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French Electrical Domestic Systems The French electrical system is completely different from the UK and it must be understood from the beginning that UK electrical fittings, cabling and installation methods cannot be applied to wiring a French house. UK CE-marked twin-and-earth cable does not comply with French specifications. Neither do UK fittings e.g. ceiling roses, light switches, power points, three-pin plugs, circuit breakers, fuse boxes & distribution boxes and therefore cannot be used. The use of any such materials is likely to invalidate your French property insurance and should you require a new supply from EDF the installation would not pass inspection by the Consuel (an independent inspection body) which carries out an inspection and issues a “certificate of conformity” before the supply is connected by the EDF. Not only could you be required to replace your installation, which could cost thousands of euros, should there be a fire in your property as the result of an electrical fault and the work has not been done by a French registered electrician, then it is unlikely that your insurance company will pay out the full amount on the claim or possibly not meet the claim at all. Most insurance proposal forms contain specific questions regarding the wiring! Why? French insurance companies are well aware of the risk of both old and DIY installations. Impartial advice on your current electrical system is available from the Consuel France has independent inspectors and will for a one off payment; check your system to see if it meets requirements. French electric installations are controlled by strict regulations, the NFC 15-100 details the regulations for all installations, regarding types of cables, sizes, colour codes, earthing, circuit breakers, specialised circuits, placement and number of sockets per room, etc. and covers all work now being carried out. The French system is more time-consuming and labour-intensive, than in the UK, as you are making up your own cables through flexible ‘gaines’ conduit, and a typical installation takes 50% longer than in the UK. The official French specifications for domestic wiring are complicated and designed to be used by registered professionals with their specific equipment. Qualified, registered electricians receive details and updates of the regulations. The French authorities are moving towards legislation similar to that in the UK where only a "competent person" can carry out work. As part of this process the French government have introduced house information packs for buyers called ‘Dossier de Diagnostic Technique Immobilier’, which will bring together the three reports that have been required for a number of years as well as introducing four additional survey reports. Currently when purchasing French property, survey reports are required for lead, asbestos, or termites in the property. In addition to these reports, in future, sellers will be required to provide reports on energy efficiency, gas appliances, electrical wiring, and the condition of septic tanks. In some regions this is already happening and compulsory reports for electrics will become operational by the January 2009 and those for septic tanks in 2009. With this in mind I would suggest that unless you are skilled and experienced with electrical wiring, then you should use a professional for your installation.
For advice and estimates Email: info@electriciansbrittany.com Siret # 48092828200015
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