Differential v Non-Differential 4P Interrupter

GeoffatMM · Dec 18, 2023

HI

I am not a professional electrician but have cabled all my houses since starting to build them 30 years ago. I know a dangerously small amount!

I am wiring my first 3 phase property in France and am looking for guidance on when to and when not to use a differential interrupter.

The two main items I am installing are a cooker and a Tesla charger both with 32A 4P interrupters.

Do either of them need to be differential please?

TIA,

Geoff

pc1966 · Dec 18, 2023

Others on there like @Mike Johnson will know a bit more about French regulations, as most folks here are UK based.

However, from what I believe practically all properties in France are TT earthed and will be fed by a time delay/selective RCBO ("differential interrupter") on the power company side that you have no choice over (other than the overload setting you get depending on your tariff). Thus if you don't have "instant" (normal) RCD per-circuit then a fault to earth will take out your whole supply.

westward10 · Dec 20, 2023

Are you going to give your advice on French electrics here @Mike Johnson

Mike Johnson · Dec 21, 2023

All the information the OP requires has been posted on here before in the French threads, if not he can find it here: L'installation électrique - David Fedullo , Thierry Gallauziaux -... - Librairie Eyrolles - https://www.eyrolles.com/Loisirs/Livre/l-installation-electrique-9782416000058/ or with a bit of digging around here: https://www.schema-electrique.net/mise-a-la-terre-installation-electrique-norme-NF-C-15-100.html

Mike Johnson · Dec 21, 2023

Typical wiring diagram for a three phase to single phase domestic installation and the board.

Mike Johnson · Dec 21, 2023

Pasted from a previous thread:

A source for everything to do with French electrics is here: Norme électrique 2013 2015, Amendement A4 normes NF C 15-100 - https://www.schema-electrique.net/norme-electrique-NF-C-15-100-amendement-A4-2013-2015.html#circuit-dedie Scroll to the bottom and a drop down list for most information is available.

On your browser go into preference's and change Language setting to always translate French.

Some of the differences:
1. No T&E all cable to have the same CSA, singles in flexible conduit is the norm.
2. Only eight MCB's to any RCD.
3.. All MCB's to be dual pole.
4. Most if not all white goods on their own circuit, as with extract fans, electric towel rails, Hob, Oven, etc: the list is quite extensive.
5. Not unusual to find a domestic installation is three phase.

This is a very good guide to French electrics: Amazon.fr - L'installation électrique - Gallauziaux, Thierry, Fedullo, David - Livres - https://www.amazon.fr/Linstallation-%C3%A9lectrique-David-Fedullo/dp/2416000055/ref=asc_df_2416000055/?tag=googshopfr-

NF-C 15 100 I think is the equivalent of the UK Blue Book, as far as I know there is no equivalent to any of our BS's.

Forgot to add "All power circuits are radials"