If you have noticed a burning smell from a power point in your home or business, it should never be ignored. A burnt electrical outlet is often the first warning sign of a serious electrical fault that can result in fire, shock, or damage to your electrical system. Electrical faults are a leading cause of house fires across Australia, and early intervention is essential.
Connected Electricians and Cablers provides trusted electrical services for homeowners and businesses across Moreton Bay. Our licensed electricians offer 24/7 emergency service with a focus on safety, quality, and reliability. We are based locally and have proudly served suburbs across Moreton Bay for over 15 years, including Bellmere, Morayfield, Caboolture, Narangba, and Deception Bay.
Immediate Safety Steps
Turn Off Power Safely
Before you do anything else, you must isolate the affected power point by switching off the power at the switchboard. This is the most effective way to immediately reduce the risk of fire or electric shock. All homes and commercial businesses should have clearly labelled switchboards as part of their electrical system.
Steps to follow:
- Locate your electrical switchboard, often in the garage, hallway, or exterior wall.
- Identify the circuit breaker connected to the affected room or outlet.
- If the circuit cannot be identified, switch off the main breaker to cut power to the entire property.
Turning off power ensures that no current continues to flow to the burning outlet, stopping the heating and protecting your home or business.
Unplug and Ventilate
Once the power is off, unplug any devices or appliances connected to the affected point. This step is vital, as some appliances may have contributed to the overload or may be damaged.
Then, open nearby windows and doors to increase airflow. A burning smell may linger, but ventilation helps clear the air and makes it easier to identify the location and extent of the issue. In commercial environments, notify staff or tenants and restrict access to the affected area.
These steps ensure the safety of residents, workers, or customers and should be standard protocol in electrical incidents.
Inspect for Visible Damage
A visual inspection of the power point and surrounding area can reveal telltale signs of electrical faults. Look for the following:
- Brown or black scorch marks on or around the power point
- Cracks, melting, or bubbling of the plastic faceplate
- A persistent burnt smell that does not go away with ventilation
- Heat radiating from the socket or wall
- Smoke damage or discolouration on nearby skirting or walls
Do not attempt to remove or repair the outlet yourself. Licensed electricians are required for all electrical repairs in Queensland under safety regulations.
Possible Causes and Risks
A burning power point is a symptom of a deeper issue within your electrical infrastructure. Understanding potential causes is critical in both residential and commercial settings:
- Circuit Overloading: Plugging too many appliances into one outlet draws more current than the wiring can handle, causing overheating.
- Worn-Out Wiring: In older homes or outdated commercial properties, wires may become brittle, corroded, or loose, leading to arcing.
- Defective Appliances: Faulty internal components in appliances can backfeed power into the wall socket, causing damage.
- Poor Installation Work: Unlicensed or rushed electrical installations increase the risk of heat build-up and short-circuiting.
- Water Damage: Dampness inside walls, especially in bathrooms, kitchens, or areas with air conditioning or hot water systems, can affect electrical points.
The consequences of neglecting a burning smell from a power point can include:
- Residential or business fires
- Loss of power to essential systems like lighting, air conditioning, and security alarms
- Voided insurance claims due to non-compliant or unlicensed work
- Significant damage to communications infrastructure and data cabling in commercial properties
In rental or investment properties, landlords also risk non-compliance fines and potential litigation if faults are ignored.
How We Diagnose the Fault
At Connected Electricians and Cablers, we follow a rigorous diagnostic process to identify the root cause of the issue. Our electricians are fully licensed and use the latest diagnostic tools to assess electrical faults accurately and efficiently.
Our diagnostic process includes:
- Thermal Imaging: We use infrared cameras to identify hotspots behind walls, sockets, and switchboards. This helps detect issues hidden from plain view.
- Electrical Testing: We test voltage levels, continuity, and resistance using digital multimeters and insulation testers to verify circuit integrity.
- Safety Switch Testing: We simulate fault scenarios to confirm your RCDs (Residual Current Devices) are operating correctly.
- Visual and Physical Checks: We inspect wiring, power boards, data cabling, and switchboard components for visible damage or outdated installations.
- System-wide Evaluation: We review adjacent power circuits, lighting circuits, alarm systems, and smart home integrations to ensure no secondary faults exist.
This thorough approach ensures that not only is the problem fixed, but the risk of recurrence is eliminated.
When to Call an Electrician
Immediate professional attention is required if you observe any of the following:
- Burning smell persists after power is turned off
- Popping, hissing, or buzzing sounds from power points or switchboards
- Multiple power points stop working
- Faceplate or wall is warm or discoloured
- Safety switches frequently trip or fail to reset
Delaying repairs in these circumstances increases the risk of fire or injury. Emergency services should be contacted if visible flames or smoke are present.
Connected Electricians and Cablers provides a rapid response emergency electrician service across Moreton Bay and the northern suburbs of Brisbane. Our fleet is equipped to handle faults in both household systems and commercial projects, and we maintain a strict schedule to minimise downtime.
Post-Repair Verification and Testing
Following any fault repair, we carry out comprehensive system checks and provide documentation for compliance. Our commitment to safety includes:
- Full functionality testing of the affected circuit
- Safety switch compliance verification
- Inspection of nearby circuits, lighting, solar systems, and air conditioning wiring
- Confirmation that all smoke alarms are operational and properly positioned
- Clean-up and removal of any hazardous materials
We also issue a Certificate of Testing and Compliance, which is essential for landlords, property managers, and businesses in regulated industries.
For commercial clients, we offer full documentation for internal records, audit trails, and insurance validation.
Documentation and Insurance Tips
Electrical incidents often lead to insurance claims, especially when damage extends to electrical panels, appliances, or causes property loss. To streamline this process:
- Request a full inspection report from your electrician
- Document the event timeline and capture photos if safe to do so
- Retain your Certificate of Electrical Compliance for claim submissions
- Inform your insurer immediately and provide all supporting documents
Connected Electricians and Cablers assists clients by offering clear documentation, photos, and professional statements suitable for insurance, building management, or legal purposes.
Preventing Repeat Issues
To reduce the chance of recurring faults, we recommend the following proactive measures:
- Schedule an annual electrical maintenance inspection
- Upgrade any power points or wiring older than 15 years
- Replace outdated switchboards with modern circuit protection
- Install surge protectors on sensitive equipment
- Ensure smoke alarms are photoelectric and interconnected as per Queensland law
Recommended Upgrades for Improved Safety and Efficiency
| Upgrade | Benefit |
| LED lighting systems | Lower energy consumption and reduced heat risk |
| Photoelectric smoke alarms | Early detection of fire, now required in QLD rentals |
| Smart monitoring systems | Alerts for overheating, energy spikes, or faults |
| Solar system upgrades | Improve sustainability and reduce energy bills |
| Three-phase EV charger installation | Future-proof your home or fleet capability |
These improvements not only prevent faults but also add value to your home or business.
Emergency Response: Our Three-Step Process
- Immediate Contact We respond to calls 24/7. Whether day or night, our team is ready to assist. Call us at 07 5422 4918 or the after-hours line on 07 3386 4931.
- Diagnosis and Repair On-Site A licensed, insured electrician will arrive, assess the issue, and complete compliant repairs using high-grade tools and components.
- Post-Repair Testing and Reporting We test all systems and provide necessary documentation for compliance, peace of mind, and insurance purposes.
Service Area and Rapid Response
Connected Electricians and Cablers serves clients across the full Moreton Bay Region and surrounding areas:
- Caboolture, Morayfield, Bellmere, Narangba, Burpengary
- North Lakes, Deception Bay, Woodford, Bribie Island
- Select suburbs in Brisbane North and Sunshine Coast
We maintain rapid deployment capabilities, ensuring minimal disruption to your home or business. We offer same-day services and flexible scheduling for non-urgent maintenance.
Why Choose Connected Electricians and Cablers
- Award-Winning: Master Electrician of the Year Winner 2021, South East Queensland
- Licensed and Insured: Compliant with all Queensland regulations and industry best practices
- Experienced: Over 15 years of fault-free electrical work, including smart home upgrades, commercial installations, and urgent repairs
- Transparent Pricing: We provide fixed-price quotes with no hidden fees
- Outstanding Customer Service: Trusted by homeowners, landlords, and businesses across the region
- Wide Range of Services: Including smoke alarms, EV chargers, solar wiring, smart home design, data cabling, switchboard upgrades, and renovations
Our team is trained, friendly, and communicates clearly at every stage of the job.
Burning Smell FAQ
Is a burning smell from an outlet dangerous? Yes. Even a faint smell can indicate heat build-up or arcing inside your wall. It must be inspected by a licensed professional.
Can I keep using the outlet if it looks fine? No. Internal wiring damage is often invisible. Use of the outlet before a professional inspection could escalate the issue.
Is this covered under home or business insurance? Yes, typically. We supply reports, photos, and compliance certificates to support your claim.
How long does the repair process take? In most residential cases, the repair is completed within 1 to 2 hours. For larger commercial systems, this may extend depending on complexity.
Do you service both homes and businesses? Yes. We provide tailored electrical solutions for households, retail stores, offices, real estate agencies, and small-to-medium businesses.
Contact Us
If you have detected a burning smell or suspect an electrical fault, contact Connected Electricians and Cablers immediately. We provide emergency and scheduled electrical services throughout Moreton Bay.
Phone: 07 5422 4918 Email: connect@connectedelectricians.com.au
You may also submit a contact form through our website for non-urgent enquiries or to request a free quote. We are available 24/7 to help restore safety and power to your home or business.