Smell of burning plastic from fusebox, housemate insists it's fine

JD_matic

There's a smell of burning plastic coming from the fusebox. This happens when there's a high load of electricity being used, eg. the dishwasher, immersion and electric shower.

Our housemate insists that it's OK and nothing to worry about, and i can't convince him otherwise. Electricity can be a dangerous thing. He is the leaseholder and won't get someone to look at this unless i can set out a good case for it.

Does anyone know what's causing the burning smell?

Miaireland

Contact the landlord, leasing company. Not worth taking the chance.

Mr Magnolia

Certainly not good. Get a qualified electrician in ASAP, electrical faults such as loose connections, over loaded circuits or faulty appliances are one of the top causes of house fires.

meercat

agree
you need this checked urgently
i would turn the power off before you go to bed tonight and get an electrician out first thing in the morning
make sure your smoke alarms are working(not trying to worry you but this needs checking asap)

meercat

JD_matic wrote: »

There's a smell of burning plastic coming from the fusebox.

Does anyone know what's causing the burning smell?

possibly loose connections causing heat

check the fusebox has no flammable material close by and remove

JD_matic

Thank you so much for the replies you guys. I'm definitely gonna bring this to the landlord, he won't be happy if his house burns down.

meercat

JD_matic wrote: »

Thank you so much for the replies you guys. I'm definitely gonna bring this to the landlord, he won't be happy if his house burns down.

good man
if you wouldnt mind,come back with an update
it will help others in a similar situation later
cheers

JD_matic

meercat wrote: »

good man
if you wouldnt mind,come back with an update
it will help others in a similar situation later
cheers

Will do Meercat - thanks again for the advice!

paddy147

JD_matic wrote: »

Thank you so much for the replies you guys. I'm definitely gonna bring this to the landlord, he won't be happy if his house burns down.

I think a persons LIFE is more important than a house burning down.

The landlord would (or should ) have "landlord insurance".

This is different to normal house insurance.

JD_matic

paddy147 wrote: »

I think a persons LIFE is more important than a house burning down.

Heh, i see you've never met a landlord

paddy147

JD_matic wrote: »

Heh, i see you've never met a landlord

Actually I have in the past,and I have to say theres alot of landlords out there who do things by the book and make sure a house is in propper order,and their tennants are safe and happy too.

A happy tennant in a good propper house is more likely to stay on and renew their contract with a landlord.

paddy147

And its not just electrics either.

Gas boiler serviced and every 12 months by RGI and a cert supplied for it.

Fire/smoke alarms fitted into house.

Fire extinguisher and fire blanket in kitchen.

Carbon Monoxide alarms supplied and fitted too (gas boiler and gas/open fire)


Any rented out house or apartment should have these items for a tennents safety.