Power Outage in Just One Room? Here’s What Could Be Causing It

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Experiencing a sudden power outage in just one room of your home can be frustrating and confusing. Unlike a full blackout that affects the whole property, a single-room outage usually points to a localised fault. Understanding the possible causes can help you decide whether it’s a quick fix or an issue that requires a licensed electrician.

At OTHS, we understand how disruptive this can be. Our licensed electricians are available to diagnose the cause, restore power safely, and ensure your system complies with Australian standards, so you can get back to normal without worry.

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Common causes of power outage in one room

When only one room is affected, it usually indicates an issue in the wiring, appliances, or protective devices that serve that specific circuit. Here are the most common causes:

Tripped circuit breaker

Circuit breakers are designed to cut power when too much current flows through a circuit, preventing overheating and electrical fires. If you’ve had multiple devices running in one room, such as a heater, TV, and gaming console at once, the breaker may trip. Resetting it may restore power, but if it trips repeatedly, it points to an underlying fault.

Faulty electrical outlet or switch

A faulty power outlet or wall switch can stop electricity from flowing to parts of a room. Outlets may become loose, overheat, or show scorch marks, which are signs of damage. This could be isolated to one outlet or may affect the entire circuit if the fault spreads.

Wiring issues

Damaged or deteriorating wiring can interrupt the power supply to a single room. This is common in older homes with outdated cabling or where rodents have chewed wires in roof spaces or wall cavities. Wiring issues are a fire hazard and should never be ignored.

Blown fuses

In homes with older fuse boxes instead of modern circuit breakers, a blown fuse can cut power to one room. Fuses melt when overloaded, breaking the circuit. Replacing fuses may temporarily restore power, but frequent failures suggest a need for upgrades.

Faulty appliances

Sometimes the culprit is not the circuit at all, but a faulty appliance. A malfunctioning lamp, heater, or kettle can short out when plugged in, cutting power to the outlet and tripping the breaker. Testing appliances on other outlets can help isolate the issue.

Basic checks you can safely perform at home

When power cuts out in just one room, it’s natural to want to investigate before calling an electrician. While we always recommend leaving electrical repairs to the professionals, there are a few safe checks you can carry out on your own. These won’t fix the problem if it’s serious, but they can help you figure out whether it’s something simple or a sign of a bigger fault.

Inspect the circuit breaker or fuse box

Your first stop should be the switchboard. Modern homes usually have circuit breakers that trip when there’s too much current, while older homes may still use fuses. If you see a breaker flipped to “off” or a blown fuse, that could be why one room has no power. Resetting the breaker or replacing a fuse may restore power, but if the same issue happens again, it’s a strong sign that something needs professional attention.

Examine outlets and switches

Take a closer look at the power points and light switches in the affected room. If you notice black marks, a burning smell, unusual warmth, or buzzing noises, these are clear signs of damage. Outlets and switches can fail over time, and continuing to use them may put you at risk of shock or fire. Never attempt to repair them yourself; simply stop using them and call an emergency electrician.

Check appliances

Sometimes the fault is not in the wiring but in an appliance. A damaged kettle, lamp, or heater can trip the circuit when it’s plugged in. The safest way to check is to unplug everything in the affected room, reset the breaker, and then plug appliances back in one by one. If the circuit cuts out when you plug in a certain device, you’ve found the problem.

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When to call a licensed electrician

While quick checks can help identify simple issues, there are many situations where you should call a licensed electrician immediately. Electricity is dangerous to work with, and even small faults can become serious if left unattended. If you’re unsure at any stage, it’s always best to get professional help rather than risk safety.

Persistent power loss

If the power keeps going out in the same room despite resetting the breaker or checking appliances, it’s time to call an expert. Persistent outages point to a deeper problem with the circuit or wiring. A licensed electrician can carry out proper testing to pinpoint the fault and fix it before it becomes hazardous.

Signs of wiring damage

Some electrical issues come with warning signs you should never ignore. Burning smells, buzzing from outlets, flickering lights, or exposed wires are all serious red flags. In older homes, rodents can even chew through wiring in wall cavities or roof spaces, leading to dangerous faults. If you notice any of these signs, switch off the power at the main switch if safe to do so, and call an electrician immediately.

Upgrades and compliance

If your home still runs on old fuses or lacks safety switches, it may not meet modern Australian electrical standards. Outdated systems are more prone to faults and much less safe. An electrician can upgrade your switchboard, install safety switches, and bring your wiring up to code. This not only helps prevent outages but also ensures your home is compliant with current regulations.

Preventive measures to avoid future single-room outages

While electrical faults can’t always be avoided, there are practical steps you can take to reduce the chances of them happening. Avoid overloading circuits by spreading high-powered appliances like heaters and air conditioners across different outlets. Arrange regular electrical inspections, especially if your home is older, to catch potential problems before they escalate.

It’s also worth replacing worn or damaged outlets and switches as soon as issues appear, rather than waiting for them to fail. If your home still has ceramic fuses or outdated wiring, consider calling OTHS to upgrade your system to modern standards with circuit breakers and safety switches. Finally, always use quality appliances that meet Australian safety standards to minimise risks of short circuits and faults.

Conclusion

A power outage in just one room is usually caused by a tripped breaker, faulty outlet, damaged wiring, or a misbehaving appliance. While some safe checks can help narrow down the problem, persistent or recurring outages should always be looked at by a licensed electrician.

At OTHS, our team is available 24/7 to diagnose faults, restore your power, and make sure your home’s electrical system is safe and compliant. So if the power keeps cutting out in one room, don’t take chances, call us and let us get it sorted properly.

FAQ's

Why would only one room lose power?

This usually happens when the circuit serving that room is overloaded, a breaker has tripped, or there’s a wiring fault isolated to that area.

Can I reset the breaker myself?

Yes, it’s safe to reset a tripped breaker. However, if it trips again immediately, leave it off and contact a licensed electrician to investigate further.

What if only one outlet in the room doesn’t work?

A single faulty outlet may be damaged or loose. Do not use it until it’s been repaired or replaced by a professional.

Do faulty appliances cause power loss?

Yes. If an appliance shorts out, it can trip the breaker and cut power to the circuit. Testing appliances individually can help identify the faulty one.

Should I replace old fuses with circuit breakers?

Yes. Circuit breakers are safer, easier to reset, and offer better protection than old-style fuses. An electrician can upgrade your switchboard to modern standards.

How often should I get my wiring checked?

It’s recommended to have your home’s electrical system inspected every 5–10 years, or sooner if you notice recurring issues such as outages, flickering lights, or burning smells.

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