It’s not uncommon for fishy odors in the house to be misdiagnosed as plumbing, HVAC, or even pest-related problems, but they can often be a clear indicator of an electrical issue lurking within an outlet, circuit breaker, or the building’s wiring. What makes these odors particularly confusing is their elusive nature, as they tend to appear and disappear unpredictably, typically in sync with the varying electrical current demands on a particular outlet.

Nevertheless, it’s crucial to locate the exact source of the problem, as neglecting it or delaying necessary repairs can potentially lead to a dangerous situation. Unresolved electrical issues significantly increase the risk of fires, highlighting the importance of addressing these odors promptly and seeking professional assistance to rectify the underlying electrical fault.

Turning to a professional is the best approach to ensure both the safety and the reliability of your electrical system.

What Causes a Sudden Fishy Smell in the House?

When a circuit overheats, the plastics and heat-resistant chemicals used in outlets, circuit breakers, or wiring insulation may emit a fishy or urine-like smell. The HVAC system can carry the odor throughout the house, and it may intensify or fade with changing temperatures and circuit usage. This can make it difficult to identify which room the smell is coming from or which outlet.

The fishy odor can be attributed to a variety of electrical issues, explaining what causes fish smells, including:

• Overloaded Circuits: This can occur when there is excessive demand on a circuit, which can lead to overheating and potentially result in fires or damage to electrical components.
• Undersized Wiring: This refers to wires that are too thin to handle the electrical load they are connected to, which can lead to overheating, reduced efficiency, and a risk of electrical fires.
• Undersized Circuit Breakers: Circuit breakers that are not properly made for the circuit they are protecting may not trip when they should, increasing the risk of electrical overloads and damage.
• Loose Plugs in Outlets: Loose connections between plugs and outlets can cause arcing, which can lead to sparks and potential electrical hazards.
• Damaged Outlets that are Arcing or Sparking: Outlets that have visible damage or are arcing and sparking pose significant fire and safety risks. They need immediate attention and repair.
• Frayed or Damaged Electrical Insulation: When the protective insulation around electrical wires becomes frayed or damaged, it exposes live wires, increasing the risk of electrical shock, short circuits, and fires.
• Short Circuits: A short circuit can happen when an electrical current takes an unintended path due to a fault in the wiring. This can result in overheating and sparks, and potentially lead to fires and electrical system damage.

Usually, the fishy smell is an early indicator of a serious electrical problem that could lead to a fire. That is why it is important to have experienced technicians conduct electrical inspections of your system when you notice a fishy, urine-like, or burnt plastic smell near any outlets or electronic devices.

The Dangers of Misidentifying a Fish Smell in the House

For people who are unfamiliar with the specific odor or the cause of the problem, it can be easy to misidentify the fish smell as rotting food, leaking sewer gasses, algae growth in the HVAC system, or dead rodents or birds somewhere in the home. These problems are all relatively minor and do not require immediate attention.

The fish-like odor of an electrical problem is significantly different from the odors produced by these conditions, and requires immediate action to avoid a potentially dangerous fire.

How an Electrician Can Help With Burning Electrical Smell

An electrician can quickly find the cause of the fish odor and replace the affected components. In many cases, only the outlet will need to be replaced, usually due to loose or broken contacts inside, loose wires, or physical damage. In other cases, the damage may be more extensive, requiring replacement or repair of wiring, new breakers, or upgraded components to achieve higher current ratings.

When you notice fish, urine, or burning plastic smells in your Maryland home, call our team at GAC Services. Our licensed, experienced electricians will inspect your electrical system and replace any components necessary to repair the problem and make your home safe again.

We serve homeowners throughout Montgomery, Frederick, and Howard counties in Maryland, and with nearly 50 years of professional experience, you can count on us for all your electrical, heating, and air conditioning needs.

Call us today at (301) 835-1095 or contact us online, and we’ll inspect why your electrical outlet smells like fish.