Narrative:

Requested climb to FL340 because ATC reported smoother air above our filed altitude at FL280. At approximately FL300 and climbing; both pilots simultaneously noticed a strong odor that resembled electrical fire. The first officer contacted flight attendant who was towards the rear of the aircraft. He said that he didn't smell anything but would go forward and call us back. When he called back he stated that the smell was apparent from row X forward. The first officer's radio altimeter was also flashing on and off and going between the red flag and erroneous altitude indications. Both pilots donned oxygen masks and I assigned flying and radio duties to myself (captain) and other duties to the first officer. I knew our location to be 60 miles to the east-northeast of ZZZ. Despite the fact there was no visible smoke; the fumes suggested the possibility of an electrical fire; so I declared an emergency with center and requested to land at ZZZ right away. ATC acknowledged the emergency; cleared us directly to the airport and issued a descent. Due to our high altitude and short distance to the airport the emergency descent was started without first referring to the quick reference handbook. The first officer coordinated the situation with the flight attendant; sent an ACARS message to dispatch and contacted operations to make them aware of our situation. With the situation now under control; a review of the quick reference handbook procedures was accomplished; followed by an FMS review and approach briefing for the ILS to runway 8L at ZZZ. A brief PA was made to the passengers to inform them that we were making a precautionary landing in ZZZ; to remain seated until told otherwise by the flight crew; and that the situation was in control. Below 10;000 ft I removed my oxygen mask to smell for the odor and note that it was no longer present; so we continued the approach without masks to expedite communications. The approach and landing were normal. Fire equipment was standing by at our request and reported no smoke or fire appeared to be present. Due to the lack of smoke and the absence of the odor; we elected to proceed to the gate to deplane. Upon reaching the gate; the passengers were deplaned and sent into the terminal. No smoke or fumes were present. A subsequent maintenance inspection by an outstation mechanic revealed no visible damage to the aircraft and source of the burning smell could not be determined. Dispatch and maintenance control attempted to convince the crew to reboard the passengers and proceed on to our original destination. At this point in time I exercised my authority to refuse such a flight. I felt it unsafe to operate the aircraft with passengers on a revenue flight without having confirmed the source of the fumes. The cause of the fumes was not determined; however I believe the circumstances point to some sort of equipment malfunction in the avionics bay.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: CRJ Captain reports electrical fumes at FL300 during climb. Oxygen masks are donned and clearance for descent and diversion are obtained from Center. At 10000 FT no fumes are present and normal landing ensues.

Narrative: Requested climb to FL340 because ATC reported smoother air above our filed altitude at FL280. At approximately FL300 and climbing; both pilots simultaneously noticed a strong odor that resembled electrical fire. The First Officer contacted Flight Attendant who was towards the rear of the aircraft. He said that he didn't smell anything but would go forward and call us back. When he called back he stated that the smell was apparent from Row X forward. The First Officer's radio altimeter was also flashing on and off and going between the red flag and erroneous altitude indications. Both pilots donned oxygen masks and I assigned flying and radio duties to myself (Captain) and other duties to the First Officer. I knew our location to be 60 miles to the east-northeast of ZZZ. Despite the fact there was no visible smoke; the fumes suggested the possibility of an electrical fire; so I declared an emergency with Center and requested to land at ZZZ right away. ATC acknowledged the emergency; cleared us directly to the airport and issued a descent. Due to our high altitude and short distance to the airport the emergency descent was started without first referring to the Quick Reference Handbook. The First Officer coordinated the situation with the Flight Attendant; sent an ACARS message to Dispatch and contacted Operations to make them aware of our situation. With the situation now under control; a review of the Quick Reference Handbook procedures was accomplished; followed by an FMS review and approach briefing for the ILS to Runway 8L at ZZZ. A brief PA was made to the passengers to inform them that we were making a precautionary landing in ZZZ; to remain seated until told otherwise by the flight crew; and that the situation was in control. Below 10;000 FT I removed my oxygen mask to smell for the odor and note that it was no longer present; so we continued the approach without masks to expedite communications. The approach and landing were normal. Fire equipment was standing by at our request and reported no smoke or fire appeared to be present. Due to the lack of smoke and the absence of the odor; we elected to proceed to the gate to deplane. Upon reaching the gate; the passengers were deplaned and sent into the terminal. No smoke or fumes were present. A subsequent Maintenance inspection by an outstation Mechanic revealed no visible damage to the aircraft and source of the burning smell could not be determined. Dispatch and Maintenance Control attempted to convince the crew to reboard the passengers and proceed on to our original destination. At this point in time I exercised my authority to refuse such a flight. I felt it unsafe to operate the aircraft with passengers on a revenue flight without having confirmed the source of the fumes. The cause of the fumes was not determined; however I believe the circumstances point to some sort of equipment malfunction in the avionics bay.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.