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What Are the Telltale Smells of an Electrical Fire?

Name: Jackson Mechanical Service
Address: 2600 N Oklahoma Ave, Oklahoma City, OK, 73105, US
Telephone: (405) 525-3788
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Jackson Mechanical Services Jackson Mechanical Services • August 7, 2024

What Role Does a Plenum Play in HVAC Systems?

Fires in residential or commercial buildings occur as a result of different reasons. If you are unsure about any fire, you could try using the smell and taste to determine the cause of a fire. Let’s look at what an electrical fire smells like before it starts.

Burning Plastic or Rubber

An electrical fire can smell like burning plastic or rubber. The ‘burning plastic or burning rubber’ smell is a sign that the copper wires are heating up, and the heat is melting the insulation slowly, bit by bit. This is also a sign that the electrical fire has not started yet, but the copper wires are heating up.

When you perceive that ‘burning plastic’ smell, it is prudent to identify any potential source, turn off the electricity from the main meter, and call an electrical expert for help. In the meantime, evacuate the residence and let professionals find the source of the smell.

The Smell of Cooking Fish

If you start thinking that you’re smelling fish with no proper explanation, such as someone cooking fish in the residence, then you may be about to experience an electrical fire. When the wiring insulation melts but is not yet burning, you will notice a fishy smell and not the previous smell of burning rubber or plastic.

At this stage, it is also advisable that you try to identify the source of the fire even as you turn off the circuit breakers. After evacuating the residence, please call an electrician to perform an emergency inspection.

Other Ways to Identify an Electrical Fire

What about your home in general? What else can an electrical burning smell be like in the house? Well, smell is not the only sign you should be looking out for to indicate the risk of an electric fire. If there’s an electric fire in your house, you will see other signs like:

The tripping of the circuit breakers shuts down electricity in the house.
If the lights begin to flicker or produce a buzzing sound.
When there’s a possible electric fire, you will see charred outlets showing that the house is at risk of an electric fire.
The presence of electric sparks.
Exposed wires due to degrading insulation are a major red flag for electrical fires.

Recognize and React

If any of the issues mentioned above are present in your residence, it is crucial to shut down the circuit breaker for the house and evacuate immediately. For emergency and commercial electrical services in Oklahoma City, contact Jackson Mechanical Services. Our skilled technicians are dedicated to delivering the highest quality electrical services to help prevent electrical fires and ensure your safety.

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What Role Does a Plenum Play in HVAC Systems?

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