If you are new to Brussels (or even if you are not) I hope that you know that in common with the uncommon electrician, Brussels has very uncommon electricity!
Nearly everywhere else in Europe operates on either 230V single phase with a live and neutral supply to the house or a 3x400V triphase with common neutral and 230V between each phase and the neutral.
In Brussels, most (but not all) houses are connected to the 3x230V three phase supply without neutral. The potential between any two phases is 230V and the potential to earth around 130V. This means the blue wire is always live and if you think the neutral is connected to earth – you are going to get a nasty shock!
The other big difference with many other places is the earthing system is what is known as TT. (Terra-Terra). Each individual house or building has its own independent protective earth grounded to a stake or loop buried in the ground. So it is important to make sure that your earth protection is properly connected.
If you have no idea what I am talking about don’t do anything to your electric distribution yourself – call uncommon-electrics!
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