is strong and spreading to other rooms
• You feel faint, dizzy, or have trouble breathing from the fumes
• The power point is hot to the touch and won’t cool down after turning off the circuit breaker

While waiting for 000: Turn off the main power switch if it’s safe to do so. Evacuate the house if there’s smoke or fire. Don’t try to put out an electrical fire with water — use a dry chemical fire extinguisher only if you have one and it’s safe.

Call Us (0419 014 146) If:

• You smell a mild burning odour near a power point but there’s no smoke or visible danger
• The power point feels warm but not hot
• You suspect an appliance is causing the smell (unplug it and see if the smell stops)
• The burning smell is intermittent and you can’t locate the source

We’ll come out, diagnose the problem, and fix it safely. Most burning power point issues are resolved in under an hour, and we charge a flat $150/hour with no call-out fee across Brisbane and the Redlands. For switch-specific pricing, see our light switch installation cost guide.

What Does Electrical Burning Smell Like?

Electrical burning has a distinct smell — it’s not like food burning or a candle. Here’s what to look for:

• Burning plastic or rubber — this is the most common smell, caused by melting insulation on wires
• Fishy odour — some electrical components (like old circuit breakers) emit a fishy smell when they overheat
• Acrid, chemical smell — caused by overheated wiring or components
• Metallic or sharp odour — can indicate arcing (electrical sparks jumping between wires)

If you smell any of these near a power point, light switch, or appliance, take it seriously. Electrical burning smells don’t go away on their own — they get worse.

The 7 Most Common Causes of Burning Smells from Power Points

After fixing hundreds of burnt power points across Brisbane, here are the problems we see most often:

1. Loose Wiring Connections (The #1 Cause)

Loose wiring in the power point creates resistance, which generates heat. Over time, this heat melts the insulation and can cause a fire.

Why it happens:

• Power points were installed poorly (loose terminal screws)
• Vibrations from doors closing or foot traffic loosen connections over time
• Aluminium wiring (common in 1960s–70s Brisbane homes) is more prone to loosening

Warning signs:

• Burning smell when you plug something in
• Power point feels warm to touch
• Flickering lights when you use the outlet
• Visible scorch marks around the outlet

What to do: Turn off the circuit breaker and call a licensed electrician immediately. We do a lot of electrical fault-finding jobs across the Redlands for loose connections — it’s one of the most common fire hazards we see.

2. Overloaded Power Point

Plugging too many high-power appliances into one power point (or using a power board daisy-chained to another power board) can overload the circuit and cause overheating.

Common culprits:

• Power boards with multiple high-power appliances (heaters, air conditioners, microwaves)
• Double adapters plugged into power boards
• Christmas lights and decorations on a single outlet

Warning signs:

• Burning smell when multiple appliances are plugged in
• Power board feels hot to touch
• Circuit breaker trips frequently

What to do: Unplug everything and let the power point cool down. Don’t use it again until a licensed electrician checks it. In the future, spread your appliances across multiple outlets or install additional power points.

3. Old or Damaged Power Points

Power points wear out over time — especially in high-traffic areas like kitchens and living rooms. Old power points can have loose internal connections, cracked insulation, or corroded terminals that cause overheating.

Warning signs:

• Power point is discoloured or yellowed
• Plugs fall out easily (loose sockets)
• Power point feels warm even with normal use
• Your home was built before 1990 and still has original power points

What to do: Replace old or damaged power points. We replace power points across Capalaba, Cleveland, and Alexandra Hills — it’s a simple job that costs $80–$150 per outlet including parts.

4. Melted Insulation from Overheating

If wiring inside the wall overheats, the insulation can melt and emit a burning smell. This is often caused by:

• Undersized wiring for the circuit (common in older homes)
• Loose connections in the switchboard or at the power point
• Damaged wiring from rodents or renovation work

Warning signs:

• Burning smell coming from the wall (not just the power point)
• Warm walls around the power point
• Discolouration on the wall or power point

What to do: Turn off the circuit breaker and call a licensed electrician immediately. Melted insulation is a serious fire hazard — don’t use the outlet or touch the wall.

5. Faulty Appliance

Sometimes the burning smell isn’t from the power point — it’s from a faulty appliance plugged into it.

Common culprits:

• Old heaters with damaged cords
• Power tools with frayed wiring
• Appliances with internal shorts (fridges, washing machines, microwaves)

How to test: Unplug the appliance and smell the power point again. If the smell stops, the appliance was the problem. If the smell continues, the power point or wiring is faulty.

What to do: Don’t use the faulty appliance — replace it or get it repaired by a qualified technician. If the power point still smells after unplugging everything, call a licensed electrician.

6. Water Damage

Water and electricity don’t mix — if water gets into a power point, it can cause short circuits, overheating, and burning smells.

Common scenarios:

• Outdoor power points without weatherproof covers
• Kitchen or bathroom power points near sinks
• Roof leaks dripping onto ceiling-mounted power points
• Flooding damaging ground-level outlets

Warning signs:

• Burning smell after rain or flooding
• Visible water around the power point
• Power point trips the safety switch when used

What to do: Turn off the circuit breaker and don’t touch the power point if it’s wet. Call a licensed electrician immediately — water damage can cause serious electrical faults and fire hazards.

7. Arcing (The Most Dangerous)

Arcing happens when electricity jumps between loose or damaged wires, creating sparks and intense heat. This is the most dangerous cause of burning smells because it can ignite nearby materials and cause electrical fires.

Why it happens:

• Loose wiring connections in the power point or switchboard
• Damaged insulation exposing bare wires
• Corroded terminals in old power points

Warning signs:

• Burning smell accompanied by buzzing or crackling sounds
• Visible sparks from the power point
• Flickering lights when you use the outlet
• Power point feels hot to touch

What to do: Turn off the circuit breaker immediately and call a licensed electrician. Don’t use the outlet — arcing is a serious fire hazard. We respond to arcing emergencies across the Redlands — read our emergency electrician cost guide for pricing — it’s one of the most urgent calls we get.

How to Prevent Burning Smells from Power Points

Here’s how to reduce the risk of burning smells and electrical fires in your Brisbane home:

Don’t Overload Power Points

Spread your appliances across multiple outlets. Don’t daisy-chain power boards or plug multiple high-power appliances into one outlet. If you need more outlets, call a licensed electrician to install additional power points.

Replace Old Power Points

If your home was built before 1990 and still has original power points, replace them. Old power points are more prone to loose connections and overheating. We replace power points across Capalaba, Cleveland, and Alexandra Hills — it’s a simple upgrade that improves safety.

Get Your Wiring Checked

If your home has old wiring — especially aluminium wiring — get it inspected by a licensed electrician. Loose connections and damaged insulation can cause burning smells and fires. A switchboard upgrade and partial rewire can bring your home up to modern safety standards.

Install Safety Switches

Safety switches (RCDs) cut power when they detect earth leakage, which can prevent electrical fires. If your home doesn’t have safety switches, get them installed by a licensed electrician. It’s a legal requirement for rental properties and a smart investment for homeowners. Learn how to test your safety switches.

Use Weatherproof Covers for Outdoor Power Points

Outdoor power points should have weatherproof covers to prevent water ingress. If you have outdoor outlets without covers, get them installed — it’s a simple job that prevents water damage and electrical faults.

Burning Smell from Power Point in a Rental Property? Know Your Rights

If you’re renting a property in Brisbane and you smell burning from a power point, here’s what you need to know:

Tenant Responsibilities

• Report the issue immediately to your property manager or landlord — don’t wait
• Turn off the circuit breaker for the affected room
• Don’t use the power point until it’s been inspected by a licensed electrician
• Document the problem — take photos of any scorch marks or discolouration

Landlord Responsibilities

• Arrange urgent repairs — electrical faults are considered urgent repairs under QLD tenancy law
• Use a licensed electrician — only a licensed electrician can legally fix electrical faults in Queensland
• Provide a compliance certificate — all electrical work must be accompanied by an Electrical Safety Certificate
• Ensure safety switches are installed — all rental properties in QLD must have safety switches on power circuits

If your landlord won’t arrange urgent electrical repairs, you can apply to QCAT (Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal) for an order. But don’t wait — electrical faults are fire hazards. Read our landlord electrical compliance checklist for the full legal requirements.

How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Burning Power Point in Brisbane?

The cost depends on the cause. Here’s what we typically charge at Amplus Electrical & Air:

Problem	Typical Cost	Time
Power point replacement	$80–$150	30 min
Loose wiring connections	$150–$300	30–60 min
Additional power point installation	$150–$300	1–2 hours
Circuit upgrade (dedicated circuit)	$250–$450	1–2 hours
Switchboard upgrade (full)	$1,200–$2,500	4–8 hours
Arcing damage repair	$180–$360	1–2 hours
Partial or full rewire	$2,500–$8,000	1–3 days

We charge a flat $150 per hour with no call-out fee across Brisbane and the Redlands. See our electrician cost guide for full pricing details. Most burning power point issues are resolved in under an hour, so you’re looking at $150–$300 for most jobs.

Get a Free Quote Online or call 0419 014 146 for immediate help.

Electrical Fire Statistics in Brisbane

Electrical faults are one of the leading causes of house fires in Australia. Here are some sobering numbers:

• Electrical faults cause 40% of house fires in Australia (Queensland Fire and Emergency Services)
• Loose connections are the #1 cause of electrical fires in homes — they create resistance, heat, and eventually ignite nearby materials
• Older homes are at highest risk — homes built before 1990 with original wiring are 3x more likely to have an electrical fire
• Power points and wiring account for 25% of all electrical fires — second only to appliances
• Summer months see a 30% increase in electrical fires due to air conditioners and fans pushing old wiring beyond its limits

The good news: most electrical fires are preventable. If you smell burning from a power point, you’re catching the problem early. Turn off the power, call a licensed electrician, and get it fixed before it becomes a statistic.

Why Brisbane Homes Are More Prone to Burning Power Points

Brisbane’s climate and housing stock create specific electrical challenges:

Old Wiring in 1960s–1980s Homes

Many homes in Capalaba, Alexandra Hills, Cleveland, Wellington Point, Ormiston, and Thornlands were built in the 1960s–80s with electrical systems designed for a different era. These homes often have:

• Aluminium wiring (more prone to loose connections)
• Fewer power points (leading to overloads)
• Old ceramic fuse switchboards
• No safety switches

These older systems are more prone to overheating and burning smells, especially when modern appliances push them beyond their limits.

Humidity and Storm Damage

Brisbane’s humid subtropical climate and summer storms create moisture problems that lead to water damage in power points. Water ingress in outdoor outlets, bathrooms, and kitchens is a common cause of burning smells, especially after heavy rain.

High Power Demand from Air Conditioning

Brisbane summers mean air conditioners running flat-out. If you’re considering adding air conditioning, see our split system vs ducted guide to choose the right system for your home.. If your AC is plugged into an old power point on a shared circuit, it can easily cause overloads and overheating. This is why we recommend dedicated circuits for air conditioners — it prevents overloads and improves safety.

Real Examples: Burning Power Points We’ve Fixed in Brisbane

Here are three real jobs we’ve done across the Redlands to give you an idea of what to expect:

Example 1: Overloaded Power Board in Capalaba

The problem: A family in Capalaba called us after smelling burning plastic near their living room power point. They had a power board plugged into the outlet with a heater, TV, gaming console, and phone charger all running at once.

What we found: The power board was overheating because it was drawing too much current through a single 10-amp outlet. The power point itself was fine, but the wiring in the wall was getting warm.

The fix: We installed two additional power points on separate circuits — one for the entertainment system, one for the heater. Total cost: $450 (2 hours labour + parts).

Example 2: Loose Wiring in Alexandra Hills

The problem: An elderly couple in Alexandra Hills noticed a burning smell coming from their bedroom power point. They’d been using an electric blanket every night for weeks.

What we found: The power point had loose terminal screws from the original installation 30 years ago. The electric blanket was drawing enough current to overheat the loose connection, melting the insulation inside the wall.

The fix: We replaced the power point, tightened all connections, and checked the wiring for damage. The insulation was melted but the wires were intact. Total cost: $180 (1 hour labour + new power point).

Example 3: Arcing in Cleveland Switchboard

The problem: A homeowner in Cleveland called us after hearing buzzing sounds coming from their switchboard and smelling burning plastic.

What we found: One of the circuit breakers had a loose connection at the terminal, causing arcing (electrical sparks jumping between the wire and the terminal). The plastic around the breaker was melting.

The fix: We replaced the faulty circuit breaker and checked all other breakers for loose connections. This was a serious fire hazard — arcing can ignite nearby materials within minutes. Total cost: $240 (1.5 hours labour + new breaker).

These are typical jobs we see across the Redlands. The key takeaway: don’t ignore burning smells. They’re your home telling you something’s wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a burning smell from a power point dangerous?

Yes. A burning smell from a power point is a serious warning sign of an electrical fault that can lead to a fire. Don’t ignore it — turn off the circuit breaker and call a licensed electrician immediately.

Can I fix a burning power point myself?

No. Queensland law requires a licensed electrician for any wiring work, including power point repairs. DIY electrical work is illegal and dangerous — you risk electric shock, fire, or voiding your home insurance.

How quickly can a burning power point cause a fire?

It depends on the cause. Loose connections and arcing can ignite nearby materials within minutes. Overloaded power points can overheat and cause fires over hours or days. Don’t wait — if you smell burning, turn off the power and call an electrician immediately.

How much does it cost to fix a burning power point in Brisbane?

At Amplus Electrical & Air, we charge $150 per hour with no call-out fee. Most burning power point issues are resolved in under an hour, so you’re looking at $150–$300 for most jobs. More complex issues like rewiring or switchboard upgrades can cost $1,200–$8,000.

Should I call 000 if I smell burning from a power point?

Call 000 if you see smoke or flames, if the power point is sparking, or if the burning smell is strong and spreading. For minor burning smells with no visible danger, turn off the circuit breaker and call a licensed electrician.

Can a burning power point be fixed without replacing it?

Sometimes. If the burning smell is caused by a loose connection, a licensed electrician can tighten the connections and check the wiring. But if the power point is damaged, discoloured, or old, it should be replaced for safety.

How do I know if the burning smell is from the power point or an appliance?

Unplug everything from the power point and smell it again. If the smell stops, the appliance was the problem. If the smell continues, the power point or wiring is faulty and needs a licensed electrician.

How often should I replace power points in my home?

Power points typically last 20–30 years. If your home was built before 1990 and still has original power points, consider replacing them. Signs you need replacement include discolouration, loose sockets, warm power points, or burning smells.

Can I prevent burning power points?

Yes. Don’t overload power points, replace old or damaged outlets, get your wiring checked regularly, and install safety switches. These simple steps can prevent burning smells and electrical fires in your Brisbane home.

Aaron Ross is a licensed electrician and owner of Amplus Electrical & Air in Capalaba, Brisbane. He holds Queensland Electrical Contractor Licence #1500996 and ARCtick Licence AU number for refrigerant handling. Amplus serves Brisbane, the Redlands, and Bayside suburbs with same-day electrical and air conditioning services.