On 12 Aug 2005 21:32:18 GMT, Rod wrote:

Do French electrics not support 3 KW appliances?

French electrics generally struggle with 50W appliances. Also the
French have an odd way of selling electricity with the rate depending
upon the maximum (not average) consumption. This is policed by a
device known as a "disrupteur" which knocks off the supply if you
exceed a certain load. To reset it requires a visit from the
electricity board or the use of a device every corner shop sells.

How do they handle high load appliances such as heaters, cookers, etc.?

Generally very badly and accompanied by burning smells, smoke and
loud fizzling sounds. Decades (centuries) of bribing various
officials and inspectors has left France with an electrical system
the Albanians would be ashamed of.

--
Peter Parry.
http://www.wpp.ltd.uk/