Electric Question

[Matt]

This has probably been asked already ,but here goes.I am going out in June to rewire my house with an electrician friend. My question is ,what if anything do I need to get certified once we are finished? There is already supply to the house and some of the wiring  has been renewed (although not to rcd fuseboard),it is only the lights and a few power points like the 32a cooker point and extra points in the rooms.

Cheers Matt

[powerdesal]

As I understand it, if you are working behind an existing meter there is no certification necessary, You should of course work to French Normes as anything else would prejudice your insurance

Regards

[Gluestick]

This is a loaded question!

It really depends which authority you believe.

In theory, any substantial new wiring (apart from having  to conform to the latest regulations), requires certification from one of the approved inspecting agents licensed by Comité National pour la Sécurité des Usagers de l’Electricité (Consuel).

Why? Insurance acceptance and future sale. Apparently, it is becoming more common for purchasers to demand assurance in this area.

One core aspect is the integrity of the earth connection. The equipment to test this, is very accurate, specialised and expensive. A standard multimeter won't do. And the only person who can test and agree with the integrity of an earth connection is a representative of Consuel.

Obviously, if you have the right kit (or know someone who has), you can pre-test the earth, prior to the official inspection.

Additionally, you could have another problem: all properly licensed, insured and approved artisans, possess what can be called Vocational Qualification. It is fundamentally illegal to work, for money, in France without such approval. Thus even a UK qualified electrician's work, in France can be deemed unacceptable! Even where the regulations have been scrupulously adhered to, in full.

By having the work inspected and certified by Consuel, you have coppered your bet.

Anyway, I did start off by saying "Apparently"! These are my conclusions, as I am shortly to completely re-wire an old installation, where I already have a new digital Compteure, have had an increase in power, and therefore don't need a primary connection to the incoming supply, as it's already there.

(I shall now standby, for the torrent of further and conflicting information![;-)] But hey![:D] That's how we all learn stuff on this site!)

 

 

[La Guerriere]

If there is an existing EDf connection, there is nothing to stop you progressively renewing everything downwind from the EDF disjoncteur de branchment. These connections are not sealed.

CONSUEL is only required for a new installation or an installation where the EDF connection has been cut off.

All new work should however be done to French Norms and using French kit.

In theory you could do it all yourself and get CONSUEL tom check it, but it's making life unnecessarily difficult.

Incidentally, you can hire earth resistance meters in UK for a modest fee, so to take one out and check youe spike etc is not a big deal.