Do electric fires smell like fish?
Content
As a certified electrician, I will explain in this article what an electric fire smells like. Does it smell like fish?
“In general, the smell of electric fire can be described in two ways. Some claim that it has a pungent smell of burning plastic. This smell can be understood because plastic components such as wire covers or insulating sheaths can burn under the wall. Some people claim that electric fire smells like fish. Yes, it's weird, but when electrical parts get hot, they sometimes give off a fishy smell."
I'll go into more detail below.
What causes the smell of electrical fire?
An electrical fire can occur when a circuit breaker, cable, or electrical wire is defective or fails.
The smell of electric fire can be described in two ways. First of all, some claim that it has a pungent smell of burning plastic. This smell can be understood because plastic components such as wire covers or insulating sheaths can burn under the wall.
Yes, it's a strange fact, but electric fire smells like fish. This explains why, when electrical parts overheat, they sometimes give off a fishy smell.
It would be preferable if you were bothered by the smell of burnt plastic rather than the smell of fish. As stated earlier, electrical fires are difficult to detect because they occur behind walls. As a result, I recommend that you call the fire department as soon as you spot this smell.
The most common problem areas in our homes
Sockets and lighting
Extension Cords
Extension cords can be very useful, but they can also be dangerous if used incorrectly. Extension cords, for example, should not be hidden under furniture or carpeting. If you do, you risk starting a fire. Also, never connect multiple extension cords - this is also called a daisy chain connection.
Lighting
If your table lamp is overloaded, it may catch fire. All light bulbs, like lighting fixtures, have a recommended wattage range. If the recommended bulb wattage is exceeded, the lamp or lighting fixture may explode or catch fire.
old wiring
If the wiring in your home is more than two decades old, it might be time to upgrade it.
As wiring ages, it becomes less able to handle the electrical load required by modern homes. Overloading the circuit may cause the circuit breaker to trip. Also, if your breaker box is as old as your wiring, it could overheat and catch fire.
When your house is about 25 years old, you should check the wiring. Typically, only a few switches or main panels need to be serviced.
Some wires may have a fabric sheath if your home was built before the 1980s. In this case, current standards should be used to replace it.
Other signs of an electrical fire
In addition to the smell of electric fire, there are other warning signs.
- chewing noise
- Low light
- Switches often trip
- spark electricity
- Switches and sockets are discolored
- Outlets and switches are getting hotter
Follow this protocol if you suspect a fire in your home:
- Exit the building
- Call 911 and explain your problem
- Once the firefighters have extinguished the flames and everyone is safe, it's time to change the electrical circuits in your home.
Take a look at some of our articles below.
- How long does the burning smell from electricity last?
- How to connect a circuit breaker
- How to test a fluorescent light bulb with a multimeter
Video link
