Electrics unsafe in most old houses

The Observatoire National de la Sécurité Electrique (ONSE) based its findings on a study of 6,000 sales of homes, which were more than 15 years old, from 2009-2011.

Common problems included absence of earthing, worn-out and unsuitable equipment and problems with fuse boxes and circuit-breakers.

The figures use analyses of the electrical installation diagnostics (checks) that have been required by law since 2009. In many cases purchasers will go on to make repairs; however the figures paint an alarming picture of the state of French electrics, the ONSE believes.

“The natural wear and tear of equipment, combined with the multiplication of electrical appliances in our daily lives generates major risks,” a spokesman said.

What is more studies show communal areas in flats are especially badly looked after from this respect, says ONSE - 83% of sites present problems with worn-out or outdated equipment creating electrocution risks.

Only 17% have potential equalisation systems, which avoid dangerous differences in electrical potential between different conducting materials in the building, which can cause an increased risk of shocks.

The observatoire has highlighted the significant contribution of electrical problems to domestic fires, with almost a third each year having electrical origins.

An ONSE spokesman said: “We estimate that about 300,000 more buildings become dangerous each year, which is why we are raising awareness. If you are in doubt, you should have a check carried out.”

While a diagnostic is obligatory when you sell, for your own safety, it may be wise not to wait until then.

Electrical safety charity Promotelec (a member of the ONSE) states that buildings older than 1974 (58% of French homes) will definitely have dangerous installations if they have not been renovated; ones built from 1974 to 1991 may or may not present risks, whereas ones built since 1991 are likely to be safe.