What to Do If You Lose Power in Only One Room in St. Louis

If you lose power in only one room, immediately check the circuit breaker panel for a tripped switch, look for any Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets that need resetting, inspect the wall switch or fixture, and unplug or turn off devices in the room before attempting a reset. If power doesn’t return after these steps or if breakers keep tripping, contact a licensed electrician to diagnose and repair potential wiring faults.

 

Investigate Your Circuit Breaker Panel

 

Most homes have a metal box—usually in a basement, garage or utility closet—that contains circuit breakers. Each breaker controls power to one or more rooms. A tripped breaker often sits between the ON and OFF positions.

• Use a flashlight if the area is dark. Look for a breaker switch that is neither fully ON nor OFF.
• Wear rubber-soled shoes and stand on a dry surface for safety.
• If you see the switch out of place, gently push it fully to OFF, then firmly back to ON.

 

Locate and Reset Tripped GFCI Outlets

 

GFCI outlets protect against shocks in damp areas like bathrooms or garages. A tripped GFCI can cut power downstream.

• Look for outlets with two buttons labeled “Reset” and “Test.”
• If the reset button is popped out, press it until it clicks in.
• Test any devices in the room to see if power returns.

 

Inspect Wall Switches and Light Fixtures

 

Sometimes a faulty switch or fixture wiring causes a circuit to open.

• Flip the light switch on and off; a loose switch can lose contact.
• Unscrew the lightbulb, check for a broken filament, and replace if needed.
• Examine any dimmer switches; they can wear out and stop passing current.

 

Test and Unplug Appliances

 

An overloaded or shorted device can trip the breaker as soon as you plug it back in.

• Unplug all electronics, kitchen appliances or lamp cords in the affected room.
• After resetting breaker or GFCI, plug devices back one at a time to identify the culprit.
• If one appliance instantly cuts power again, have that unit inspected or replaced.

 

When to Call a Licensed Electrician

 

If power still doesn’t return or breakers/GFCIs keep tripping, the issue may be a loose wire, damaged circuit, or overloaded panel. Working inside electrical panels and handling wiring carries risk of shock or fire. A licensed electrician has training and tools—like a voltage tester and wire tracers—to locate and repair hidden faults safely. If you live in St. Louis or Nashville, you can rely on local professionals to restore power and ensure your home’s electrical system is secure.