Electrical Burning Smell

Your mate in the trade™

Smelling Burning From Your Electrical System? Don’t Ignore It

A burning smell coming from your power points, switchboard, or walls is one of the most serious electrical warning signs. If you’re in Perth and notice a strong plastic, fishy, or smoky smell, it’s not something to wait on. Electrical burning smells often indicate overheating wiring or failing components that can lead to fires if left unchecked.

At Hilton Electrical, we treat burning electrical smells as urgent. As your mate in the trade, our job isn’t just to restore power, it’s to make sure your home or business is safe.

What Causes a Burning Electrical Smell

One of the first questions people ask is “What’s actually burning?” In most cases, it’s not flames, it’s insulation, wiring, or electrical components overheating behind the scenes.

Common causes we see in Perth properties include:

Overloaded power points or circuits
Loose wiring creating heat and arcing
Ageing cables with cracked insulation
Faulty safety switches or breakers
Melted wiring inside older switchboards
Moisture entering outdoor or bathroom fittings

That “hot plastic” or “fishy” smell is often the first sign of insulation breaking down. By the time smoke appears, the risk level has already increased significantly.

What Should You Do If You Smell Burning

If you notice a burning electrical smell, act immediately.

Turn off the power at the main switchboard if it’s safe to do so. Do not keep resetting breakers or unplugging and replugging appliances to “test it.” Avoid using the affected area and call an electrician straight away.

Even if the smell fades, the underlying problem usually hasn’t gone away. We regularly attend Perth homes where the smell disappeared, only to find melted wiring hidden inside walls or roof spaces.

Is a Burning Smell Always an Electrical Emergency?

Yes, it should always be treated as one until proven otherwise. Unlike flickering lights or a tripped breaker, a burning smell indicates heat. Heat plus electricity is how electrical fires start.

You might not see sparks or smoke, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe. Many electrical fires begin slowly, inside walls or switchboards, long before visible flames appear. That’s why we recommend calling an emergency electrician the moment you smell something unusual.

How to Prevent Burning Electrical Smells

Good news is that burning electrical smells can be prevented. Burning smells rarely appear without warning. Warm power points, buzzing noises, discoloured switches, or breakers that trip regularly are often early signs.

Older Perth homes are especially vulnerable, particularly those with outdated switchboards or wiring not designed for modern power usage. Preventative electrical inspections can identify these risks before they become emergencies.

We’d much rather help you fix a small issue early than attend after damage has already occurred.

How Hilton Electrical Handles Burning Smell Callouts

When we attend a burning smell call in Perth, our focus is on finding the source quickly and making the area safe. Our licensed and insured electricians will inspect your switchboard, power points, wiring, and circuits to identify exactly what’s overheating.

We’ll:

We operate Monday to Friday, 7am–5:30pm, with no extra emergency call-out fees during standard hours. Our minimum charge is $149, and pensioners receive 10% off labour. No hidden costs, no pressure, just honest advice and quality workmanship.

Why Hilton Electrical is Perth’s Trusted Choice for Burning Smell Electrical Issues

When it comes to fixing tripping safety switches in Perth, Hilton Electrical is a name you can trust. Here’s why:

Qualified and Experienced Electricians

Our team is composed of licenced and skilled electricians with extensive experience in the field. We are trained to adhere to the highest safety standards, and we're committed to delivering excellence in every job.

Speed and Reliability

At Hilton Electrical, we understand the urgency of addressing any burning smell coming from your electrical system. Our team provides fast, thorough, and reliable inspections and repairs, ensuring your home or business is safe and any electrical issues are resolved quickly.

Customer Satisfaction

We are committed to your safety and satisfaction. We won’t leave your property until we’ve thoroughly inspected your electrical system, addressed the source of the burning smell, and ensured you’re completely confident in our work.

Affordable Pricing

At Hilton Electrical, we believe everyone deserves a safe and reliable electrical system. That’s why we offer expert inspections and repairs for burning smell electrical issues at competitive rates. We also provide free quotes, so you know the cost upfront and can plan your budget with confidence.

Call Us Now

If something smells off electrically, trust your instincts. A burning smell is never “normal,” and ignoring it can put your property and safety at risk.

Hilton Electrical services homes and businesses across Perth, from Two Rocks to Mandurah. Call 1300 TRADIES for fast, honest help from electricians you can rely on.

Electrical Burning Smell

Your mate in the trade™

Smelling Burning From Your Electrical System? Don’t Ignore It

What Causes a Burning Electrical Smell

What Should You Do If You Smell Burning

Is a Burning Smell Always an Electrical Emergency?

How to Prevent Burning Electrical Smells

How Hilton Electrical Handles Burning Smell Callouts

Why Hilton Electrical is Perth’s Trusted Choice for Burning Smell Electrical Issues

Qualified and Experienced Electricians

Speed and Reliability

Customer Satisfaction

Affordable Pricing

Call Us Now

A mate you can rely on
For all your electrical needs

Request a booking online

What our customers say.

Office Currently Closed

After Hours

Electrical Burning Smell

Your mate in the trade™

Smelling Burning From Your Electrical System? Don’t Ignore It

What Causes a Burning Electrical Smell

What Should You Do If You Smell Burning

Is a Burning Smell Always an Electrical Emergency?

How to Prevent Burning Electrical Smells

How Hilton Electrical Handles Burning Smell Callouts

Why Hilton Electrical is Perth’s Trusted Choice for Burning Smell Electrical Issues

Qualified and Experienced Electricians

Speed and Reliability

Customer Satisfaction

Affordable Pricing

Call Us Now

A mate you can rely onFor all your electrical needs

Request a booking online

What our customers say.

Office Currently Closed

After Hours

A mate you can rely on
For all your electrical needs