People with a fuse box at home told they need to 'take action fast'

An electrician is sounding the alarm for homeowners with fuse boxes, cautioning that a fishy smell in their house might not be remnants of last night's supper but could signal a grave electrical hazard. If you detect this peculiar scent and can't pinpoint its origin, specialists urge immediate action to prevent a possible fire threat.

James Harrison, Director at the esteemed electrician company Fusion Electrical, has explained the true significance of this odour and the dangers of disregarding it. "Electrical components like sockets and switches are often made from a hard plastic called bakelite," Harrison reveals.

"When this material overheats due to an electrical fault, it starts to break down and emits a very distinctive fishy smell." Such overheating is commonly the result of arcing – a small yet perilous electrical spark triggered by a loose or defective connection, reports Wales Online.

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"If there's a loose connection in a fuse board or socket, the electricity jumps across the gap - creating heat through arcing," he added. "Over time, that heat can melt the plastic, and that's when you get the fishy odour."

The issue isn't confined to sockets alone. "We also see it in switches, particularly shower pull cords," he continues. "When the contacts inside become worn or loose, they can arc in the same way, leading to overheating."

What are the warning signs to never ignore?

In addition to the odour, other indicators of electrical overheating include:

• Brown or scorch marks around socket holes.
• Burnt areas behind sockets (visible once opened).
• Appliances - like washing machines or showers - suddenly losing power.

But Harrison cautions that the odour might be the sole indication. "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 steps should homeowners take?

Should you detect a fishy odour without an obvious source, particularly around a socket or switch, don't dismiss it. Providing urgent guidance about the fuse box, Harrison emphasises the need for rapid action and quick decision-making. "Turn off your mains power straight away and call a qualified electrician," he says. "This is not something to wait on or second-guess."

How can you prevent electrical faults?

To avoid electrical problems, regularly check and maintain your electrical system, including wiring, appliances, and outlets. Avoid overloading circuits, utilise surge protectors, and keep electrical devices away from water. It's also essential to address electrical issues quickly and have professional inspections for safety.

To sidestep problems before they turn hazardous, Harrison suggests obtaining an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) every five years, regardless of whether you own or rent your property. "An EICR checks the condition of all sockets and circuits - it's the best way to catch faults early," he explains.

An additional straightforward prevention measure involves steering clear of socket overloading. "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."