electrical connection in France

[gingerbiscuit]

I am just undertaking a renovation project in France and have acquired a static caravan to use as a temporary living accommodation when out there, so I can be on-site etc. Has anyone experience of getting EDF to connect to the main grid so that we have power. The house is in an uninhabital state, has been for several years, although electric was once connected there is no trace of a fuse box and I was hoping that we could be connected to the grid via the static caravan until the house is completed in 18 months time. You help would be appreciated.

[mointainwalker]

Easiest way is to get a site-connection ( connection de chantier ), good for max 12 or 18 months.

You need to buy a site - connection box ( coffret de chantier ) which is about E 500 - 700 new but available second-hand as people sell on when finished.

There is nothing in the domestic regs - NFC 15-100 - about caravans and numerous requirements would not be possible to meet, Since however there are caravans connected permanently there is obviously some special device/procedure for this.

If you speak French you could ring your local Consuel ( body i/c checking electrical installations before connection to supply ) , ask for the Technical Service and they will tell you what you can do. Have found my local one in Lyon quite helpful.

If you still have a meter in the old house, this is important as that seems to trigger some kind of obligation on the part of EDF to re-connect you and can save some expense.

[gingerbiscuit]

Thanks for this, I will get searching for a site connection pronto, my French sadly is only at the very basic visiting tourist level, but I'm in the process of changing that through lessons.

Thanks again and regards