Burning or Fishy Smell from Electrical
Before touching anything: turn off power at the breaker and verify with a tester. If you smell burning or see scorch marks, skip the quiz — shut it off and call a licensed electrician.
Step 1
Right now — do you see smoke, sparks, or flames, or is anything hot to the touch?
If there is any fire or smoke, leave and call 911. Only use the breaker if you can reach the panel safely.
This troubleshooter gives general guidance, not a diagnosis of your specific installation. Codes vary by location. When in doubt, hire a licensed electrician.