FAQ

Yes. Although rare, interference from PLC (Power Line Communication) with touch lamp light fixtures is possible. In most cases, the problem occurs with light fittings that do not have a built-in filter and are therefore more vulnerable to this type of interference, which can also come from other electronic devices.

We would like to remind you that the grid operator's technical connection conditions for high-current installations with a maximum nominal voltage of 1000V stipulate in Article 9.3.4 that: “…it is the responsibility of the user of such electrical equipment to ensure that such interference is prevented by the installation of suitable technical means”. »

However, to reduce the impact of PLC signals on your touch lamps your network operator can:

• either offer you a filter free of charge, with a maximum power of 250W, to be simply connected between the socket and the plug of the lamp;
• or advise you to buy 63A filters, to be installed directly in the circuit downstream of your meter, to filter and avoid possible disturbance on the electrical network affecting your installations. These filters must be installed by an electrician.

Installation of the electricity and/or gas smart meter requires brief disconnection of the power and/or natural gas.

Installation will be performed by the network operator’s staff. Given the large number of electricity and gas meters to be changed, several network operators have opted to use one or more subcontractors to install smart meters.

Each installer commissioned by the network operators to change meters carries an identification badge that must be presented on request.

Smart meters will be installed for new customers from 1 July 2016. Replacement of the old meters will be carried out gradually. This large-scale operation will last until 31 December 2019 for electricity meters and until 31 December 2020 for gas meters at the latest.

Replacement of the meters will be carried out by geographical area. All customers will be notified by their network operator in advance of the installation of the smart meter.

In principle, a wall does not breathe. Air renewal and moisture removal are only achieved by ventilation (via windows or a mechanical ventilation system). The effect of 'breathing' as mentioned above refers to the transfer of moisture by the diffusion of water vapour. In practice, this is minimal and does not play any role in the removal of moisture. On the other hand, it is important for interior plaster to be able to absorb moisture from the air and release it back into the interior after ventilation. The moisture regulation effect therefore only operates within the first few centimetres (on the interior side) of a wall. For example, clay plaster on internal walls provides excellent moisture regulation.

It is often façade insulation systems that are implicated and pilloried for this. It is true that on insulated walls the outer render layer has a lower temperature and slows down the drying of rainwater and condensed water. However, in order to determine the origin of the spread of micro-organisms, various factors have to be taken into consideration: weathering, orientation, proximity of trees or bushes and the lack of protection provided by protruding building elements (roof overhang, window sill, projection, eaves, etc.).

For new builds, weather protection should ideally be provided from the outset. Similarly, by opting for a thicker finishing coat, higher surface temperatures can be obtained.

On the contrary! Poor quality sealing can result in significant amounts of energy loss. However, the risk of building deterioration is an even greater factor: in winter, warm, moist air escapes to the outside through leaky areas such as joints and cracks. In this way, the air cools down and moisture condenses, which can lead to the formation of mould in the cavities. In most cases, we don't even notice it and therefore we can't react.

Airtightness is therefore a key issue. You must ensure that your house is well ventilated, either simply by opening the windows or by installing a controlled ventilation system.

The heat transmission coefficient (known as the U-value) determines how much heat passes through a building element – the lower the value, the better the insulation. Therefore, for example, a sand-lime brick wall with a thickness of 50 cm has a U-value of about 1.0 to 2.0 W/m² K. With an outer insulation thickness of 12 cm to 30 cm, the walls of well-renovated buildings today achieve U-values between 0.3 and 0.1 W/m² K.

Insulating materials are not all flammable. Building materials, and therefore also insulating materials, are divided into different fire protection categories. Moreover, a European standard regulates the classification of products and types of construction according to their fire behaviour.

This standard indicates that there are non-flammable insulating materials. Therefore, the main contractor can inquire about this beforehand, prior to deciding on the materials to be used. In principle, insulating materials made out of minerals are non-flammable. Mineral-based insulation materials are also covered by the Luxembourg Sustainability Certification for Housing (LENOZ) and can therefore be financed by the State as part of an overall project. Refits are also covered: the use of mineral-based insulation materials allows for higher financing than conventional materials.

Furthermore, there are other materials used as façade cladding elements that are flammable and these must be taken into account in this regard. This is why it is important to account for the overall make-up of the external wall in itself. Nonetheless, it may also include flame retardants (i.e. sealant, firewall, etc.) and thus provide protection against the spread of flames.