Emergency Burning Smell from Fuse Box Repair Edinburgh
Dangerous electrical burning odours from consumer units
Emergency Service Details
Understanding Burning Smell from Fuse Box and Why It Requires Immediate Professional Attention
A burning smell from your consumer unit (fuse box) is one of the most serious electrical emergencies. It indicates overheating components, arcing connections, or degraded wiring that can ignite and cause a devastating electrical fire. Common causes include loose connections creating resistance and heat, overloaded circuits, faulty circuit breakers, deteriorated internal wiring, or incompatible components. Electrical fires can spread rapidly through walls and are often difficult to extinguish. Never ignore a burning smell - immediate action can save lives and property.
Common Symptoms & Signs
- Acrid, plastic, or metallic burning odour near the consumer unit
- Smell stronger when consumer unit cover is approached
- Visible scorch marks, melted plastic, or discoloration on the unit
- Consumer unit feels warm or hot to the touch (don't touch if very hot)
- Flickering lights throughout the property
- Buzzing, crackling, or popping sounds from the consumer unit
- Smoke or visible heat haze near the unit
- Circuits tripping frequently before the smell appeared
Common Causes
- Loose connections on circuit breakers or busbars causing arcing
- Overloaded circuits generating excessive heat
- Degraded or undersized cables overheating
- Faulty circuit breakers failing to trip when overloaded
- Poor quality or counterfeit electrical components
- DIY electrical work with inadequate connections
- Age-related deterioration of wiring and connections
- Incompatible components creating dangerous conditions
What To Do Right Now - Immediate Safety Steps
- 1If the burning smell is very strong or you see smoke, evacuate immediately and call 999
- 2If safe to do so, turn off the main switch to cut all power
- 3Do NOT open the consumer unit cover
- 4Do NOT touch the consumer unit if it feels hot
- 5Keep everyone away from the consumer unit area
- 6Do NOT attempt any repairs yourself
- 7Call us immediately on 0131 3589935 for emergency attendance
- 8Do NOT turn the power back on until professionally inspected
Specific Dangers & Risks
- Electrical fires can ignite wall insulation and spread rapidly
- Toxic smoke from burning electrical components can be fatal
- Arcing faults can cause explosions and intense heat
- Fire may continue even after power is switched off
- Water cannot be used to extinguish electrical fires while power is on
- Structural damage to property from fire
- Risk of electrocution while attempting to fight the fire
- Fatal injuries or death from fire and smoke inhalation
Why Burning Smell from Fuse Box Is Extremely Dangerous - Do NOT Attempt DIY Repairs
Burning smells indicate electrical components are overheating to the point of combustion. This can rapidly escalate to an electrical fire that spreads through walls and is difficult to extinguish.
If you smell burning, switch off power at the main switch immediately and call a qualified electrician. Do not attempt repairs yourself. Electrical work must be carried out by qualified, registered electricians under Part P Building Regulations. DIY electrical work is illegal, dangerous, and invalidates your home insurance.
How Our Qualified Electrician Fixes Burning Smell from Fuse Box Safely & Properly
We'll identify the source of overheating, replace damaged components, upgrade inadequate wiring or consumer units, and ensure all connections meet safety standards.
Our Step-by-Step Professional Process:
- 1Safe isolation and assessment of the consumer unit
- 2Thermal imaging to identify hot spots and overheating components
- 3Inspection of all connections, busbars, and circuit breakers
- 4Identification of loose, corroded, or inadequate connections
- 5Replacement of damaged or faulty components
- 6Consumer unit replacement if extensively damaged
- 7Upgrade to modern 18th Edition compliant consumer unit if necessary
- 8Full testing and certification of all work
Frequently Asked Questions About Burning Smell from Fuse Box
I smell burning from my fuse box - what should I do immediately?
If the smell is very strong or you see smoke, evacuate and call 999. If safe, turn off the main switch to cut all power. Do NOT open the consumer unit or touch it if hot. Keep everyone away and call us immediately on 0131 3589935. Do NOT turn power back on until we've inspected it.
Can I use fire extinguishers on an electrical fire in my fuse box?
Only use CO2 or dry powder fire extinguishers rated for electrical fires, and only if the main power is off and it's safe to do so. Water-based extinguishers will cause electrocution. If there's any doubt, evacuate and call 999. Electrical fires require professional firefighting.
Will my house insurance cover fire damage from a faulty fuse box?
Most policies cover electrical fires, but may refuse claims if you haven't maintained your electrical installation. Regular EICR inspections and using qualified electricians for all work ensures your insurance remains valid. Keep all electrical certificates for insurance purposes.
How long does it take to fix a burning fuse box?
It depends on the damage. Minor issues like tightening loose connections take 1-2 hours. If the consumer unit is extensively damaged, it requires complete replacement, which typically takes 3-4 hours. We'll assess the situation and provide a clear timeline. Safety takes priority over speed.
Should I replace my old fuse box even if it's not burning?
Yes. Old rewirable fuse boxes and early consumer units lack modern RCD protection and are fire hazards. If your consumer unit is over 25 years old, has wooden or Bakelite casings, or uses rewirable fuses, it should be replaced with a modern 18th Edition compliant metal consumer unit for safety.
Relevant Safety Regulations & Standards
All our emergency electrical work complies with current UK regulations and safety standards, including:
- BS 7671:2018+A2:2022 (18th Edition Amendment 2)
- Consumer Unit Requirements (BS EN 61439-3)
- Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations - Fire Safety
Learn more about electrical safety:
Prevention Tips - How To Avoid Burning Smell from Fuse Box Problems
- Never ignore any burning smells from electrical equipment
- Avoid overloading circuits with high-power appliances
- Schedule regular EICR inspections every 10 years (5 years for rentals)
- Upgrade old consumer units to modern metal-enclosed units with RCD protection
- Ensure all electrical work is carried out by qualified electricians
- Keep the consumer unit area clear, dry, and accessible
- Replace old rewirable fuse boxes with modern consumer units
Transparent Pricing
Clear, upfront rates with no hidden charges
Standard Hours
Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm
(billed per 30 mins)
Out-of-Hours
Evenings/Weekends/Bank Holidays
(billed per 30 mins)
What's Included
- • All basic tools and testing equipment
- • Free quote for any parts needed
- • All work guaranteed
- • Work carried out to BS 7671 (18th Edition) standards
No hidden fees. We'll confirm any parts costs before work begins.
Need Emergency Help with Burning Smell from Fuse Box?
Don't wait - electrical emergencies can be dangerous and get worse quickly. Call now for immediate professional assistance.
Call Emergency Line: 0131 3589935