The answer to 'GFCI outlet burning smell' is that a burning smell from a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlet is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. This can be caused by a short circuit, overloaded circuit, or faulty GFCI device that is malfunctioning and posing a fire hazard.
Some common symptoms include a burning or melting plastic smell, discoloration of the outlet cover, or sparks coming from the outlet. This should never be ignored, as it indicates a potentially dangerous electrical problem that needs to be addressed right away. While some basic troubleshooting can be done, it's generally best to call a licensed electrician to diagnose and repair the issue to ensure safety.