The answer to 'why is my GFCI outlet burning smell' is that a burning smell from a GFCI outlet is often a sign of an electrical problem that requires immediate attention. This could be caused by a short circuit, overloaded circuit, or a faulty GFCI device. The burning smell indicates the outlet is overheating and could potentially start a fire if not addressed quickly.
Some common causes include a wiring issue, a failed GFCI component, or too many high-powered devices plugged into the GFCI circuit. It's important to stop using the outlet immediately and investigate the cause. If you're not comfortable troubleshooting electrical issues, it's best to call a licensed electrician to diagnose and repair the problem safely.