Use French light switch in UK?

Discussion in 'Electricians' Talk' started by hopefulBuilder, Dec 1, 2017.

  1. I like the French light switches (basically big round buttons instead of the smaller rectangle buttons of UK). Are there any problems (ie regulations) buying some and fitting them in UK house?
     
  2. retiredsparks

    retiredsparks Super Member

    The main problem is...they are ..French.
    That is not going to go down well here.
    Remember, it is ..not..racist to take the pee out of the French.
    ;)
    RS
     
  3. Bob Rathbone

    Bob Rathbone Screwfix Select

    If they have a CE mark and a recognised French standard, then as we are still in the EU, the answer must be yes. Remember that the Regulations allow the installer or tester to make a decision on the suitability of equipment that does not carry current recognised standards in the EU, for instance, equipment from the USA or even bespoke equipment such as luminaires and wrought iron chandeliers.
     
    hopefulBuilder likes this.
  4. metrokitchens

    metrokitchens Screwfix Select

    Go for it. And whilst you are at it why not drive on the other side of the road? Happy Friday ;-)
     
  5. Pollowick

    Pollowick Screwfix Select

    You willneed a special filter ... a "filtre de Ail" to stop the strange odours. :D
     
  6. retiredsparks

    retiredsparks Super Member

    We really dont need to take the pee out of the French...not while there is a German alive...lol

    Remember..." Ze German sense of humour..is no laughing matter "

    RS
     
  7. Come 19th June 2019, they will all stop working.
     
  8. JP.

    JP. Screwfix Select

    Do the French still use latching relays on there lighting circuits?
     
  9. unphased

    unphased Screwfix Select

    Isn't the electricity in France different to the UK?
     
  10. KIAB

    KIAB Super Member

  11. Nah - most of our leccy is from France :rolleyes:
     
  12. retiredsparks

    retiredsparks Super Member

    THAT explains why when i got a belt last week off a faulty fire...I shouted .....Sacre Bleu !
    Rs
     
  13. MGW

    MGW Screwfix Select

    We do have different rules to France. We can't for example use German sockets where in France it seems although they have a non reversible plug and socket they use the German one. However as to a light switch as long as rated to amps required I see no problem. I know they often use the switch as the junction box where we use ceiling rose and for domestic premises split phase is common as not quite the same but I can see no problem.

    Although we buy electric from France it is supplied to us from out step down transformers so although the odd farm or caravan site may get split phase 230 - 0 - 230 it is not seen very often in domestic premises, where we do need extra power often 2 phases of a 3 phase supply not a split phase.

    I know their consumer units often have duel MCB's not sure if it switches neutral or two phases.
     
  14. unphased

    unphased Screwfix Select

    We have electricity, France has ze electricite, with acute accents over the 'e'
     
  15. retiredsparks

    retiredsparks Super Member

    You mean like this ?
    Électricité de France
    :cool:
    RS
     
  16. unphased

    unphased Screwfix Select

    Sacre Bleu, ow did you do zat?
     
  17. retiredsparks

    retiredsparks Super Member

    Well it depends on which office/text app you are using...or you can cheat...... like do what I did ..and copy and paste from the web... !!!
    ;)
    Rs
     
  18. Comlec

    Comlec Screwfix Select

    What do they fight over?
     
    leesparkykent likes this.
  19. Bazza-spark

    Bazza-spark Screwfix Select

    Don't think so. The person importing the item into the EU is responsible for CE marking it.

    Kind regards
     
    leesparkykent likes this.
  20. stateit

    stateit Screwfix Select

    Not all the time, but sometimes. As do not just the French, but a lot of Europe.

    There's some really creative lighting to be done with a momentary switch and relays. eg If you've got 9 DLs in a room, 1st press puts on 3, 2nd press puts on 6, 3rd press puts on all. Or whatever configuration you want to wire.

    We really are behind here.
     

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