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No Power In One Room
One room in your home has completely lost power while the rest of the house works fine.
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What's happening?
When a single room loses power, it usually means the circuit feeding that room has tripped or has a fault. Most UK homes have separate circuits for different areas, so a problem on one circuit will not affect others.
What usually causes it?
- MCB (miniature circuit breaker) for that circuit has tripped
- Loose connection at a socket or junction box in the circuit
- Faulty appliance on that circuit causing the MCB to trip
- Damaged cable in the wall or under the floor
- Overloaded circuit drawing more current than the MCB rating
Is it dangerous?
This is not immediately dangerous but should not be ignored. A tripped MCB is doing its job protecting you from a fault. If the MCB trips repeatedly, there is an underlying issue that could become serious if left unresolved.
Can I fix it myself?
Check your consumer unit for a tripped MCB — it will be in the off or middle position. Try resetting it once. If it stays on, unplug everything in that room and plug items back in one at a time to find the faulty appliance. If the MCB trips with nothing plugged in, you need an electrician.
When should you call an electrician?
Call an electrician if the MCB trips again after resetting, if it trips with nothing plugged in, or if you cannot identify the tripped MCB. Also call if you notice any burning smell or discolouration on sockets in that room.
What will the electrician actually do?
- Identify which circuit supplies the affected room
- Test the circuit for faults using insulation resistance testing
- Check all connections at sockets and junction boxes on the circuit
- Locate and repair any cable damage or loose connections
- Replace the MCB if it is faulty
What will it cost to fix?
£80–£200
Straightforward MCB replacements are at the lower end. Hidden cable faults requiring access to walls or floors will cost more.
Find an electricianFrequently asked questions
We’re happy to answer all your questions.
Why has just one room lost power?
Each room or group of rooms typically runs on its own circuit with its own MCB. When one circuit has a fault, only the areas on that circuit are affected.
Can I just use an extension lead from another room?
This is a temporary workaround but not a solution. It can also create a trip hazard and overload risk. Get the fault fixed properly.
How do I know which MCB controls which room?
Your consumer unit should have labels next to each MCB. If it is not labelled, an electrician can identify and label all circuits during a visit.
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