An Odd Smell Is Coming from an Outlet
Melted electrical wiring puts off an unpleasant odor that’s similar to what you might smell if you run a hand mixer too long and its motor overheats. If you catch a whiff of this smell, don’t ignore it.
Unplug nearby lamps or other appliances—sometimes a new appliance will smell the first few times it’s used—and then sniff the outlets and switches. If you find that the smell is coming from a specific outlet or switch, shut off the power at the breaker box and call an electrician. This is one to-do you shouldn’t postpone; ignoring faulty wiring can result in a home fire.