Do you carry out de-energized electrical work on Low Voltage installations under the supervision of a work supervisor? You will need to hold a B1 electrical authorization (possibly supplemented with B1V).
It is issued by your employer after completing B1V electrical authorization training. It certifies that you master the prevention measures defined by the NF C18-510 standard for carrying out de-energized electrical operations and working in the reinforced vicinity of live bare parts.
The training lasts from 1.5 to 3 days. The standard recommends renewing your authorization every 3 years.
This guide covers the B1 B1V authorization in detail, including the training program, recertification requirements, funding options and applicable regulations. It prepares professionals, whether individually or in groups, for authorization and clarifies the role of the performing electrician.
Table des matières
What is B1V electrical authorization?
The B1V electrical authorization is the employer’s recognition that an employee is capable of performing de-energized work on Low Voltage electrical installations and working in the reinforced vicinity of live bare parts, under the responsibility of a work supervisor (B2 B2V), a general intervention supervisor (BR) or a lockout supervisor (BC).
Definition of the B1 B1V authorization symbol
The NF C18-510 standard precisely defines the voltage domain and the nature of authorized operations.
- B (Low Voltage): indicates that the holder operates on Extra Low Voltage (ELV) and Low Voltage (LV) installations, between 0 and 1,000 volts AC. This excludes any High Voltage work.
- 1 (performing electrician): designates a performing electrician who carries out electrical work always under the responsibility of a work supervisor (B2) or intervention supervisor (BR). They cannot operate independently.
- V (vicinity): authorizes work in the reinforced vicinity zone (Zone 4), i.e. in immediate proximity to live bare parts (30 cm), provided that appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn (insulating gloves and face shield at minimum).
Limitations of B1V authorization
The B1V holder is authorized to carry out electrical work in Low Voltage, including in the reinforced vicinity of live bare parts, always under the responsibility of a work supervisor (B2) or intervention supervisor (BR). Examples of tasks:
- Carrying out wiring, connection and equipment installation work during de-energized operations on locked-out installations, under the responsibility of a work supervisor (B2).
- Working in the reinforced vicinity zone (Zone 4), particularly during troubleshooting or in congested switchboards, while following procedures and wearing PPE.
- Performing lockout switching operations, only on instruction and under the responsibility of a lockout supervisor (BC).
- Participating in corrective or preventive maintenance operations on electrical equipment under the responsibility of a BR.
As you can see, the main limitation of B1 electrical authorization is that the holder can never operate independently — they must always be supervised. Any electrical operation outside this framework, such as carrying out an electrical project alone, requires a higher level of authorization.
How to obtain B1V authorization?
To obtain B1V authorization, you must complete electrical authorization training delivered by an accredited training center. This professional training follows a structured process: after enrolling with a certified body (Qualiopi-certified in France), the trainee follows a program including theoretical and practical components. Passing an assessment (MCQ and practical scenario) leads to the issuance of a post-training assessment. The employer then issues the final B1 B1V electrical authorization certificate to the employee, after verifying technical skills and medical fitness.
To maximize chances of success and learning quality, it is crucial to choose a training center that prioritizes:
- Expert instructors with solid field experience.
- Technical platforms and equipment representative of real-world situations.
- Personalized trainee support and a high pass rate.
- Accommodation of specific needs, including accessibility for persons with disabilities.
- A rigorous regulatory approach to every training project.
What are the objectives of B1V training?
The training objectives are clear: to enable the trainee to carry out work safely and in compliance with the NF C18-510 standard. Upon completion, they must be able to:
- Know the electrical hazards and identify the environment zones.
- Assess electrical risks on a worksite.
- Know the functions of electrical switchgear.
- Implement appropriate PPE and collective protective equipment.
- Follow the work supervisor’s instructions.
- React correctly in the event of an electrical accident and assess the risk.
Who can take the B1V training?
Target audience and prerequisites
The target audience for B1V electrical authorization training includes a wide range of professions. Here are the most common profiles:
- Building electricians
- Industrial electricians
- Electromechanical technicians
- Maintenance technicians
- Multi-trade maintenance agents
- Low-current systems installers
- Renewable energy technicians
- Apprentice and trainee electricians
This list is not exhaustive. These professions may require additional electrical authorizations depending on the operations performed.
Prerequisites for authorization:
- Hold basic technical electrical skills obtained through a state diploma, training or proven professional experience as an electrician
- Master electrical quantities (power, resistance, current, voltage) and their relationships
- Know the functions of electrical switchgear (what an RCD, a disconnector, etc. does)
How does B1V training work?
Learning is based on an active approach. The teaching methods alternate between theoretical presentations, real case studies, videos and a large degree of interactivity to ensure lasting assimilation of safety rules.
The objective is to make the trainee an active participant in their training by analyzing real-life situations. This program enables effective training of each learner through an in-depth study of risks.
Theoretical and practical training
The program combines theory and practice to master safety:
- Theory: regulations, risk analysis, effects of electric current, environment zones, procedures and protection against electrocution.
- Practice: hands-on application. This is when you handle equipment, test and wear PPE, and perform technical procedures under the instructor’s supervision.
- Safety: learning the correct response to an electrical accident and first aid procedures.
How does the practical B1V training work?
The practical component goes beyond isolated exercises. It relies on concrete scenarios that faithfully reproduce workplace situations encountered in companies, including Voltage Absence Test (VAT) verification, securing a work zone, and common operations such as component replacement or connection. These scenarios help anchor safety reflexes and correct bad habits acquired in the field. Safety requirements are thus fully integrated.
Skills assessment
The training concludes with a skills assessment comprising a theoretical MCQ and a practical scenario-based test. To prepare or test your knowledge, feel free to practice with our B1V electrical authorization practice test. The instructor then issues an assessment (favorable or not) enabling the employer to authorize their employee. A post-training assessment document is provided.
How long is B1V training?
The duration of B1V electrical authorization training depends on the initial level and objectives. For inter-company training (at our centers):
- Initial training: 3 days (21 hours). Time needed to assimilate the fundamentals of this theoretical and practical professional training.
- Recertification training: 2 days (14 hours).
For in-house training (at your premises), the training duration can be adjusted depending on group size.
Which authorizations complement B1V? Take the test
Complement my B1V qualification
Check the operations you perform on your low-voltage electrical installations.
In your professional activity, you are required to:
H0 H0V electrical authorization (High Voltage vicinity)
If you need to enter an electrical room with High Voltage installations (for example a 20kV transformer substation) to carry out electrical work on Low Voltage installations (for example on a main distribution board), H0 authorization and/or H0V is required. It does not authorize you to work on High Voltage infrastructure, but to work in their vicinity (simple or reinforced) safely.
H1 H1V electrical authorization (High Voltage performing electrician)
This authorization concerns performing electricians who work on High Voltage installations. The H1 is a performing electrician who acts under the responsibility of a work supervisor (H2). The “V” indicates authorization to work in the reinforced vicinity of live bare parts in High Voltage. This authorization is necessary if you work on HV switchgear cells or HV/LV transformers, for example.
BR electrical authorization (general intervention supervisor)
BR authorization complements B1V authorization, providing greater autonomy for troubleshooting, limited live connections/disconnections and testing.
How much does B1V electrical authorization training cost?
For inter-company training (at our training centers), we offer sessions covering all electrician-level electrical authorization symbols, namely B1 B1V B2 B2V BR BC H0(V), in 21 hours for initial training and 14 hours for recertification.
| Training type | Coverage | Initial training | Recertification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inter-company | Paris/Marseille | €500 excl. VAT / person | €350 excl. VAT |
| In-house | All of France | €2,000 excl. VAT / group | €1,200 excl. VAT |
For in-house training, the duration can be adjusted, particularly depending on group size. Do not hesitate to contact us for a quote and to learn about our rates and response times.
Funding for electrical authorization training can be arranged in several ways:
- OPCO (French sector skills operators) and skills development plans for company employees
- Training Insurance Funds for self-employed workers and non-salaried directors
- France Travail (French public employment service) for individuals
Conclusion
The B1V authorization seals the trust between the employer and the performing electrician. More than mere compliance, it attests to the professional’s ability to master their work environment. It is often the starting point for career progression toward more autonomous or supervisory roles, provided that knowledge is kept up to date through regular practice.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
The B1V performs the tasks, while the B2V manages the worksite, organizes safety and supervises the team.
Working without valid authorization exposes the employee to working under risk without knowledge of safety measures, and the employer to severe criminal penalties in case of accident. Authorization is a legal obligation under the French Labour Code for any operation on or near an electrical installation.
A B1V performing electrician never works alone. They are always placed under the responsibility of a work supervisor (B2 or B2V), an intervention supervisor (BR) or a lockout supervisor (BC) for safety isolation steps.
