France Updates Electrical Safety Instructions For Distribution Works

France has approved an updated set of electrical-safety instructions for work on electricity-distribution infrastructure. The order of 10 November 2026, published on 15 November, takes effect on 1 January 2027.

Article 1 identifies FD C18-510-1:2023, August edition, as the approved instructions. The measure concerns employers whose workers carry out operations on electricity-distribution works.

New Reference From January

The order updates the instructions approved under Article 4 of Decree 82-167 of 16 February 1982. That decree concerns worker protection against electrical hazards during the construction, operation and maintenance of electricity-distribution works.

Under Article 4, employers must comply with approved general electrical-safety instructions appropriate to the work and the way it is performed. The new order changes the approved reference within that framework.

Earlier Approval Will Be Repealed

Article 2 repeals the order of 17 January 1989. The repeal takes effect with the new order on 1 January 2027.

The current text of the 1989 order approves UTE C18-510, November 1988 edition. The new measure replaces that approval with the August 2023 FD C18-510-1 reference. The standard's edition date and the date when the new legal reference applies are therefore distinct.

Scope Of The Change

The published order concerns electricity-distribution works. It does not announce a general replacement of safety instructions for every electrical installation or workplace. Its operative provisions identify the new instructions, repeal the earlier approval and set the January commencement date.