EDF will usually distinguish between properties that have electricity
to them already and those which have not. If it has not had a supply
before they will ask for a certificate of conformity that the property
confirms to French wiring pratice which has to be signed by a qualified
French electrician. However :-

1. they don't always do it
2. You can get electricians to come and "inspect" your installation
3. Something which had an electricity supply in 1920 can still count as
having had a supply

Things are tightening up though and there have been quite a few new
regulations coming into force over recent years.

As personal preference I prefer (many don't) the French radial wiring
system despite the increase in wire required as it makes sure everthing
is protected at a central board making it very easy to find faults and
you never have a "where are the spare fuses" moment. It also lends
itself to computer controlled automation very easily (I usually run a
cat5 cable to each socket/switch "just in case"). However I have yet to
find decently made French plugs/sockets which can frequently require
the application of a hammer to get the plug in. One of the benefits of
a movable earth shield and decent manufacturer e.g. MK.


Andrew Gabriel wrote:
In article ,
Peter Lynch writes:
On Wed, 27 Sep 2006 09:44:13 +0100, Christian McArdle wrote:

You are entitled to use UK wiring practice when
installing in France. However, it is not advisable.

Can the local electricity provider refuse to supply, if the wiring
does not meet national specifications?

Friend of a friend wired his french holiday house completely to UK
regs. French supplier (EDF) was perfectly happy to connect it up,
and had seen it done before, much to his surprise. Ironically they
had previously refused to connect up the supply to the french
wiring which was there when he bought it, although it was in a bad
state.

I have heard that you can pick any of the national standards from
countries who's standards are aligned with CENELEC Harmonised
Documents (of which the UK is one) and use them in any EU country,
but I have no reference for that.

--
Andrew Gabriel