Electrical
Buzzing, sparking, or a burning smell
Likely cause, what to safely try first, and whether it gets worse if you wait.
Likely cause
A loose or arcing connection — the most safety-relevant electrical symptom.
What to try first
- Turn off the breaker for that circuit immediately and avoid using the outlet/switch until inspected.
- Do not attempt to open or touch the fixture yourself — this specific symptom is a licensed-electrician-only fix.
⚠ This tends to get worse (and more expensive) the longer it's left unaddressed — worth acting on soon.
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