Nick Trollope

I don't want to get into another "CE-marking" debate, because I have said it all already, but; To be legal for installation in France, most electrical equipment must be NF (or BS in the UK, or DIN in Germany or even UL in the States) marked. CE/EN marking is a confirmation that the device conforms to the standard laid down in the certification (which must accompany the device, or be available from the distributor), of those standards listed in the certification - EN442 for example. As far as I can tell, EN442 is a heat-output, not electrical safety standard. Yes, an EN/CE marked device is "fit for purpose", but not necessarily "legal" to use.

[quote user="trees 2"]Why only 15A for 2.5 mm sq? My house has 2.5mm sq conductors wired to both 25A and 32A mcb's [/quote] I'm not sure you should have a 2,50mm2 circuit attached to a 32A disj.....

By far your best bet is to get a quote (or 3) from a fosse company. That way you will get something designed that will match your needs. Of course, you are under no obligation to accept the quote, and can be done remotely...... The SPANC survey is done during and after the installation. The soil test is done by others (or you can do it yourself!), the design (especially of something out of the ordinary) is best left to experts. I've no idea of UK regs, but most building regs here are completely different from the UK.

No, a CU simply comfirms that the barn can be converted into a dwelling, within the zoning rules. It is unlikely that an application for a fosse would be done before (or at the same time as) a CU application was made. If the paperwork existed, it would have been given to you when you bought the place. You now need to apply for planning permission for the complete conversion, including a sewage system (they won't even consider an application without a fosse being included), ideally before the current CU expires (they won't renew it and may decide to change the zoning on the property). It is worth getting the soil test done before you apply, so that you/your architect can establish what sort of fosse you can use. If the finished property will be over 170MsQ, then don't forget the requirement for a architect to be allowed to rip you off/be used. You can do the fosse yourselves, but it must still conform to the normes and be inspected by SPANC (who must be the most entertaining  all the French acronyms). It isn't down to your village to decide anything where fosses are concerned.... AFAIK, no composting toilet will pass muster, so be aware that if (for whatever reason) you can't/won't get an approved sewage system, you won't get permission to convert, or even live in, your barn.

[quote user="Marym2"]Thanks JR its what I thought.  I have never seen them in local 'Bricos' it seems that I will have to try and get some sent over, not sure if Screwfit deliver to France, but will do as you say and look in 'Pages Jaunes' or try and get some out here, not needed today but will need some 2 weeks time when I refix some sashes. [/quote] Weldom, Point P and all the other pro suppliers stock the cartridges, for which I pay about 8€. Soudal and Hilti fittings are the same (in fact I have only seen 1 fitting, the same as is used in the UK). I find it difficult to believe that it is cheaper/easier to have them "sent over" from Screwfix .....

[quote user="gosub"]You can get the info and how to do it HERE just in case you have to do it yourself. Edit let's hope it works now[:-))] [/quote] I was overcome with deep, deep joy to discover the "how to tie a double knot in your tie" (by Loic) video... I know what I will be doing today!

Which is exactly what I said! The OP did say "barn attached to the house". I've done a couple just like this, so my comments are based on real-world experience.

[quote user="dr orloff"]A CU is required.[/quote] Sorry to disagree, but I doubt if this is the case - as the property would appear to have a dwelling on it already. A permis de construire would (probably) be required, however.  

AFAIAA, the use of multi-stranded flex, "cable souple" is strictly interdit for all fixed installations. R 2V is a rigid cable.

If the wiring passed CONSUEL with flex used instead of solid cable, then someone was on the take (or not doing their job properly). No, you do not need permission to changethe wiring, or another inspection. However, if this is indicative of the standard of the wiring, I'd get someone to look it over anyway. There are no standards for the L/N connections in a socket. Live to the right is favoured. It doesn't matter.

[quote user="Nearly Retired"]The new beams, rafters and boards (interestingly not ply or sterling board, but planks about 30cm wide and a bit more than 1cm thick seemingly simply cut from a trunk) looked very fresh and untreated. How can I tell if they were? [/quote] "Voilage". If he says they are treated, then they are (all the construction timer I buy is). After all, he has given you a 10-year guarantee. You can't do any harm by retreating, tho'.....

I wouldn't matter if they did, because you can't guarantee the frequency and hence the phase relationship.... Because it is AC, a common rail would give you the same problems.... I can do you a 150W transformer for 33€60 + post + TVA.....

No, it don't, I'm afraid. The chances of 2 "electronic" transformers (basically switch-mode power supplies) being in sync are ... remote... If they ain't you will (could) get lots of current flowing where it shouldn't be... 120 & 150W transformers (and SMPS) are available, from pro suppliers.

So do I! You could actually have 3 systems! a) The VMC, as detailed by others. b) An extractor for the hob - these are not normally run through the VMC. c) The heat distribution system for the poele. Does the fire have a (electrical) switch on it? These systems are normally fan-assisted and work superbly - we have one in one of our properties which heats the dining room, 2 of the bedrooms and the kitchen.

No, provided you are not making external changes, then you do not need further permission. You should tell the HdeI, as the bathroom will be "taxable".

[quote user="BJSLIV"]In fact  kVA are Kwh! [/quote] No they ain't. KVA are Kw (give or take a bit of power factor), Kw (or KVA) x time - KwH.

[quote user="Ron Avery"]I am seeking quotes for some building work that would normally be subject to 5.5% TVA One devis is from a micro enterrprise and if I accept this I would have to pay 19.6% TVA for the materials?  They say that there is no TVA for the labour because of them being a micro.  Does this sound correct to those in this line of work? Thanks in advance [/quote] If he is a micro, then he cannot (usually - micros can be TVA registered) charge you any TVA. He will typically use the TTC price as his cost (and he should, of course mark-up this price). The only way you should "pay" TVA is if you pay for the goods with the supplier - bypassing the Artisan (this is normal practice for alot of micros). This also bypasses your 10 year warranty, of course. Micros are not good for anyone -especially the Artisan!

Bear in mind that the 5.5% rate is for renovations only (still, as it has always been). The definition of "renovations" is complex and will involve filling-in one or more forms, provided by your Artisan. But, by way of an example, if you add a bathroom, where none existed before, then the TVA rate is 19.6%, or convert your garage, or renovate more than 50% of the house, or change the floors, or the structure of the building, change the use, do 5 out of 6 things on a TVA list, etc etc. ALL 19.6%. Truth be told, and if everyone sticks to the rules (which thankfully they don't), no renovations would qualify for 5.5%. Tax and spend, tax and spend....

[quote user="Jonzjob"]18 milli amps is all it takes to stop the heart.  Lethal voltages are 150V AC and 50 V DC...[:D][/quote] It is not about current (or voltage) it is about energy. The amount of current needed depends on the energy needed to stop, damage or start the heart - or summat like that. Interesting to note that an electric chair is several magintudes more powerful than a defibrulator (or is it defibrilator?). That said, the actual current can be as little as 6mA....

Bear in mind that you cannot mortgage the Notaires fees - it isn't allowed, and CA won't mortgage the agents fees. I have, however, had 2 100% motgages (for the PNV of the property).

[quote user="lilly"]Would it be classed as our principal residence if we were living in it at time of sale, and had lived in the house for 2 consecutive years between us, but not at the same time?    Are we assessed together or as  individuals?   Gets complicated !![/quote] I doubt it on that basis. Have you completed tax returns in France? or the UK? In the case of ambiguity, a Notaire is likely to use tax residency to establish "primary" residency (although the 2 aren't always connected. Ask a Notaire!

I'm no roofer, but in what sense is foil insulation "breathable"? I've never seen a French roofer add anything under tiles.

As I understand it, the PS2 needs a driver to "enable" its network port - hence the requirement for the disk. I have plugged it into the network, but it does nothing.... Thanks, coops - I'll trawl through that...

The ideal solution would be to have a new supply to the "other half" of the property, as you surmise. You would need a new suppy from EDF (probably not too expensive), but you would also need certification from CONSUEL (with all that implies) for the wiring in that bit if the property. If the wiring is up-to-date, then it should not be too much of a problem.... That way, your tenants would accept all responsibility for the electricity charges (standing charges and electricity costs). Any other alternative puts the onus on you to pay the bills. Bear in mind that you are not allowed to sell electriciy, you could include the electricity in the rent, but you can't charge them for their consumption, even at cost.

Anyone any idea where I can get one, for a slimline PS2 with the built-in network adaptor? The machine is about 2.5 years old and I have vague memories of an application for a network disk being in the box, but it has long since disappeared. I'm not sure I have the network key any more, either. Any suggestions? TIA!