Circuit breaker smells like fish?
A circuit breaker will smell like fish because it is melting. You should take this very seriously and get in touch with a registered electrician as soon as possible to prevent a potential house fire.
This post will go into why your circuit breaker smells like fish and some clues as to what might have caused it.
The fishy smell is caused by the ammonia-like chemicals that get released when insulation around wires or the plastic in a circuit breaker burn. This smell is toxic so you should obviously try to avoid breathing it
In a typical household switchboard containing many circuit breakers, this burning can be hidden so the obvious cause of the ‘fishy’ smell might not be apparent.
However, it is important that you take action in a timely manner to prevent a fire.
Emergency Warning
If you can see any visible signs of fire, such as smoke, call the fire service. When the fire service turns up, usually they will locate your switchboard and turn off your main switch. If you know which breaker is your main switch you could do this yourself to save time before they arrive.
If you don’t see any visible smoke, it still might be a good idea to turn off the main switch and get in touch with a registered electrician as soon as possible to resolve the problem.
Turn Off The Main Switch
By turning off the main switch, this will stop power from reaching the circuit breaker which smells like fish and hopefully isolate the cause of the burning.
Depending on the age of your switchboard, the main switch should have a label and look different from other circuit breakers.
What Might Be Causing The Circuit Breaker To Smell Like Fish
Here are some clues around why the circuit breaker smells like fish. This isn’t a conclusive list of reasons just what might be likely based on our experience as electricians.
Circuit Breaker Smells Like Fish – Reason #1
Incorrectly Wired Circuit Breaker
Has anyone been working on your switchboard recently? This might give you a clue as to what has gone wrong.
If someone has been working on your switchboard, get in touch with them to get to the cause of the problem sooner.
Circuit Breaker Smells Like Fish – Reason #2
Incorrectly Rated Residual Current Device (RCD)
If a circuit breaker which smells like fish is a residual current device (RCD), then it’s possible that it’s rated at too small an amperage for the current of the circuit. When this happens the RCD won’t trip, it will simply melt.
An RCD will be labelled as such at the switchboard and tends to be wider than your standard circuit breakers.
Circuit Breaker Smells Like Fish – Reason #3
Loose Connection In The Circuit Breaker
Loose connection happens because the terminal of the circuit breaker hasn’t been tightened enough (or at all).
This leads to sparking inside the circuit breaker terminal eventually causing it to start melting, giving the distinctive fishy smell.
Circuit Breaker Smells Like Fish – Reason #4
Faulty Circuit Breaker From Manufacturer
Although rare, circuit breakers being faulty straight from the manufacturer is a possible scenario. This is especially true if a cheaper brand has been used.
Put simply, a faulty circuit breaker would not do its job in the event of a short circuit or overload, thus causing a potential fire.
Circuit Breaker Smells Like Fish – Reason #5
Old Switchboard
Finally, with an old switchboard anything can happen.
From old fuses failing to blow, to crumbling insulation on wiring, rodent damage. There are many things which can cause a fire inside an old switchboard.
The best thing to do if you have an old switchboard is to invest in replacing it. Doing this will make your home a lot safer.
Conclusion
Circuit breaker smells like fish? Firstly, call the fire brigade if you see smoke, or smell a fire. Turn off the main switch to prevent a fire spreading. If there is no smoke, still turn off the main switch and get in touch with a registered electrician as soon as possible. Use the five possible reasons why the circuit breaker smells like fish in this post to help yourself and the electrician come to the best solution to the problem as soon as possible.