Lights and Outlets Not Working in Part of the House?

I have 3 rooms that run on the same circuit. Two bedrooms and a bathroom. A space heater was running in one of the bedrooms, the lights and everything went out in the 2 bedrooms, but not the bathroom. No fuse was blown. In one of the bedrooms (where the heater was not running) the outlets work, but not the ceiling light. In the bedroom where the heater was running, none of the outlets work nor the ceiling light. I am confused as to why the bathroom lights and outlet work. I've blown fuses before and all three rooms run on the same circuit. But no fuse was blown. I have old fashion screw fuses with pull out breaker. Would something in the wall outlet where the heater was plugged in cause both bedroom ceiling lights not to work and the outlets in the room where the heater was plugged not to work? The bathroom was not affected, though its on the same circuit. Thank you for any help, I'm a little afraid.

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poehere
Bronze Post Medal for All Time! 105 Posts

February 28, 20181 found this helpful

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It sounds like your wiring in your home is very old if it is using the old fuses in your circuit box. If you are having this type of an issue the only way to troubleshoot this is with a volt meter. You'll need the skills to understand how to troubleshoot the wires in your outlets and switch. Each one has to be removed and you'll need to test the wires where they are wired to the outlet to find out the problem and if the current is actually passing through the wires in your home.

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cybergrannie
Gold Feedback Medal for All Time! 949 Feedbacks

March 1, 20181 found this helpful

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I am glad to see that you are not ashamed to admit that you are a little afraid as any dealings with electrical problems by an inexperienced person can be dangerous.

I still have fuses in an older house that I rent to an elderly couple and I always instruct them to do nothing but call me if there is any kind of problem. I have replaced fuses that did not look "blown" and everything started working again so you might want to try that as that is not a dangerous thing to do. It is always best (safe) to pull any levers in your box so all electricity is off before attempting anything like this in your house. Even the outside lever if that is possible.
It is possible that your wiring has deteriorated or even been damaged by a varmint of some sort and will need to be upgraded.
The problem with having this done lies with local building codes as they most likely will not issue a permit (which is required for any electrical work) unless everything is rewired and the building itself is up to codes.

I do not know if you own or rent your home but this could be very, very expensive.
If you rent, then the repairs are the responsibility of the landlord and they need to be made aware of the problems.
If you own then you will have to try and find someone who can tell you a little more about how to locate the problem or what the problem might be.
I would recommend you visit a Home Depot store or a good hardware store (like Ace or Tru Value) and talk to a knowledgeable person in their electrical department. They can be very helpful and if they suggest using a meter then it is possible they can rent you one as some of these meters are expensive. They should be able to assist you and maybe you will not have to call an electrician.

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mom-from-missouri
Silver Post Medal for All Time! 255 Posts

March 4, 20180 found this helpful

It almost sounds like you have old aluminum tube wiring. 3 rooms on one circuit is dangerous. That is too heavy of a load.

You may have melted wiring in the walls. Time to call an electrician.

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