What Are the Categories of Electrical Authorizations?

In the electrical sector, authorizations form the foundation of operational safety. Electrical authorizations, governed by articles R. 4544-1 to R. 4544-11 of the French Labour Code, precisely define each professional’s scope of intervention. The stakes are high: according to INRS, the majority of electrical accidents still result from operations carried out outside the scope of proper authorizations.

Mastering these categories is essential to choosing the right level to obtain your electrical authorizations and then securing your interventions and those of your teams. We will examine each authorization level and its practical application in detail.

📋 Operational table of electrical authorizations

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What do the different electrical authorization symbols mean?

A thorough understanding of authorization symbols forms the basis of your professional practice. Each character in these symbols carries a precise meaning, defined by the NF C 18-510 standard.

In a nutshell:

• The first character indicates the voltage domain of the part of the installations on which or in the environment of which the authorization holder carries out operations: B for Low Voltage, H for High Voltage.
• The second character indicates the type of operation, expressed either as a number (0, 1, 2) or a letter (F, R, S, C, E, P).
• The third character, which is not always present, is an additional letter to the second character for work (symbols 0, 1 or 2), specifying the nature of operations.
• The attribute is mandatory for specific operations (BE and HE). An attribute may optionally complement the B2 B2V authorization and H2V symbols (for Testing only). The 4 possible attributes are Switching, Testing, Verification and Measurement.

We have an article that explains in detail all the electrical authorization symbols.

Voltage domains (B and H)

The first character of your authorization determines the voltage domain in which you can work. The letter B authorizes you to work in Extra Low Voltage and Low Voltage, on installations where the voltage does not exceed 1,000 V in alternating current or 1,500 V in direct current. In practice, this corresponds to your daily interventions on standard electrical panels or domestic installations.

The letter H authorizes you for High Voltage, above these thresholds. In practice, you encounter these situations when working on transformer substations, industrial HV installations and electricity distribution or transmission networks.

2nd character: work indices 0, 1, 2

In your daily practice, the number following your authorization defines your level of operational responsibility. Level 0 concerns professionals carrying out non-electrical work near live installations. On the ground, this corresponds for example to a plasterer installing a partition near a live electrical panel or within an electrical room. These workers must understand the risks without actually handling the installations.

Level 1 qualifies performing electricians. On a worksite, these professionals carry out electrical work under the direction of a work supervisor. For example, the complete replacement of an electrical panel following a pre-established diagram falls under this authorization.

Level 2 corresponds to electrical work supervisors. These professionals assume full responsibility for operations, from risk analysis through to completion of work. On an electrical renovation site, they organize interventions, direct teams and validate the compliance of installations.

Complementary letters (R, S, C, T, P)

The additional letters in your authorization specify the exact nature of authorized operations. The R index authorizes you for general troubleshooting and maintenance interventions in low voltage. In practice, you can diagnose a fault, replace a defective component or modify an existing installation autonomously.

Additional letters (V, T, N)

The T index concerns live work, a field requiring particular expertise. These operations require specific training and more frequent recertification of the authorization given the risks involved.

The P index, relatively recent, covers operations on photovoltaic installations. The particularity of these installations lies in the permanent presence of voltage, even in the absence of sunlight, requiring specific safety procedures.

What operations can you perform according to your authorization level?

Under the NF C 18-510 standard, each authorization level determines a precise scope of intervention. Amendment A2, in force since October 2024, reinforces these operational boundaries.

Non-electrical operations (B0, H0, H0V)

The B0, H0 and H0V authorizations concern personnel carrying out non-electrical work that takes place in the vicinity of electrical installations. For example, a painter working in a room with live electrical equipment must hold one of these authorizations. They ensure the employee is aware of the risks and knows how to protect themselves.

Note that the BF HF authorizations are also intended for non-electrical work, but carried out near buried conduits. These authorizations concern only construction professionals working on excavation or trenching sites.

Elementary interventions (BS)

The BS level authorizes simple but strictly defined interventions. In the field, you can replace a fuse, switch, socket, lighting fixture or bulb, provided you perform a VAT (Voltage Absence Test) to ensure you are working in a de-energized state. Connecting electrical equipment to an existing terminal circuit, such as a water heater or roller shutter, also falls within this scope. The distinctive feature of this authorization is its elementary nature: each operation must remain simple and precisely defined.

General interventions (BR)

The BR authorization represents a higher level of autonomy in low voltage. In daily practice, it allows you to diagnose a complex fault on an installation, perform electrical measurements, and carry out the necessary repairs. Take the example of a fault on a production line: with this authorization, you can analyze the malfunction, isolate the defective section, carry out the repair and restore service autonomously.

Execution and supervision work (B1, B2, H1, H2)

The hierarchical organization of electrical work revolves around B1 authorization and B2 levels. A B1 performing electrician carries out installations according to received directives: cable pulling, connection according to diagrams, setting up a new electrical distribution. These operations are always carried out under the responsibility of a B2 work supervisor.

The B2 work supervisor assumes overall responsibility for the operation. On an electrical renovation site, they analyze specific risks, organize the work of performing electricians, and validate the compliance of installations. Their role is not limited to pure technical work: they must also manage coordination with other trades and ensure collective safety. Note that the B2 holder can also carry out work alone (autonomously).

Electrical lockout (BC, HC)

The BC / HC authorizations cover lockout/tagout procedures. The lockout supervisor can ensure the safe isolation of low voltage and/or high voltage electrical installations before any intervention. Their primary role is to execute or supervise the lockout procedure, in accordance with the safety requirements of the NF C18-510 standard (6 steps: Pre-identification, Separation, Lockout, Identification, Voltage Absence Test, Grounding and short-circuiting if necessary)

Specific operations (BE, HE)

The BE HE authorizations cover essential specific operations in the electrical field. BE or HE Switching authorizes modification of the electrical state of an installation: resetting circuit breakers, switching circuits. These operations, although limited in scope, require perfect mastery of safety procedures.

BE or HE Testing enables the performance of tests on electrical installations. This authorization is essential during the commissioning of equipment or for diagnosing anomalies. Responsibility extends to both the reliability of results and safety during tests.

The BE or HE Verification authorization concerns the inspection of installations to ensure their compliance with standards. In the field, this involves visual inspections, continuity tests and verification of protections. This role is fundamental to installation safety.

BE or HE Measurement completes these specialties by authorizing precise electrical measurements. The use of specialized instruments allows the evaluation of voltage, current and resistance without disrupting equipment operation.

Photovoltaic string operations

The BP electrical authorization is intended for non-electrician professionals, such as roofers or building personnel, who carry out elementary operations on low voltage photovoltaic strings. These operations include the installation, connection and maintenance of plug-in photovoltaic solar panels.

The BR PV (or BR photovoltaic string) electrical authorization is intended for qualified electrician professionals who carry out maintenance, troubleshooting and lockout operations on low voltage photovoltaic installations.

Operations on hybrid or electric vehicles

Electrical or non-electrical operations on electric vehicles require specific authorizations: B0L, B1L, B2L, BCL, B2XL, etc. These operations present important technical particularities: presence of batteries, specific safety systems, adapted lockout procedures. The training integrates these specificities and the precautions related to these new technologies.

How to obtain an electrical authorization?

Obtaining an electrical authorization requires a structured process, governed by the NF C 18-510 and NF C 18-550 (electric vehicles) standards. This training represents an average investment of approximately EUR 200 excl. VAT per person per training day.

Required prerequisites

Before starting your training, certain technical and medical conditions must be met. On the technical side, you must possess electrical knowledge appropriate to the level sought. For a BR or B2 authorization for example, solid knowledge of electricity or prior practical experience in electrical work is essential. Non-electrician levels (H0 B0, BS) do not require prior electrical knowledge.

The medical aspect is also of critical importance. A medical examination verifies your fitness for electrical work and your ability to wear personal protective equipment. This mandatory step ensures your safety and that of your future colleagues.

The training process

Training takes place over a period of one to four days depending on the level sought. The theoretical component covers current regulations, electrical risk analysis and safety procedures. This fundamental knowledge is anchored in the daily practice of your future work.

The practical component takes place on training platforms reproducing real intervention conditions. You learn to use protective equipment, apply lockout procedures and manage concrete situations. In-house training (“in-company”) offers the advantage of being able to carry out this component on your own electrical installations, in the real working environment of your teams.

Issuing the authorization

Obtaining the authorization involves a rigorous assessment of your skills. A theoretical test verifies your mastery of regulations, while a practical assessment validates your technical skills in real situations. Passing these tests leads to the issuance of a post-training assessment.

Your employer, based on this assessment, then establishes your authorization certificate according to the specific needs of your position. This authorization, specific to your company, cannot be transferred to another employer. It requires renewal every three years, or more frequently for certain specific operations such as live work.

What are the current regulations?

Electrical safety is governed by a strict regulatory framework. Articles R. 4544-1 to R. 4544-11 of the French Labour Code define the legal foundations of electrical authorizations, reinforced by the NF C 18-510 standard. These texts form the foundation on which all electrical work in France is based.

Legal obligations

Regulations place the employer at the center of the electrical safety framework. Their primary obligation is to assess the specific risks of each workstation involving electrical operations. This analysis determines the required authorization level and the protective measures to be implemented.

The employer must also ensure adequate training of their personnel and provide appropriate personal protective equipment. Non-compliance with these obligations incurs criminal liability in the event of an accident. INRS statistics underline the importance of these measures: each year, fatal accidents related to electricity still occur in the professional world.

The NF C 18-510 standard

Amendment A2 of the standard, which came into force in October 2024, brings significant changes to professional practice. These modifications particularly concern photovoltaic installations and electric vehicles, reflecting the continuous adaptation of regulations to new technologies.

The standard precisely defines safety procedures, safety distances to be observed and protective equipment required for each type of intervention. It also governs the frequency of recertification, set at three years in the majority of cases, but which can be reduced for certain specific operations.

The employer’s role

The employer ensures rigorous monitoring of authorizations within their company. They must maintain an up-to-date register of authorizations, document safety procedures and ensure compliance with recertification deadlines. This document management is accompanied by continuous regulatory monitoring to integrate normative changes.

In daily practice, the employer verifies the match between their employees’ authorizations and the work to be carried out. They also organize the prevention of electrical risks, particularly through the provision of protective equipment and the formalization of intervention procedures.

What is the validity period of an authorization?

The validity of an electrical authorization follows precise rules, defined by the NF C 18-510 standard. This duration adapts according to the nature of operations and the frequency of their performance in your professional activity.

Standard validity period

The standard validity period of an electrical authorization extends over three years. This duration corresponds to the normal competency maintenance cycle for a professional regularly carrying out electrical operations. INRS recommends however reducing this to two years in cases of exceptional or occasional practice.

This three-year rule applies to common authorizations such as the B1, B2, BR or BS levels. During this period, you retain your ability to work within the scope defined by your authorization, provided you maintain regular practice of the operations concerned.

Renewal conditions

Renewing your authorization requires recertification training. This training, shorter than the initial training (generally 1 to 2 days), enables you to update your knowledge and validate the maintenance of your skills. It notably integrates regulatory and technical developments that have occurred since your last training.

The renewal process must be planned ahead. Your employer must schedule recertification training before the expiry date to avoid any interruption in your ability to work. A new authorization certificate is issued to you after validation of this training.

Special cases

Certain authorizations require more frequent monitoring. Live work (T index) requires annual recertification due to the particular risks involved. Operations on photovoltaic installations or electric vehicles may also require more frequent recertification depending on technological developments in the sector.

Specific situations can also modify the standard frequency. A significant change in the nature of your operations, a prolonged interruption of your activity or the identification of non-compliant practices may require new training before the normal recertification deadline.