Burning Smell From Switchboard? What Your Clients Need To Know

Do your clients know what to do if they smell burning from their switchboard? Share this article with them, and you’ll be one of the first people they’ll call should the worst happen.

First things first: a burning smell coming from your switchboard should always be treated as an emergency. It may indicate overheating, damaged wiring, overloaded circuits, a failing component or another electrical fault that could increase the risk of fire.

According to Fire and Rescue NSW, electrical faults start more than 350 residential house fires in NSW alone each year, and switchboards are an important aspect to pay close attention to.

For homeowners, tenants and anyone responsible for electrical safety in residential properties, knowing what to do – and what not to do – if and when your switchboard starts playing up can help reduce the risk of injury or property damage.

What is a switchboard fault?

A switchboard fault is a problem within the electrical switchboard or connected wiring that may affect the safe distribution of electricity throughout a property.

Warning signs can include:

• a burning smell
• repeated tripping of breakers or safety switches
• crackling or buzzing sounds
• heat around the switchboard
• smoke or visible sparking

These faults may indicate overheating, damaged wiring or overloaded circuits that require inspection by your licensed electrician.

Key takeaways for property owners and tenants

• A burning smell from a switchboard should always be treated as urgent.
• Homeowners and tenants should never remove switchboard covers or attempt DIY electrical repairs.
• The main switch should only be turned off if it is safe to access the board.
• Smoke, flames, sparking or crackling sounds require an immediate Triple Zero (000) call.
• Repeatedly resetting tripped breakers or safety switches can increase risk if an underlying fault remains.

Why you should leave the switchboard alone

If a switchboard is producing a burning smell, do not remove the switchboard cover, touch wiring, reset breakers repeatedly or attempt to identify the fault yourself.

Electrical work in Australian homes must be carried out by licensed electrical workers. Queensland’s Electrical Safety Office says consumers should “never DIY electrical work”, while Energy Safe Victoria states that unqualified electrical work is dangerous and illegal.

When is it safe to turn off the main switch?

If it is safe to do so – for example, if there is no smoke, flame, sparking, heat or visible damage, and you can safely access the board without touching anything exposed – turn off the main switch.

Fire and Rescue NSW advises turning off electricity at the mains supply only “if it is safe to do so”.

Do not touch the switchboard if it is:

• hot
• smoking
• sparking
• making crackling sounds
• wet
• visibly damaged

If in any doubt at all, wait for your electrician or emergency services/

When should you call Triple Zero (000)?

If you see smoke or flames, smell strong burning, hear arcing or crackling, or feel unsafe, get everyone out immediately and call Triple Zero (000).

Fire Rescue Victoria’s home fire advice states that if a fire occurs, residents should “get out, stay out and call Triple Zero (000)”.

Fire and Rescue NSW also advises that Triple Zero is the quickest way to get emergency help in life-threatening or time-critical situations.

Why you should not keep resetting tripped switches

A circuit breaker or safety switch that trips repeatedly is designed to disconnect power because something may be wrong.

Queensland’s Electrical Safety Office explains that:

• circuit breakers protect electrical wiring from overload, helping reduce fire risk and damage
• safety switches help protect people from electric shock

If a switch trips and there is also a burning smell, leave it off and call your local licensed electrician.

Why a licensed electrician must inspect the switchboard

A burning smell means the switchboard or wiring requires professional inspection before power is restored.

Energy Safe Victoria says electrical work should be carried out by a registered electrical contractor or licensed electrician, and consumers should ask to see the tradesperson’s licence, while Queensland’s Electrical Safety Office also recommends checking an electrical contractor’s licence before agreeing to work.

Do not turn the power back on until the electrician confirms the system is safe.

What renters should do if they smell burning from a switchboard

If you rent the property, report the issue immediately to your property manager or landlord and request an urgent licensed electrical inspection.

Do not attempt temporary fixes or continue using affected circuits. Even if the smell disappears, the underlying fault may still remain.

How to reduce the risk of future electrical fires

To help lower the risk of electrical faults and fire, it’s important to avoid overloading power boards, check appliances and leads for damage, keep power boards ventilated and ensure smoke alarms are installed and tested regularly.

Fire and Rescue NSW warns that poor maintenance and incorrect use of power boards can cause fires, while Fire Rescue Victoria also advises having damaged or faulty electrical equipment, wiring or appliances repaired by certified electrical tradespeople.

Frequently asked questions about switchboard burning smells

Is a burning smell from a switchboard dangerous?

Yes. A burning smell may indicate overheating, damaged wiring, overloaded circuits or another electrical fault that could lead to fire.

Should I turn the power off if my switchboard smells burning?

You should only turn off the main switch if it is safe to access the switchboard and there is no smoke, sparking, heat or visible damage.

Can I reset a tripped breaker if there is a burning smell?

No. If a breaker or safety switch trips and there is a burning smell, leave it off and contact a licensed electrician.

Should I call Triple Zero for a burning switchboard?

Call Triple Zero (000) if there is smoke, fire, sparking, crackling sounds or immediate danger.

Can I fix a switchboard problem myself?

No. Electrical work in Australian homes must be carried out by licensed electrical workers.

Key things to remember if your switchboard emits a burning smell

A burning smell from a switchboard should always be treated as a serious electrical safety issue. Homeowners and tenants should avoid touching the switchboard, repeatedly resetting breakers or attempting DIY repairs.

The safest approach is to isolate power only if it is safe to do so, contact emergency services if there is immediate danger, and arrange inspection by a licensed electrician before restoring power.

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