Why does my electrical panel smell like burning plastic when I switch it on – Advice from Electriman, North London Electricians

A burning plastic smell coming from your consumer unit or fuse board is one of the most serious warning signs your home's electrics can give you. It should never be dismissed as normal, especially when switching circuits on or off.

What is likely happening

The smell is usually caused by the plastic insulation on wires inside or near the panel beginning to melt or char. This happens when too much current flows through a cable, when a breaker is faulty and generates heat internally, or when a loose connection causes arcing. Arcing is when electricity jumps across a gap and produces intense localised heat, even on circuits that appear to be working normally.

What you can safely check yourself

First, do not open the consumer unit cover. The inside of a fuse board contains live terminals even when individual breakers are switched off, and touching them is extremely dangerous.

You can safely do the following from the outside.

1. Check whether the smell appears on a specific circuit. Switch breakers off one at a time and note if the smell reduces.

2. Look at the outside of the unit for any scorch marks, discolouration, or melted plastic visible without opening it.

3. Feel the cover carefully with the back of your hand. If it feels warm or hot, treat this as an emergency.

4. Check whether any circuit breakers appear discoloured, warped, or have tripped without an obvious reason.

When to call an electrician

You should call a re

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Electriman covers Mill Hill, Barnet, Finchley, Edgware, Enfield, Watford and surrounding areas. All work is Part P certified and fully insured.