What Creates a Negative Scent From an Electrical Outlet? If you've ever observed an electric outlet with a burning smell, you've most likely questioned what the source is. One of the most likely perpetrator is likely to be an electrical wiring issue. If you can't discover the source of the smell, you can map the electrical wiring in your home by making holes in the walls. Frequently, the electrical boxes chain with each other. To do this, you'll need to make numerous holes in the walls. The fishy odor Usually, a shady odor emanating from an electric outlet is an indication of a defective electrical component. Overloaded circuits, defective outlets, improperly sized breakers, and also loosened cords or insulation might all be the perpetrator. When the smell originates from an electrical outlet, contact your electrician to have it checked out. If the smell is relentless and also is reoccuring with an existing draw, it's likely to be an electric concern. The sme...