What is the standard electricity supply in France?

The standard domestic electricity supply in France is single phase 230 volts, 50Hz. It is also common to find a 3–phase 380v distributed supply in larger properties. The electricity supply authority EDF (Electricite de France) will provide a meter, fuses and a main current operated circuit breaker (disjoncteur différentiel).

What is a 3 phase 380V distributed supply?

It is also common to find a 3–phase 380v distributed supply in larger properties. The electricity supply authority EDF (Electricite de France) will provide a meter, fuses and a main current operated circuit breaker (disjoncteur différentiel). They are the property of EDF and are security sealed to avoid tampering, for which there is a fine.

Why do I need a surge suppressor in France?

Supplies in France are not regulated as they are in the UK, this means they can fluctuate up and down which can cause computers or other microprocessor based equipment to fail. It is advisable to fit voltage stabilisers and surge suppressors to sensitive equipment.

Which heating options are available in France?

Under floor electric heating is common in France as it’s well suited to tiled floors and can be controlled automatically with thermostats or timers, making it very convenient. Convection and storage radiators are also commonplace with some automatic controls and special tariffs available from EDF to provide effective operation and economical costs.

Do French properties have a fuse box on each floor?

Older French properties may have a fuse box on each floor depending on how many floors there are in the property. The modern approach is for one fuse box located convenient to the daily living area of a property with the rating of fuses or breakers clearly marked in amps.