Commercial Fixed Wing
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument
Distraction; Time Pressure; Troubleshooting
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Aircraft; Company Policy; Human Factors; Environment - Non Weather Related
[At] cruise; smelled like wire burning; put masks on; then visible smoke [was] coming from pedestal. Flew barber pole until approximately 15 km; landed; shut down airplane no more visible smoke; but still bad smell in airplane. Kept masks on [and] opened windows. Opened door; smell dissipated; deplaned. Mechanic found fire/overheat system circuit breaker popped wires were burnt. He told me Maintenance Control advised him this [has happened to several] airplanes. They believe alcohol from wipes is shorting out wires.
Air carrier Captain reported smelling a burning smell during cruise.  Post-flight Maintenance briefing advised the pilots alcohol from wipes may be shorting out wires.