⚡ Understanding French Electrical Systems

All homes in France are connected to the national grid via an EDF-supplied meter, which may be one of two main types:

Older analogue meter (compteur électromécanique), which uses a spinning disc to measure consumption.

New “Linky” smart meter, now installed in most areas, which allows automatic readings and remote management by Enedis/EDF.

Next to the meter, you’ll find the EDF main supply switch, officially called the disjoncteur de branchement (sometimes referred to as the conjoncteur).
This device acts as the interface between the national grid and your home’s electrical system, and it serves three critical functions:

It protects the property against overloads.

It allows the entire house to be safely isolated from the grid.

It provides EDF with a secure point of connection for servicing or upgrades.

⚠️ Important: The disjoncteur de branchement and EDF meter are property of the electricity provider and must only ever be accessed or modified by an authorised EDF or Enedis technician. Homeowners or electricians can work from the consumer unit onwards — but the EDF supply equipment itself is sealed for safety and compliance reasons.

⚙️ Wiring Layout – No Ring Mains Here!

Unlike UK systems, French wiring is radial, not ring.
That means each socket circuit runs directly back to the consumer unit. It’s perfectly safe and normal — just different!

When renovating, you’ll find wiring runs through conduits (gaines) inside the walls — often red for power, blue for neutral, and green/yellow for earth. These colours are the modern standard, though older houses may use different or faded colour codes, so take care when identifying circuits.

🔧 Wire Sizes and Circuit Ratings

In France, different appliances and circuits require specific cable sizes (section des câbles) depending on their load:

• 1.5 mm² wire – for lighting circuits (max 8 lights per circuit)

• 2.5 mm² wire – for socket outlets (max 8 sockets per circuit)

• 4 mm² or 6 mm² wire – for high-demand appliances such as ovens, water heaters, or electric radiators

Many character homes still have wiring from the 1960s or 70s — or even earlier. Look for fabric-covered cables, lack of earth wiring, no differential protection, or even aluminium conductors, sometimes used in older rural properties. These can loosen, overheat, and are potentially dangerous.

If you see any of these, the safest option is a complete rewire. It’s a worthwhile investment that brings peace of mind and ensures your property meets modern standards while preserving its French charm. 

In rural Mayenne, many properties include barns, garages, workshops, or well pumps connected to the main house supply.

Always check that these outbuildings have:

• Properly rated wiring and breakers, with suitable weather and moisture protection

• Working earth connections and differential safety switches

• Cables in protective conduit, especially where rodents or animals might chew or damage them

• Switches or isolators that allow lights, pumps, and heaters to be safely turned off when not in use

Outbuilding electrics are often forgotten — but they’re just as important for safety as the main house. A quick inspection can save you future headaches (and surprises on your electricity bill).