Deadly reason you should never ignore a ‘fishy smell' in your home

Daily Record

4 days ago

Householders should be aware of what could be causing this particular odour
Experts are warning householders that a fishy smell in your home isn't always from last night's dinner - it could be a sign of a serious electrical fault. According to the professionals, anyone who notices a strange odour and can't find the source, should act quickly to avoid a potential fire risk.
James Harrison, Director at leading electrician firm Fusion Electrical, explains why you should never ignore the strange stench. He added: 'Electrical components like sockets and switches are often made from a hard plastic called bakelite. When this material overheats due to an electrical fault, it starts to break down and gives off a very distinctive fishy smell.'
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This kind of overheating is typically caused by arcing - a tiny but dangerous electrical spark caused by a loose or faulty connection.
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Harrison added: 'If there's a loose connection in a fuse board or socket, the electricity jumps across the gap - creating heat through arcing. Over time, that heat can melt the plastic, and that's when you get the fishy odour.'
According to Harrison, this isn't limited to sockets either. He explained: 'We also see it in switches, particularly shower pull cords. When the contacts inside become worn or loose, they can arc in the same way, leading to overheating.'
Besides the smell, other warning signs of electrical overheating can 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 warns that the smell might be the only symptom: "That fishy smell means something in your electrical system is burning. If ignored, it could start an electrical fire - and that risk can be immediate.'
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If you notice a fishy smell and there's no clear source - especially near a socket or switch - don't ignore it.
'Turn off your mains power straight away and call a qualified electrician,' says Harrison. 'This is not something to wait on or second-guess.'
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To avoid issues before they become dangerous, Harrison recommends having an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) every five years, 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 simple prevention tip? Don't overload sockets and never use them in some areas of your home.
'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.'