If you’ve noticed a burning smell near your consumer unit (or fuse box), don’t ignore it — this could be an early warning sign of something serious.

At EPM, we treat this as an urgent issue. We’ve attended properties across Exeter and Devon where catching the problem early has prevented electrical fires, major damage, or full power loss.

Here’s what that smell could mean — and what to do next.

What Causes a Burning Smell in a Fuse Box?

That acrid, plastic-burning smell usually comes from:

• Loose electrical connections

• Overheated cables

• Faulty circuit breakers or RCDs

• Signs of arcing (sparking between conductors)

• Older consumer units made from flammable materials

You may not see obvious damage straight away, but the smell means heat is building up somewhere — and it’s only a matter of time before components fail or become unsafe.

5 Signs It’s Time to Call an Electrician Immediately

1. You Smell Burning Even When Power Is Off

If the smell lingers with nothing running, the issue may be with the board itself — or a cable still live on another circuit.

2. You Hear Crackling or Buzzing Sounds

That could be arcing from a loose wire or damaged MCB. This is high-risk and needs checking urgently.

3. The Casing Feels Hot

Your fuse box should be cool to the touch. Heat from inside the board usually means a component is under stress.

4. Lights Flicker or Trips Are Frequent

If the board smells of burning and other symptoms are showing, you’re likely dealing with a serious fault.

5. You See Scorch Marks

Any signs of melted plastic, discolouration or scorch marks around switches or terminals — stop using the system and get it inspected immediately.

Is It Dangerous?

Yes. In the worst cases, fuse boxes can ignite internally due to overheating or loose terminals.
It doesn’t happen often — but when it does, it’s usually because early warning signs were ignored.

What Needs to Happen Next?

We’ll usually:

• Turn off the system safely

• Inspect connections and circuits

• Use thermal imaging (if needed) to detect hot spots

• Test for overloading or damage to breakers

• Recommend replacement parts — or a full board upgrade if required

If the fuse box is older, it might not comply with current regulations, especially if made from plastic rather than fire-rated metal.

What Does It Cost?

Typical costs in Exeter:

• Diagnosis and repair (if caught early): £90–£150

• New consumer unit (if needed): £550–£750 depending on spec and number of circuits

We’ll always give you a clear estimate and explain what’s urgent vs. what’s advisable.

Final Word from EPM

A burning smell near your fuse box is never normal — and it’s not something to wait on.
Call us straight away and we’ll get it sorted safely, before it becomes something worse.