Why is there a strong burning smell coming from my consumer unit only at night – Advice from Electriman, North London Electricians

A burning smell coming from your consumer unit — your fuse box — is never something to dismiss, and the fact that it happens specifically at night gives us a useful clue about what is likely going on.

Why night-time matters

During the evening and overnight hours, certain appliances tend to run for long, continuous periods. Storage heaters, electric blankets, EV chargers, washing machines on economy cycles, and overnight freezers all place a sustained load on your circuits. If there is a loose connection, a deteriorating terminal, or an overloaded circuit anywhere in or near the consumer unit, prolonged current flow causes that fault to heat up far more than it would during short daytime use. Heat builds, insulation starts to scorch, and you notice the smell.

What you can safely check yourself

There is very little safe investigation you can do inside a consumer unit without proper training and equipment. However, you can do the following without opening anything:

1. Note exactly when the smell starts — is it linked to a specific appliance being switched on?

2. Check whether any circuit breakers feel warm to the touch on the outside of the unit cover.

3. Look at the area around the consumer unit for any discolouration on the wall or cover.

4. Check if the smell is also noticeable at any plug sockets or appliances running overnight.

Do not open the consumer unit cover. Do not ignore the smell and go to bed.

When to treat t

Need a qualified electrician in North London?

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