That 'Fishy' Smell? Your Electrics Might Be Melting!

Ever walked into a room and thought, "Who left fish out in the sun?" only to realise there’s no seafood in sight? Well, if your home, or business suddenly has a mysterious fishy odour, it’s time to put down the air freshener and pick up the phone—your electrics might be in trouble!

Why Does Burning Plastic Smell Like Fish?

That odd fishy smell is often a sign that something isn’t quite right with your electrical system. While burning plastic doesn’t always immediately scream “fish,” certain overheating electrical components (like wiring, circuit breakers, or outlets) can give off a distinctive odour when they start to break down. This is usually due to the breakdown of heat-resistant insulation materials, which, unfortunately, smell a lot like your last dodgy takeaway.

What Causes This to Happen?

Electrical components are designed to handle a certain amount of power, but over time, wear and tear, faulty installations, or even pests chewing through wires can lead to overheating. When this happens, the protective coatings on wires and components start to degrade, releasing an unpleasant fish-like scent. Common causes include:

- Overloaded circuits – Too many appliances plugged into one outlet? That could be a problem.

- Loose wiring – Poor connections cause resistance, which generates heat.

- Old or faulty appliances – That ancient fridge or heater might be cooking more than your food.

- Damaged insulation – Once the protective casing melts, trouble isn’t far behind.

What Should You Do About It?

If you notice a persistent fishy smell and you can’t trace it back to last night’s dinner, don’t ignore it! Here’s what you need to do:

1. Turn off and unplug any suspect appliances or devices immediately.

2. Check for signs of damage – Are any outlets discolored or warm to the touch? Are there any flickering lights?

3. Don’t DIY it! Electrical issues aren’t a “watch a YouTube video” kind of fix—call a qualified electrician (like us!) to inspect and repair the problem before it leads to an electrical fire.

The Bottom Line? Don’t Ignore That Fishy Smell!

A lingering fishy odour with no obvious source is your home's way of waving a red flag. Electrical faults can escalate quickly, and ignoring them can put your property—and your safety—at risk.

So, if you ever get a whiff of something suspicious, give us a call. We’ll sniff out the problem (metaphorically, of course) and make sure your electrics are safe and sound.

Stay safe, stay powered, and remember—when it comes to electrics, fishy smells are never a good sign!

Wye Electrical Solutions Ltd.

info@w-es.co.uk

01600712737