What to Do if the Power Goes Out in One Room: Follow Our Complete Guide

It’s frustrating when the power suddenly goes out – but even more puzzling when it only happens in one room.

Before you panic or assume there’s a major issue, it’s worth knowing that this is a fairly common problem in many homes.

Fortunately, it’s often something minor, like a tripped circuit breaker or an overloaded power point. That said, there could be more serious issues at play, so it’s important to know what to look for and how to respond safely.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the simple checks you can do yourself, signs of a bigger problem, and when it’s time to call in a licensed electrician. Let’s figure out what’s going on – and get the lights back on in no time.

Check If It’s Only One Room

Before diving into any electrical checks, take a moment to confirm whether the power outage is limited to just one room. Start by turning on lights and testing appliances in other areas of your home.

If everything else is working as normal, you’ve likely got a localised issue – possibly a tripped circuit or a faulty outlet in that one room.

Don’t forget to check nearby hallways or adjacent rooms, as circuits sometimes cover more than one area. If multiple rooms are affected, the problem could be with a larger circuit or even your main power supply.

Also, check whether any neighbours are experiencing issues – this could signal a wider power outage. If the rest of the house is fine and it’s just the one room, that’s good news. It means you’re probably dealing with something you can troubleshoot safely or hand over to a professional for a quick fix.

A man inspects the main switchboard

Inspect Your Circuit Breaker or Fuse Box

One of the most common reasons power goes out in just one room is a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse. Here’s how to safely check:

  • Locate your switchboardThe switchboard is usually found in the garage, hallway, laundry or outside wall.
  • Look for a tripped breaker – A switch may be sitting in the middle or “off” position.
  • Reset the breaker – Flip the switch fully off, then back on again.
  • If you have fuses – Check for any that look burnt or have a broken filament.
  • Replace blown fuses carefully – Make sure the replacement has the same amperage rating.
  • Listen for a click – That usually means the power is back on.

If the same breaker keeps tripping or the fuse blows again soon after, that’s a sign of an underlying electrical issue – and it’s time to call a licensed electrician.

Unplug Appliances in the Affected Room

If the power goes out in just one room, your first move should be to unplug all appliances and devices in that space. This might seem like a small step, but it’s an important one.

A faulty or overloaded appliance could be the very thing that caused the outage in the first place – especially if it tripped the circuit breaker.

Think of common culprits like space heaters, hairdryers, toasters, or even overloaded power boards. Unplugging everything reduces the risk of another trip when the power comes back on. It also makes it easier to test each item individually later, so you can identify any faulty gear.

Once everything is unplugged, you can safely check your circuit breaker or fuse box to see if anything needs resetting. Just make sure to plug appliances back in one at a time to avoid overloading the circuit again.

Look for Signs of Damage or Burning

If the power is out in one room, take a moment to inspect for visible signs of electrical damage. These can indicate a more serious problem that needs professional attention.

Keep an eye (and nose) out for the following:

  • Burn marks or discolouration – Around powerpoints, light switches, or the fuse box.
  • A burning smell – Like melted plastic or smoke, which could signal overheated wires.
  • Buzzing or crackling sounds – Coming from outlets, switches or behind walls.
  • Warm or hot outlets – A clear sign something’s not right and potentially dangerous.
  • Sparks or flickering – When plugging in or using appliances.

If you notice any of these signs, stop using the affected outlets immediately and don’t attempt to fix anything yourself. Damaged wiring or overloaded circuits pose a serious fire risk. Contact a licensed electrician to investigate and carry out safe, proper repairs.

Testing an electrical appliance in a powerpoint

Test Powerpoints with a Known Working Device

Once you’ve unplugged everything in the affected room, the next step is to test the powerpoints. Grab a small device you know works – like a lamp, phone charger, or hairdryer – and plug it into each outlet in the room. This will help you figure out whether the issue is affecting all outlets or just one.

If none of the outlets are working, the problem is likely with the circuit that powers the room. But if only one or two powerpoints aren’t working, you might be dealing with a faulty outlet or wiring issue.

Be sure to test multiple devices just in case the one you’re using is damaged without you realising. Also, avoid using anything too power-hungry – stick to smaller appliances for testing purposes.

These simple tests can help narrow down the problem and give you a clearer idea of whether you need to call in a licensed electrician.

Consider Overloaded Circuits or Faulty Devices

Sometimes, the power goes out in one room because the electrical circuit is simply overloaded. Other times, a single faulty device can trip the breaker. Here’s what to consider:

  • Too many appliances – Running high-wattage devices (like heaters, microwaves, or kettles) on one circuit can overload it.
  • Old or damaged devices – A short in a single appliance can trip the breaker immediately.
  • Extension cords and power boards – Overloading these can also cause power loss.
  • Frequent breaker trips – This often points to a circuit that’s being asked to do too much.
  • Test devices one at a time – Plug them in individually to see if any are causing the problem.

If a particular appliance causes the power to cut out again, it’s best to stop using it and replace or repair it. Ongoing issues may require a professional to assess your home’s electrical load.

A woman on the phone to an electrician during a power failure

When to Call a Licensed Electrician

If you’ve checked your circuit breaker, unplugged appliances and tested the powerpoints but the issue still isn’t resolved, it’s time to call a licensed electrician.

Electrical faults can be tricky – and dangerous – to diagnose without proper training. Flickering lights, buzzing outlets, a burning smell or scorched powerpoints are all red flags that point to something more serious, like damaged wiring or an overloaded circuit.

Don’t attempt DIY repairs. While it might be tempting to take matters into your own hands, it’s not worth the risk of electric shock, fire, or further damage. A licensed electrician has the experience and tools to safely pinpoint the issue and make lasting repairs.

In many cases, they can get things back up and running quickly. Plus, they’ll make sure everything meets current safety standards, giving you peace of mind that your home’s electrical system is safe and functioning properly.

Help is Just a Call Away

Losing power in just one room can be annoying, but it’s often something simple like a tripped breaker or a faulty appliance.

By checking the rest of your home, unplugging devices, testing outlets, and inspecting the circuit breaker, you can usually narrow down the cause quickly. Just remember – if there are signs of damage, burning or repeated power failures, don’t take chances. That’s when a licensed electrician should step in to keep your home safe.

Electrical problems aren’t something to mess with, and it’s always better to get expert advice than risk making things worse. So, if your DIY checks don’t solve the issue, don’t stress – help is just a call away. With the right steps, you’ll have power restored and peace of mind in no time.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.


Frequently Asked Questions About Losing Power in a Room

Do you have any questions about loss of power in just one room? Keep reading for answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.