letters
Why UK plumbing and electrics may not be suitable for France
A reader says that using French standards is essential for safety
To the editor,
In response to the ‘recipe for disaster’ letter regarding plumbing and household electrics, it is worth explaining why the use of UK plumbing fittings is ill-advised in France.
As far as plumbing fittings are concerned, one should appreciate that household water pressure in France is often higher than in the UK.
Therefore, pipes tend to be thicker to handle the additional pressure. Comparing copper pipes of similar diameters bought in the UK and France shows that, while there is a significant price difference, you are getting a lot more copper for your money in France.
The thinner pipes from the UK can split under the additional pressure.
As for electricity, protecting appliances with their own circuit breaker is simply a higher standard of electrical safety than a ring main.
That is the norm in France and, while the system may require more cable to be run around the house, it is very simple and easy to follow and fault-find.
There is no logic in cutting corners. Any competent tradesperson who is UK-qualified could easily switch to the French system and standards, should they be inclined to do so.
Not doing so is lazy, irresponsible and potentially dangerous.
Yours faithfully,
P.H.
