A burning smell, a buzzing panel, or a warm outlet is not something to wait on. These are warning signs of overheating or a loose connection, and they can lead to a fire. Act right away.
What to do now
- If you smell burning or see smoke, turn off the breaker for that circuit if you can do so safely, and call an electrician immediately.
- If you see flames or heavy smoke, get everyone out and call 911 — do not stay to investigate.
- Unplug what is in a warm or scorched outlet, and do not use that outlet again until it has been checked.
- Do not remove the panel cover or touch wiring inside the panel.
What causes it
Loose connections, a worn-out breaker, an overloaded circuit, or damaged wiring can all overheat. The panel may buzz when a breaker is failing or a connection is arcing, and an outlet may feel warm when the connection behind it is loose.
If you notice any of these signs, call McLeod Electric right away — this is an emergency call, any time. McLeod Electric — Master Electrician #A 12769, Hanson, MA. Call (781) 447-6040. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Emergencies, call anytime.
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