Power Cut in One Room?
A single room losing power indicates a circuit-specific issue. Our CHAS approved electricians quickly diagnose and restore your power.
Solutions Ltd
Why Has One Room Lost Power?
If the rest of your house has power but one room doesn't, the issue is almost certainly on a single circuit. Open your consumer unit and look for an MCB that's in the 'off' or middle position. Each MCB usually has a label – 'upstairs sockets', 'kitchen ring', 'landing lights' – so you can identify which circuit has tripped. Push it firmly to 'on'. If it holds, something briefly overloaded the circuit and it may be fine now.
If the MCB trips again straight away, there's an active fault on that circuit. The most common cause in Devon homes is a break in a ring circuit. UK socket circuits are wired as a 'ring' – the cable leaves the consumer unit, visits each socket in sequence, and returns back. If the ring breaks at any point (loose junction, rodent damage, nail through a cable), the circuit becomes a radial fed from one end only. That single feed now carries double the load, and if it can't cope, the MCB trips.
We diagnose this by performing an R1+R2 ring circuit test, which tells us immediately whether the ring is continuous or broken, and roughly where the break is. From there, it's a matter of tracing the cable to the fault point. In properties with accessible floor voids, this is usually resolved the same day.
Common Causes
Tripped Individual Circuit
Each room or area often has its own circuit. A tripped MCB will cut power to just that circuit.
Faulty Outlet in Chain
Ring circuits connect multiple sockets. A fault at one can sometimes affect others on the same ring.
Loose Connection at Junction
Wiring junctions in ceiling voids or under floors can work loose over time.
Damaged Cable
Cables can be damaged by rodents, DIY work, or simply deteriorate in older properties.
Overloaded Circuit
High-draw appliances on one circuit can trip protection devices repeatedly.
Failed MCB or RCD
Circuit breakers can fail, either refusing to reset or not properly protecting the circuit.
When to Call an Electrician
- The circuit won't stay on after resetting
- You can't identify which switch has tripped
- Multiple rooms lose power at the same time
- The problem started after recent work (DIY or building)
- You smell burning or see scorch marks
- The room contains a bathroom or kitchen
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has one room lost power?
A single room losing power usually means the circuit supplying that room has tripped or has a fault. Check your consumer unit for tripped switches.
Why do some sockets work but not others?
In a ring circuit, sockets are connected in a loop. A break in the ring or fault at one socket can cause partial power loss. This needs professional investigation.
How much does it cost to fix?
Diagnostic inspection costs £60-£120. Simple repairs cost £60-£150. More complex cable repairs are quoted after inspection, typically £100-£300.
Our content is regularly reviewed by qualified electricians to ensure accuracy.
Get Expert Help
Restore power fast. Our electricians diagnose and fix circuit problems quickly.
Related Services
Get Help With Power Cut One Room
Power Restoration Available Across Devon
Can't see your area? We cover all of Devon, Cornwall & Somerset. Contact us
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has one room lost power?
A tripped MCB (circuit breaker) in your consumer unit is the most likely cause. Each MCB protects a specific circuit. If resetting it trips again immediately, there's a fault on that circuit that needs investigating.
How much does it cost to fix a power cut in one room?
Diagnosis starts at £80 plus VAT. A tripped MCB is a quick fix. If there's a fault causing the MCB to trip, tracing and repairing it typically costs £100-£400 depending on the issue.
Should I worry if power goes off in one room?
A single room losing power usually isn't an emergency, but you should have it investigated if the MCB keeps tripping. If you notice burning smells or see sparking, turn off the main switch and call us immediately.
Can a faulty appliance cause power loss in one room?
Yes, a faulty appliance can trip the MCB protecting that circuit, cutting power to all sockets and lights on that circuit. Try unplugging everything and resetting the MCB to identify the faulty appliance.