briwy Posted September 29, 2009 Share Posted September 29, 2009 I've just bought an extractor fan for our bathroom and was planning on using a double pole pull cord switch.However I was told by the assistant in Castorama that these switches are not allowed in France.Could someone please confirm this. It seems odd that you can have a power socket but not a double pole pull cord switch.ThanksBrian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Théière Posted September 29, 2009 Share Posted September 29, 2009 It seems to be true briwy, a French electrician told me the same thing. Switches and sockets are only allowed in the correct zone, however, that is a recent development judging where ours are.I could tell you which zone and the measurements but my desk is untidy and I can't find the book at the moment [:$] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chancer Posted September 29, 2009 Share Posted September 29, 2009 [quote user="briwy"]However I was told by the assistant in Castorama that these switches are not allowed in France.Could someone please confirm this. [/quote]Only if they were standing with you at the time [6]I have not come across them here but that does not mean that they do not exist or are not allowed it is just another manifestation of tradition, rather like the only pipe clips available are collier atlas that look like they belong in a plumbing museum.I am sure somewhere a sales assistant will be saying "plastic clips are not allowed in France" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnRoss Posted September 29, 2009 Share Posted September 29, 2009 This surprises me as I bought an extractor fan here in France for a bathroom I was building in 2001 and it is fitted with a cord operated switch , pull on, pull off. Have the regs changed then in this respect since then?..................JR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Théière Posted September 30, 2009 Share Posted September 30, 2009 No JohnRoss, it is ok for the simple and basic pull cord as fiited by the manufacturer and given it's CE stamp or Le Norms.The OP is refering to the pull cord switches we have as standard in bathrooms in the UK. They are double pole switches and much safer than the ones fitted as above, they are a requirement in UK regs but we are not talking about the UK [:)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnRoss Posted September 30, 2009 Share Posted September 30, 2009 Oh ok and thanks for the information. Cannot keep up to date with all these modern new fangled thingys. They will have talking pictures soon I guess!.................................JR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NormanH Posted September 30, 2009 Share Posted September 30, 2009 Just a language point...Some years ago I asked for a strawberry ice cream, and was told "ça n'existe pas Monsieur.."I thought 'hang on , a strawberry ice cream isn't all that unusual'..then I realised they meant that they hadn't got any .. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIG MAC Posted September 30, 2009 Share Posted September 30, 2009 My understanding is that existing installations remain legal? In that case the porcelain pull switches for our bedroom lights (Still wired but no drop cords on them) which date from 19 dot must still be both French and Legal.My guess is that for new installation you need appropriately marked items and it may be that these are no longer manufactured for the French market.Why not look on French manufacturers websites, If they make them then its reasonable to suggest that you must be able to use them? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
virginia.c Posted September 30, 2009 Share Posted September 30, 2009 When I wanted a pull cord fitted recently, the electrician told me I would have to buy one in England and bring it out as I would not be able to buy it here. He didn't say anything about regulations. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
briwy Posted September 30, 2009 Author Share Posted September 30, 2009 Thanks for the replies everyone.I think I'll get one in the UK and take it out next time I go.The alternative would mean chasing out the wall and putting gaine/cable in and replastering. Using a pull cord I can just wire it in above the ceiling. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
La Guerriere Posted October 1, 2009 Share Posted October 1, 2009 interrupteur a tirette.Seem to be able to buy them for putting in wall lights but not as main light switches.How very odd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnRoss Posted October 1, 2009 Share Posted October 1, 2009 Don't know if either of these has what you are looking for.....................................JRhttp://www.twenga.fr/dir-Jardin-et-Bricolage,Equipement-electrique,Interrupteur-a-tirettehttp://www.d-home-otik.com/legrand-76664-bloc-appel-sanitaire-avec-poussoir-tirette-verticale-voyant-led-p-3616.html?language=fr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doodle Posted October 4, 2009 Share Posted October 4, 2009 I had a new bathroom suite fitted last year by a french plumbing firm and asked if I could change the existing rocker light switch for a pull cord. The answer was no as it was not legal in bathrooms. He also said he would have to move my centre ceiling light as regulations stated it must be 1 metre away from the bath/shower and I now have two spot lights situated on the wall. However, he then asked if I would like an electric socket fitted for hairdryers etc and to my surprise he fitted one to the left of the hand basin.I have learnt over the last couple of years to 'run with it' as many things seem contradictory but then I am not a plumber ni electrian etc.Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Théière Posted October 4, 2009 Share Posted October 4, 2009 Hi Knee gel. It depends on the light fitting, if it is the correct standard it can be fitted into the correct zone, (volume as the French refer to it)Any light more than 60cm from the edge of a bath or shower is in volume 3 and therefore allowed, not 1 metre.All sinks are automatically in volume 3 so you can put a socket right next to one, Daft isn't it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chancer Posted October 4, 2009 Share Posted October 4, 2009 [quote user="Théière"]All sinks are automatically in volume 3 so you can put a socket right next to one, Daft isn't it.[/quote]Right next to or even above one, unless they are the kitchen sink where you are not allowed to!As my late father used to say "its the exception that proves the rule fiston!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIG MAC Posted October 9, 2009 Share Posted October 9, 2009 I believe the rules in relation to zoning are Europe wide and apply in Part P of the building Regs in the UK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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