Earthing - Temporary Stage For Event. Advice Please

[Norm' Francaise]

Hello folks,

I’m new on here today, and I'm already looking for some advice please.

I’m a domestic sparkie working in France (a maison-basher then?). I’ve just signed-up for some voluntary work helping out at events, and I’ve been asked to help set-up a temporary stage for a music show in a local sports hall.  I’ve yet to look at the site, but I’m told there is a 3-phase supply/control unit and the earthing is 99.9% certain of being a ‘TT’ set-up.

As I understand it, my job is “simply” going to be ensuring the box has a connection to the earth rod, and that the metallic chassis/subframe of the temporary stage is likewise connected to earth (via the control unit presumably). It all seems straightforward enough, but is there anything I should be aware of and looking out for in this particular setting?   I’m thinking, for example, of possible ’inductive loop’ interference with the sound-system or potential safety issues with the performers’ instruments, microphones, etc, especially as I don't know their condition (in the UK I think these would/should be regularly PAT-tested?).

I may be worrying unduly just because the situation is a little different, but I’m keen to cross all my T’s and dot all my I’s, especially on the heath & safety side, so any advice or observations will be very much appreciated - Thank you!

 

[NozSpark]

I would advise that you get some advice from a local electrician (or get the French regs and have a good read) as we deal with BS7671 which isn't relevant over there

 

[OnOff]

Sure I have a copy of the French regs somewhere (mate has a couple of properties out there)..............all in French oddly enough!  :lol: Remember him having to have a HUGE "earth plate" put in instead of a piddly little rod!

 

[Doc Hudson]

Welcome to the forum. I know nothing about French wiring regulations, but I would think it prudent to verify who is liable if someone did get injured due to an electrical fault? Is this a private function, or is it open to the general public? what insurances are in place to cover any claims for injury / damages? If anything does go wrong I doubt you could use information from a UK electrical forum as your defence. Probably best to speak to those who are organising the work you are due to do.

Doc H.

 

[kerching]

Sure I have a copy of the French regs somewhere (mate has a couple of properties out there)..............all in French oddly enough!  :lol: Remember him having to have a HUGE "earth plate" put in instead of a piddly little rod!

You mean they cannot use , what all GOOD electricians call a twig!

FFS......quelle merde

Zut alors

 

[Blue Duck]

You mean they cannot use , what all GOOD electricians call a twig!

FFS......quelle merde

Zut alors

Only if you check the Ra every few hours to check its still stabilised h34r:

Sacre bleu

:wacko:

 

[Norm' Francaise]

Many thanks to everyone for your prompt and very helpful replies, all rightly sounding a sensible note of caution....

As far as the French regs go, I’m well used to working to the local NFC15-100 in domestic situations, but I’ve been having some trouble finding anything that specifically relates to events and shows and I’ve ended up referring back to Blighty and BS7909 for some guidance, but I’ll keep looking for the equivalent local ‘chapter and verse’ over here.

As far as this little job goes, it seems that my role would be limited to connecting the 3-phase control board and the metallic sub-frame of the temporary stage to earth…. if anyone out there has any experience of stage-rigging and can offer any pointers about any particular/peculiar electrical safety considerations in this more specialized environment, I’d love to hear from you.

Thanks again for your time and input, folks – cheers/santé !

 

[matt.leung]

I work in the event industry, if you need advise send me an email, as i check throughout the day on my phone..... [email protected].... by the way, never worked in france though... well not in your situation, only in a nice little art gallery on a corporate event conference as few yr's bk....

Matt 

 

[Andy™]

no point answering in private via pm's, at least if its public more can see it and have their input on it

 

[matt.leung]

ill also answer on here, just need more info thats all...

 

[Steve3948]

I work in the event industry, if you need advise send me an email, as i check throughout the day on my phone..... [email protected].... by the way, never worked in france though... well not in your situation, only in a nice little art gallery on a corporate event conference as few yr's bk....

Matt

Well let's hope it's not more than 100M away from the source then

 

[matt.leung]

haha....

 

[spot light]

Portable staging systems partially internal decks do not genuinely require earthing. External stage structures do directly back to the generators earthing rod.

We would always love a separate supply for audio partially if stage lighting dimmers are used however for most festival and one day events a single supply for all even 3 phase will in most cases be fine. RCD protection would be required from source.

 

[apprentice87]

Only thing i can add, apart from making sure that all OCPD's and also devices for protecting against earth faults [if separate] are suitable for the Ze/Zs and supply impedances you have there, [so as to ensure they will operate in what ever disconnection times the french specify] is in regards to instruments etc. Make sure that they, and anything that can be touched at the same time, are all connected to the same phase. We do not want 400v appearing between guitars....

john..

 

[Norm' Francaise]

A big - if slightly belated - thanks to everyone for their contributions.  Everything turned out to pretty much 'selon les règles' and all passed off safe and sound. Looking forward to the next gig! Thanks again for the input (...and the reassurance!)