What usually causes this?
Tripped breaker
Some trips leave the handle only slightly out of position. Push it fully off, then on.
Tripped GFCI upstream
A GFCI in a bathroom or garage can protect outlets in other rooms.
Switched outlet
Many rooms have an outlet controlled by a wall switch for lamps.
Loose connection at a device
Outlets are often wired in series. A loose or burned connection at one outlet can kill the rest of the circuit.
Failed AFCI breaker
Bedroom circuits often have AFCI breakers that may trip or fail.
What you can safely check
These details help an electrician find the cause faster. Look and listen only — do not remove covers or touch wiring.
- Whether lights in the room work but outlets don't (or the reverse)
- Whether any outlet in the room is warm, discolored or loose
- Whether a nearby GFCI is tripped
- What was plugged in when power went out
- Whether power returns on its own
Warning signs that need a professional
- Warm, discolored or melted outlet
- Burning smell in the room
- Power flickers on and off
- Breaker won't reset
- Buzzing from an outlet or switch
When should you call an electrician?
If breakers, GFCIs and switches check out and the room is still dead, there's likely a failed connection in the circuit. An electrician can find it — often at the last working outlet or the first dead one — and repair it properly.
Heat damage at an outlet is a sign of a loose connection that should be repaired promptly.
Services that fix this problem
Electrical Outlet Repair
Fixing dead, loose, warm, sparking or scorched outlets — and the wiring problems behind them.
Electrical Troubleshooting
Systematic testing to find the cause of intermittent power loss, tripping, flickering and other electrical faults that aren't obvious.
Circuit Breaker Repair
Diagnosing breakers that trip, won't reset, buzz or feel warm — and fixing the circuit problem behind them.
Electrical Repair
Diagnosis and repair of dead circuits, failing outlets and switches, tripping breakers and other everyday electrical faults in your home.
Related electrical problems
Frequently asked questions
A tripped GFCI elsewhere or a loose connection at an outlet on the circuit are the most common reasons.
Usually, unless you notice burning smells, warmth or buzzing. Leave the affected circuit's breaker off if you see signs of heat.
Yes. Outlets are often daisy-chained; a failure at one can cut power to the rest of the circuit.