072 By special request, Michael shows what our utilities look like in France. Everything from electricity, water, fiber internet, heaters, to our sewer system. It’s just slightly different than the United States but, hopefully informative.
Thanks again for watching,
Michael and April
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Description of Us:
We are a couple of American Francophiles who have come to truly appreciate so many things about French culture. We love the food, wine, art, and history of France, but especially the people we have met along the way. Join us as we make our dream of living in France a reality. Follow us as we explore the French living and a new life there with our beloved dog, Bernice. We enjoy learning about stone house renovation, wine, cooking, brocante shopping, and the French community we are now a part of.
18 Comments
Your electric setup seems quite old…. Fuses, no PE… I guess it's a +30 years system. In a long term you should update that… Furtunatly, you have pre-existing tubes to pass new wires
Be careful with your electrical installation : it's completely outdated and does not respect at all the current safety norms.
It must have been told to you on the "diagnostique" when you bought the house.
Fuses are not used anymore because they don't protect from electrocution and they are not fast enough for short circuits.
It is not safe to plug mobile electrical radiators on 2 connectors plugs with no earth protection.
The wires in the wall may also be too thin for a radiator power. At the time of installation, these plugs were only for lighting and the occasional vaccum cleaner use.
To be safe you need thermal-magnetic circuit breakers to replace the fuses.
In front of a maximum of 8 circuit breakers, you need a 30 milliamps RCD breaker to protect you from electrocution in case of an insulation problem.
All the plugs should have 3 connectors with earth connection.
It's not mandatory to respect the current norms but it is really recommended.
It's also possible that in case of fire due to an electrical problem, the insurance company could refuse to pay, telling that the installation was dangerous.
Maybe you do gave an earth connection…you could build a little box to hide those utilities by the door for a nicer look. A lot of people have a buanderie….which us a little laundry room off the kitchen. If you live in a small apartment most likely you have the washer in the kitchen. Its good you have fiber optic. Some rural villages don't yet.
Good morning from cape may nj. I had requested your video about utilities and I thank you very much for providing it.
Interesting comments above. Codes change everywhere I suppose. Knob and tube was the problem here. All but four original rooms ceiling lights were replaced. I’ve requested my electrician to replace them also. My house in CM was built in 1890 and Im on a well and septic.
You have helped me a great deal with my house hunt in the Vienne and I thank you very much. I will be back in the village for a month starting on May 30. Will be picking up my car at LeClerc in Montmorillon first. Perhaps during my stay we could rendezvous for lunch. All my best wishes and appreciation to the both of you. You are inspirational.
Joseph.
Interesting, thanks.
Thank you for explaining the electrical, heat and fibre optic/internet connections. Could you give me an idea of how much it costs for electricity per year? Ive heard it is quite expensive, compared to Canada/US. Thanks.
I’d be out in the garden all the time like your wife lol it’s so lovely and peaceful 🥰 Where’s Berenice?
Bonjour! Could you share other costs such as property taxes and home insurance?
Thank you so much for sharing. May I inquire approximately how much you pay for electricity for your home in the winter?
This was very informative. Merci.
Can you do a video on how trash collection works? Or is it a drop off point?
You may already do this-EDF has an online customer ( personal) dashboard. It shows your daily electricity use broken down to 1/2 hr increments. It shows your daily, monthly and yearly electric usage. The linky communicates all that to EDF. There is also a water heater setting to only heat water during nite hours if you have chosen a specific ‘ time of day’ plan.
On "old style" fuses, as shown as 4:14, you can say that the fuse has blown up if the small colored capsule at one tip is not any more connected to its metal part. But of course, if you have a meter to check the resistance of your fuse, it's better…
For the heaters, I strongly recommand that you connect them to a wall plug with a "ground"' connector, and, of course, connected to a correct grounding system. The wall plugs you are using do no have this "grounding" and it is therefore a bit risky to use them for appliances such as heaters.
That was an interesting video. Jim in California
Great topic ideas thank you! My Mac audio picked up scraping and birds but not the information, so I'll try again next video. Thank you!
Thanks for the information! Question: How long did it take for them to adjust your power allocation?
Solar-powered laundry drying 😀
How well does the wifi & cellphone signal work throughout thick stone walls? I was visiting one house and didn't notice until I went outside when my phone lit up with a bunch of notifications that I didn't get while inside!
Your electrical installation is in need of a serious revamping : no GFI and earthed receptacles are a no, no !
French norms change but you are not obliged to keep your installation to the latest rules.