The answer to 'electrical panel burning smell' is that a burning smell from your electrical panel is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. This could indicate an electrical short, overheated wiring, or other dangerous electrical problem that poses a fire hazard.
Common causes include loose or faulty connections, overloaded circuits, damaged circuit breakers, or rodent damage to wiring. Symptoms may also include flickering lights, circuit breakers tripping, or sparks. If you detect a burning smell, shut off power to the panel immediately and do not attempt to investigate or repair it yourself. Call a licensed electrician right away to diagnose and fix the issue.