Lingering Electrical Smells: What Gives?

  • Thread starter pete worthington
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In summary, the conversation discusses the lingering smell of electrical shorts and how it can be difficult to get rid of. The person mentions their recent experience with a shorted toaster oven and how they had to ventilate and use incense to mask the smell. They also question why organic smells clear quicker and speculate that it may be due to our evolution and sensitivity towards toxic smells like ozone. They also bring up the use of air purifiers and the potential for them to produce ozone.
  • #1
pete worthington
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Lingering Electrical Smells

My toaster oven shorted out this morning. My wife saw a flash, a small flame and then very limited smoke. Then the smell...oh that lingering electrical stink that permeates the air spreading at the speed of light thoughout the house.

I qiickly removed the toaster oven and tossed it off the porch. Oh, isn't that fun! Then I put on the exhaust fan as my olfactory senses sent their signal to my brain which quickly recognized that smell, storing it in a place I do not wish to frequent. Yes there is a question here...

Why is it that electrical shorts have such powers of diffusion and linger? It seems the only way to rid of it is to ventilate, mask it with incense and get the heck out of there for a few hours. Organic smells clear much quicker and don't permeate like an electrical short. What's this all about ?
 
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  • #2
pete worthington said:
Organic smells clear much quicker and don't permeate like an electrical short. What's this all about ?
Possibly it's more noticeable to us because ozone is highly toxic, the same as sulphur or chlorine which also linger. Maybe we're evolved to notice things like that more than something that's merely unpleasant.
 
  • #3
Speaking of ozone, I've heard that those "Ionic Breeze"-like air purifiers produce ozone sometimes. As far as I know, it's just a long parallel plate capacitor, so maybe it's the impurities bridging the gap?
 

FAQ: Lingering Electrical Smells: What Gives?

What is causing the lingering electrical smell?

The most common cause of lingering electrical smells is an electrical fire or overheating of electrical components.

Is the lingering electrical smell dangerous?

Yes, a lingering electrical smell can be a sign of a potential fire hazard and should be addressed immediately.

How can I get rid of the lingering electrical smell?

If the smell is coming from a specific appliance or outlet, turn off the power to that area and unplug the device. If the smell persists, it is best to call a professional electrician to inspect and repair any potential hazards.

Should I be concerned if I only smell the lingering electrical smell occasionally?

Yes, even if the smell is not constant, it is still a sign of an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. It is best to have a professional electrician inspect your home to determine the cause of the smell.

Can I prevent lingering electrical smells?

Yes, regular maintenance and inspection of your electrical system can help prevent potential hazards and lingering electrical smells. It is also important to use outlets and appliances properly and not overload them with too many devices.

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