B737 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution
Aircraft
Shortly after takeoff on Runway XXR in ZZZ we (CA/FO/JS) smelled a strong odor; presumably an electrical odor. The FA called the flight deck and told the CA that the smell was in the cabin as well. The CA immediately [contacted ATC] and we were given immediate vectors to return to Runway XYR in ZZZ. As the pilot flying; I was vectored to a right downwind for Runway XYR and we leveled off at 3000 FT. FA's were briefed; a PA was made to the passengers and ATC was notified. The QRH was referenced and were back on the ground within 10 minutes. After landing we taxied off of Runway XYR and came to a stop so fire rescue could examine the aircraft. No discrepancies were noticed by ARF and we proceeded to the gate without further incident.
In the high speed portion of the takeoff roll I began to notice a distinct odor unlike any of the typical odors normally encountered. At 500 FT the FO and JS rider also mentioned a strong odor. At about 1000 FT; the FA called the cockpit and informed me that they had a very strong 'electrical' odor throughout the cabin. At that point I [contacted] tower and we received vectors back to ZZZ for a visual approach and landing on Runway XYR. The FO continued to fly the A/C and also handled ATC communications. I communicated with the FA's and made a PA announcement to the passengers informing them of our situation. We conducted the QRH procedure for SMOKE; FIRE; OR FUMES. (We elected to not don the O2 masks but to take them out of the box as the fumes seemed to be manageable in the cockpit and visibility was not impaired.) After landing the CFR conducted a visual inspection of the aircraft; no issues were noted so we taxied to E3. Maintenance requested that we deplane the aircraft so that they could troubleshoot the problem.
B737 crew noticed an electrical burning smell immediately after takeoff. Cabin crew also detected the fumes. Crew returned to departure airport.