A fishy smell lingering in your home could be a serious indicator of an electrical fault, prompting an electrician to issue urgent guidance to anyone with a fuse box. James Harrison, Director at Fusion Electrical, warns that this distinctive odour should never be ignored.
What the Fishy Smell Means
"Electrical components like sockets and switches are often made from a hard plastic called bakelite," says Harrison. "When this material overheats due to an electrical fault, it starts to break down and gives off a very distinctive fishy smell." This overheating is typically triggered by arcing — a small yet treacherous electrical spark produced by a loose or defective connection. "If there's a loose connection in a fuse board or socket, the electricity jumps across the gap - creating heat through arcing," Harrison explains. "Over time, that heat can melt the plastic, and that's when you get the fishy odour."
Where to Look
The issue is not restricted to sockets alone. "We also see it in switches, particularly shower pull cords," Harrison adds. "When the contacts inside become worn or loose, they can arc in the same way, leading to overheating."
Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore
Beyond the odour, additional indicators of electrical overheating may include discoloured sockets, warm plugs, or flickering lights. However, Harrison cautions that the odour may be the sole indicator. "That fishy smell means something in your electrical system is burning," he said. "If ignored, it could start an electrical fire - and that risk can be immediate."
What Should You Do?
If you detect a fishy odour with no obvious source, particularly near a socket or switch, do not dismiss it. "Turn off your mains power straight away and call a qualified electrician," Harrison says. "This is not something to wait on or second-guess."
How to Prevent Electrical Faults
To steer clear of problems before they turn hazardous, Harrison recommends obtaining an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) every five years, regardless of whether you're a homeowner or tenant. "An EICR checks the condition of all sockets and circuits - it's the best way to catch faults early," he explains. Another straightforward preventative measure is to refrain from overloading sockets. "Appliances like TVs and computers are fine, but large items like washing machines, tumble dryers or kettles should never be plugged into extension leads or overloaded sockets," warns Harrison. "They draw a lot of power and can easily overheat the system if not used correctly."
