Fishy smell ??

⚡ That Fishy Smell & Buzzing Sound — Could Your Electrics Be Arcing?

By LC Fisher Electrical Services — Your Local NICEIC Registered Electrician, Nottingham

📌 What Is Electrical Arcing?

Electrical arcing happens when electricity jumps across a gap between loose or damaged connections, rather than flowing smoothly through the wire. Think of it like a tiny continuous lightning strike — generating temperatures of up to 6,000°C — enough to melt copper wire and ignite wood, plastic, and insulation. The scary part? It often happens behind walls or behind outlet plates — where you can't see it until it's too late.

🐟 SIGN 1: The "Fishy" Smell — When There's No Fish in the House

"I walked into the room and it smelled like fish — but we haven't cooked fish. I thought it was the bin…"

This is one of the most commonly ignored — yet most important — early warning signs. When plastic insulation on wiring and electrical components overheats and begins to chemically break down, it releases a sharp, fishy or chemical odour. You might also notice a scent like burning plastic, ozone, or something metallic.

⚠️ Don't brush it off. The smell can appear hours before visible smoke or sparks. If you can't find a logical source — it could be your electrics heating up behind the wall.

🐝 SIGN 2: A Sound Like Bees — Buzzing, Hissing or Crackling

"I could hear a faint buzzing sound behind the wall — like a small swarm of bees…"

Electricity flowing cleanly through a good connection is silent. When connections loosen and arcing begins, you may hear:

• 🐝 A steady low buzz — like bees humming inside a wall or socket

• 🔊 Crackling, popping, or sizzling sounds

• 📈 A noise that seems to come and go or gets louder when appliances are switched on

This sound is the current repeatedly jumping a small gap — each tiny arc creates heat and vibration. It is NOT normal, and it won't fix itself.

🔥 Other Warning Signs to Watch For

Sign What It Means

🔦 Flickering or dimming lights Unstable connection somewhere in the circuit

🔌 Warm or hot to touch sockets/switches Resistance = heat building up

🟤 Brown/black marks around outlets Heat is already discolouring the plastic

💡 Lights dim when appliances turn on Voltage drop indicating a loose connection

🚫 Breaker won't stay reset Fault is active — don't keep forcing it

🚨 What Should You Do If You Notice These Signs?

✅ DO ❌ DON'T

✅ Stop using that socket or circuit ❌ DON'T ignore it — it won't go away on its own

✅ Turn off the circuit at the consumer unit if safe to do so ❌ DON'T take the faceplate off yourself — live parts inside

✅ Open windows to clear the smell ❌ DON'T wait until you see smoke or sparks

✅ Call us — we're here to help ❌ DON'T assume it's "just the wiring getting old"

❗ In an emergency — if you see smoke or flames — evacuate immediately and call 999. Do not fight an electrical fire with water.

🛡️ Why Arcing Is So Dangerous — And Why You Need a Pro

Arcing is one of the leading causes of electrical fires in UK homes. The real danger? Standard circuit breakers don't always detect it — because the current flow doesn't go to earth or short out immediately. It can quietly cook away behind a wall for weeks or months before igniting.

At LC Fisher Electrical Services, we can:

• 🔍 Locate the source of the smell or sound safely

• 🔧 Check for loose connections and damaged wiring

• 📋 Carry out an EICR Electrical Condition Report

• ✅ Fit Arc Fault Detection Devices (AFDDs) where needed — these detect dangerous arcing before it becomes a fire risk

📞 Smell something fishy? Hear something odd? Don't ignore it. Better safe than sorry — call us on 07891 993003. We're your local Nottingham NICEIC registered electrician — fully insured and here to Help