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What to do if…
you hear a loud popping sound from an appliance and a burning smell starts but you can’t see flames

Short answer

Cut power immediately: unplug only if it’s safe to touch (grip the plug, not the cord), or switch off the breaker for that circuit. If there’s smoke/heat, you can’t safely cut power, or the odor persists/intensifies after power is off, leave and call 911.

Do not do these things

  • Do not try turning it back on “just once.”
  • Do not touch the plug, cord, or appliance if anything looks melted, scorched, cracked, or feels hot.
  • Do not pull a plug out by yanking the cord.
  • Do not use water on an electrical device or outlet.
  • Do not open the appliance or remove panels while it’s connected to power.
  • Do not keep resetting the breaker if it trips again.
  • Do not ignore the smell because there are no flames.

What to do now

  1. Move people and pets away. Clear the room and give yourself space to act.
  2. Cut power safely.
    • If you can reach the plug without touching anything hot: turn it off, then unplug by holding the plug.
    • If it’s hardwired, the plug/outlet looks damaged, or anything is hot: turn off the circuit breaker for that area (if unsure, turn off the main breaker).
  3. Check for escalation from a safe distance. Look for smoke, glowing, sizzling/crackling, heat, or a strong smell that continues/intensifies after power is off.
    • If any are present, or you feel unsafe: evacuate, close doors behind you, and call 911.
  4. Ventilate once power is off. Open windows/doors if it’s safe and the air isn’t smoky or irritating.
  5. Prevent accidental reconnection. Leave it unplugged and label the plug/breaker so nobody restores power “to see if it’s fine.”
  6. Get the right help based on what seems affected.
    • If the smell seems to come from the outlet, wall, breaker panel, or wiring (or the outlet is warm/discolored/scorched): contact a licensed electrician and keep that circuit off.
    • If it seems confined to the appliance: contact the manufacturer or a reputable appliance service.
    • If you rent or you’re in an apartment/condo: notify your landlord/property manager/maintenance after power is off (especially if the electrical panel is shared or controlled by the building).
  7. If it’s a newer product or major appliance. Record the model/serial number and check for safety notices/recalls before using it again.

What can wait

  • You do not need to figure out the exact failed part right now.
  • You do not need to decide whether to repair or replace today—first keep it powered down and inspected.
  • You do not need to keep troubleshooting if the breaker tripped; repeated resets can make things worse.

Important reassurance

A pop and burning smell can be a component failing and may stop once power is removed, but it’s a real warning sign. Cutting power promptly and keeping it disconnected is a protective first response.

Scope note

These are immediate first steps only. If the outlet/circuit might be involved or the smell persists after power is off, treat it as an electrical safety issue and use a licensed professional.

Important note

This guide is general information for urgent first steps. If you see smoke or fire, feel unsafe, cannot cut power safely, or anyone has breathing difficulty, leave immediately and contact emergency services.

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