PanicStation.org
UK USA
us 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 USA guide

Short answer

Cut power immediately: unplug only if it is safe to touch the plug, or switch off the breaker for that circuit. If there is smoke, heat, crackling, you cannot safely cut power, or the odor continues after power is off, leave and call 911.

Do not do these things

  • Do not turn the appliance back on to test it.
  • Do not touch the plug, cord, outlet, or appliance if anything looks melted, scorched, cracked, wet, or feels hot.
  • Do not pull a plug out by yanking the cord.
  • Do not use water on an electrical device, outlet, cord, or breaker panel.
  • Do not open the appliance or remove panels while it is connected to power.
  • Do not keep resetting a breaker that trips again.
  • Do not ignore the smell because there are no visible flames.

What to do now

  1. Move people and pets away from the appliance. Keep children and pets out of the room.
  2. Cut power safely.
    • If the plug is easy to reach and nothing is hot, wet, melted, or sparking: turn the appliance off if you can, then unplug it by holding the plug, not the cord.
    • If the plug, outlet, cord, or appliance looks damaged or feels hot: do not touch it; turn off the circuit breaker for that area.
    • If you cannot identify the right breaker quickly and it is safe to reach the panel: turn off the main breaker.
  3. Check from a safe distance for smoke, glowing, sizzling, crackling, heat, or a burning smell that continues or gets stronger after power is off.
    • If any of these are present, or you feel unsafe: leave, close doors behind you if you can do so safely, and call 911.
  4. Ventilate only after power is off and only if it is safe. Open a window or door if the air is not smoky or irritating.
  5. Prevent accidental reconnection. Leave the appliance unplugged, and put a clear note on the plug, appliance, or breaker so nobody turns it back on.
  6. Decide who to contact by where the warning seems to come from.
    • If the smell seems to come from the outlet, wall, breaker panel, wiring, or a warm, discolored, loose, or scorched outlet: keep that circuit off and contact a qualified licensed electrician.
    • If the smell seems confined to the appliance and the outlet looks normal: keep the appliance disconnected and contact the manufacturer, retailer, or an appliance repair service.
    • If you rent, or you are in an apartment or condo: notify the landlord, property manager, or building maintenance after power is off, especially if the panel or wiring may be shared.
  7. If you can do it without touching a hot or damaged item, note the brand, model, and serial number. Check for safety recalls before anyone reconnects, repairs, sells, or discards the appliance.

What can wait

  • You do not need to identify the exact failed part right now.
  • You do not need to decide today whether to repair or replace the appliance.
  • You do not need to keep troubleshooting after the breaker trips.
  • You do not need to clean up or move the appliance until it is cool, disconnected, and safe to handle.

Important reassurance

A pop and burning smell may stop once power is removed, but it is still a real electrical warning sign. Cutting power, keeping the item disconnected, and getting the right help are useful first steps.

Scope note

These are first steps only. Later decisions about wiring, repair, replacement, insurance, rental responsibilities, or product recalls may need help from a qualified electrician, the manufacturer, property management, or another specialist.

Important note

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

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.

Support us