Latest news with #FusionElectrical
Daily Record
6 days ago
- General
- Daily Record
Deadly reason you should never ignore a ‘fishy smell' in your home
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.' This kind of overheating is typically caused by arcing - a tiny but dangerous electrical spark caused by a loose or faulty connection. 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.' 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.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. 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.'
Daily Record
10-07-2025
- General
- Daily Record
People urged to take 'swift action' if they have a fuse box at home
Electricians say it's crucial to act fast to avoid a potential fire risk - here's what you need to know An electrician is warning homeowners with fuse boxes that a strange odour in their homes may not just be leftovers from dinner but could indicate a serious electrical danger. If you notice this unusual smell and are unable to identify where it's coming from, experts recommend taking swift action to avoid a potential fire risk. James Harrison, the Director of Fusion Electrical, an electrician company, has revealed the real importance of this smell and the risks associated with ignoring it. "Electrical components like sockets and switches are often made from a hard plastic called bakelite," Harrison said. "When this material overheats due to an electrical fault, it starts to break down and emits a very distinctive fishy smell." This type of overheating is often caused by arcing – a tiny but dangerous electrical spark that occurs due to a loose or faulty connection, reports Wales Online. "If there's a loose connection in a fuse board or socket, the electricity jumps across the gap - creating heat through arcing," he said. "Over time, that heat can melt the plastic, and that's when you get the fishy odour." The problem isn't limited to just 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? Besides the smell, there are other signs of electrical overheating, such as brown or scorch marks around socket holes, burned areas behind sockets (which can be seen once opened), and appliances, such as washing machines or showers, unexpectedly losing power. However, Harrison warns that the smell could be the only sign. "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? If you notice a strange fishy smell with no clear origin, especially near a socket or switch, take it seriously. Harrison stresses the importance of swift action and prompt decision-making, offering urgent advice regarding the fuse box. "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 prevent electrical issues, routinely inspect and maintain your electrical system, including wiring, appliances, and outlets. Avoid overloading circuits, use surge protectors, and keep electrical devices away from water. Additionally, promptly address any electrical problems and schedule 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."
Daily Mirror
10-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Anyone with a fuse box at home urged to 'make a speedy decision'
Electricians say it's crucial to act fast to avoid a potential fire risk - here's what you need to know 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. "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."
Wales Online
10-07-2025
- General
- Wales Online
Anyone with a fuse box at home told they 'must make a fast decision'
Anyone with a fuse box at home told they 'must make a fast decision' An electrician has issued urgent advice to anyone who has a fuse box at home Acting fast is vital (Image: Getty ) An electrician is issuing urgent advice to anyone who has a fuse box at home if they notice a certain smell in their house. A fishy smell in your home isn't always from last night's dinner - it could be a serious warning sign of an electrical fault. If you notice this strange odour and can't find a source, experts say it's crucial to act quickly to avoid a potential fire risk. James Harrison, Director at leading electrician firm Fusion Electrical, explains what that smell really means - and why you should never ignore it. "Electrical components like sockets and switches are often made from a hard plastic called bakelite," says Harrison. "When this material overheats due to an electrical fault, it starts to break down and gives off a very distinctive fishy smell." This kind of overheating is typically caused by arcing - a tiny but dangerous electrical spark caused by a loose or faulty connection. "If there's a loose connection in a fuse board or socket, the electricity jumps across the gap - creating heat through arcing," Harrison explains. "Over time, that heat can melt the plastic, and that's when you get the fishy odour." This isn't limited to sockets either. "We also see it in switches, particularly shower pull cords," he adds. "When the contacts inside become worn or loose, they can arc in the same way, leading to overheating." Never ignore a 'fishy smell' in your home Article continues below Signs you should never ignore 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," he said. "If ignored, it could start an electrical fire - and that risk can be immediate." What should you do? If you notice a fishy smell and there's no clear source, especially near a socket or switch, don't ignore it. Issuing urgent advice regarding the fuse box, Harrison stresses the importance of acting fast and making a swift decision. "Turn off your mains power straight away and call a qualified electrician," he says. "This is not something to wait on or second-guess." If you notice the smell, or any other concerning signs, make a fast decision regarding your fuse box How to prevent electrical faults 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. Article continues below Another simple prevention tip is to avoid overloading sockets. "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."
