Any electrician in the forum?

[Spoked Wheels]

Do you have RCD/MCB breakers or fuses?

There are too many variables to diagnose a fault, but I'm thinking there's potentially a problem with the neutral cable/earth.

I think what we have is an MCB. The unit has for each floor one switch for the sockets and one for the lights - the switch for the sockets on the ground floor is the one I had to reset when the short circuit occurred.

At this point I'm wondering how an electrician can diagnose the problem.....

 

[asterix]

I don't think it's quite that bad. As far as I understand them, the French wiring regs allow up to 8 single sockets per circuit ( NO ring mains allowed!) using 2.5 sq mm cable. So you could have a single RCD for each room, providing you have no more than 8 sockets in it; probably 2 for the kitchen, with separate circuits again for heavy load appliances like washing machines. More of a rat's nest at the consumer unit than in the UK, but as you say, easier to isolate a problem.

Thanks for that. If so next month, when I speak to him, I shall ask my electrician not to be so mean with the sockets! Fortunately he has done only one room so there is still time..

Would you apply that principle to cycle maintenance too?

Yes after a point. I am a competent amateur bike mechanic but I don't build my own wheels for example. I am not a very competent electrician, particularly in France where my knowledge of the requirements is inadequate. It all depends on competence and I'd suggest that an mysterious kitchen fault is not a good place to start teaching yourself the basics. What would you tell the insurance company?

 

[Poacher]

Thanks for that. If so next month, when I speak to him, I shall ask my electrician not to be so mean with the sockets! Fortunately he has done only one room so there is still time..



Yes after a point. I am a competent amateur bike mechanic but I don't build my own wheels for example. I am not a very competent electrician, particularly in France where my knowledge of the requirements is inadequate. It all depends on competence and I'd suggest that an mysterious kitchen fault is not a good place to start teaching yourself the basics. What would you tell the insurance company?

Hi Asterix, some interesting and useful forum discussions on this site - I've linked to the home page 'cos there may be additional stuff of interest to you. The wiring specific discussions are under French Property Matters/French Electrical & Other Building Issues. See also electriciansforums non UK section.