Vent, Valve & Volt
Buzzing or humming from an outlet, switch or panel

Act now

Emergency: smoke, or a burning smell at the panel

Smoke means get out and call 911. A burning smell from the panel itself means do not touch it; leave and call 911 or your utility.

Why this happens

The Red Cross's rule for fire is to get out, stay out and call 911. CPSC advises homeowners not to touch service equipment. NFPA found arcing was the heat source in 64% of home electrical fires in 2020 to 2024, and This Old House says buzzing often indicates loose connections or arcing.

Do this now

  1. If you see smoke or flames, get everyone out, stay out and call 911.
  2. If the burning smell is at the panel, do not open it or touch any breaker.
  3. Leave the house and call 911 or your utility's emergency line from outside.
  4. Call a licensed electrician once the scene is safe.

What to tell the licensed electrician

  • Where the sound and smell came from, and how long it had been going on.
  • Any breakers that tripped before or after.
  • What the fire department or utility did.

Build the full list: what to tell the licensed electrician.

Start this troubleshooter over

References (every fact above comes from one of these pages)
  1. American Red Cross: If a fire starts
  2. CPSC Publication 518: home wiring (PDF)
  3. NFPA: Home Electrical Fires, May 2026 (PDF)
  4. This Old House: 10 wiring problems solved

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