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uk Home & property emergencies

What to do if…
an appliance makes a loud popping sound and smells like it is burning

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

Stop using the appliance immediately and cut power if you can do that safely. Switch off at the socket and unplug by holding the plug, not the lead; if the plug, socket, lead, or appliance is hot, melted, scorched, smoking, or unsafe to touch, turn off the circuit at the consumer unit instead and leave the home if conditions worsen.

Do not do these things

  • Do not test the appliance again to see if it still works.
  • Do not touch the plug, socket, lead, or casing if it is hot, sticky, melted, scorched, sparking, or visibly damaged.
  • Do not pull the plug out by yanking the lead.
  • Do not use water or a wet cloth on the appliance, socket, plug, or anything electrical.
  • Do not open the appliance to investigate while it is connected to power.
  • Do not keep resetting a tripped breaker or RCD, replacing a fuse, and trying again.
  • Do not ignore a burning smell just because you cannot see flames.

What to do now

  1. Create a safer pause. Move people and pets out of the room and keep the area clear.
  2. Cut power to the appliance if it is safe to do so.
    • If it is plugged in and safe to reach: switch off at the socket, then unplug by holding the plug.
    • If it is hardwired, the plug or socket looks damaged, or anything is hot: turn off the relevant circuit at the consumer unit if it is safe to reach. If you are unsure which circuit it is, use the main switch if you can do that safely.
  3. Check from a safe distance for smoke, glowing, crackling, heat, sparking, or a burning smell that continues or gets stronger after power is off.
    • If any of these are present, or you cannot safely isolate the power, leave the home, close doors behind you if you can, and call 999 once you are clear.
  4. Ventilate only if it is safe. After power is off, open a window or door to clear the smell. If the air irritates your breathing, leave the room.
  5. Make sure it cannot restart. Keep it unplugged or keep the circuit off. Put a clear note on the plug, socket, or consumer unit so nobody reconnects it by mistake.
  6. Get the right help.
    • If you rent: tell your landlord, agent, or building manager that you have isolated power because of a suspected electrical fault.
    • If you own: contact a qualified electrician if the socket, plug, circuit, consumer unit, scorching, warmth, or repeated tripping could be involved.
    • If it seems confined to the appliance: contact the manufacturer, retailer, or a suitable appliance repairer before using it again.
  7. When you contact someone, give the useful facts: the appliance type, what you heard, what you smelled, whether anything tripped, whether the plug or socket is warm or scorched, and what power you turned off.
  8. If it is a major appliance, note the brand, model, and serial number. Check for product safety alerts or recalls before anyone uses it again.

What can wait

  • You do not need to work out now whether the cause was a motor, capacitor, plug fuse, wiring fault, or socket fault.
  • You do not need to decide now whether to repair or replace the appliance.
  • You do not need to tidy up immediately if the smell is strong or the area may still be unsafe.
  • You do not need to restart other appliances on the same circuit until the immediate risk has been made safe.

Important reassurance

A loud pop and burning smell can come from a failed electrical component and does not always become a fire. It is still a real warning sign, and the safest first steps are to stop using it, cut power safely, prevent reconnection, and get it checked.

Scope note

These are first steps only. Later decisions about repairs, replacement, landlord duties, insurance, or electrical work may need help from a qualified electrician, the landlord or agent, the manufacturer, or another appropriate specialist.

Important note

This guide is general information for urgent first steps. It is not legal, medical, financial, therapeutic, electrical, fire safety, or other professional advice. If you see smoke or fire, feel unsafe, cannot isolate the power safely, or anyone has breathing difficulty, leave and contact emergency services immediately.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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