
Mexico has a set of clear and detailed regulations governing electrical installations and products, which are based on international standards. The country operates on a standard voltage of 127V with a frequency of 60Hz and primarily uses two plug types: Type A and Type B. The Mexican government has established mandatory certification standards, primarily targeting products with potential and high-risk factors, including household electrical appliances, lighting fixtures, and information technology equipment. These standards are known as NOM certifications and are published and updated in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF), the official newspaper of the Constitutional Government of Mexico. While Mexico has comprehensive electrical standards in place, concerns have been raised about non-compliance with these regulations, highlighting the need for improved oversight, inspections, and enforcement to ensure the safety of people and property.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Standard Voltage | 127V |
| Frequency | 60Hz |
| Plug Types | Type A, Type B |
| Compliance Standards | NOM-001-SCFI-2018, NOM-019-SCFI-1998, NOM-003-SCFI-2014, NOM-106, NOM-024-SCFI-2013, NOM-023-ENER, NOM-011, NOM-021-ENER/SCFI, NOM-015-ENER, NOM-022-ENER/SCFI, NOM-005-ENER, NOM-32-ENER, NOM-001-SEDE-2012 |
| Certification | Mandatory NOM certification, mandatory energy efficiency certification |
| Safety Requirements | Protection against electrical hazards, electromagnetic compatibility, clear labelling, user instructions |
| Technical Specifications | Supply voltages up to 277 V a.c. at 60 Hz and/or three-phase voltages up to 480 V a.c. between lines at 60 Hz |
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What You'll Learn

The mandatory NOM certification
Mexico has established a set of mandatory standards, known as NOM (Norma Oficial Mexicana), which ensure the safety and quality of various products, including electrical devices. The NOM certification is a critical aspect of product compliance in Mexico, particularly for electrical appliances, lighting fixtures, and information technology equipment.
The NOM standards are published and updated in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF), the official newspaper of Mexico's Constitutional Government. These standards cover a range of electrical products, with specific focus on safety specifications and consumer protection. One such standard is NOM-003-SCFI-2014, which safeguards consumers by ensuring electrical products sold in Mexico meet strict safety principles, protecting against electrical shocks, fires, and other hazards. This particular standard also promotes safe product use by providing guidelines for design and construction, reducing risks associated with foreseeable misuse.
Another important standard is NOM-001-SCFI-2018, which applies to electronic equipment and accessories that utilise the public electric power supply. This standard sets the parameters for single-phase and three-phase supply voltages and also accommodates alternative power sources such as batteries and solar panels. However, it is important to note that this standard does not cover power supply systems integral to certain equipment, like motor generators, or the wiring of electrical installations in buildings.
To ensure compliance with NOM standards, manufacturers must implement quality management systems. Products must undergo rigorous testing to earn the NOM mark, which indicates compliance with safety standards. The NOM certification is only granted to local Mexican companies, and Mexico does not recognise certifications from other countries. As a result, any business seeking to sell electrical products in Mexico must obtain NOM certification by undergoing the necessary testing and meeting the stringent safety requirements.
In addition to safety standards, Mexico also enforces mandatory energy efficiency certification as part of its compulsory product certification. Electrical appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, and microwave ovens must meet the Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and bear an energy efficiency certification nameplate in Spanish. This nameplate includes information about standby power consumption and a warning against removal before the product reaches the consumer.
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Safety requirements for buildings
In Mexico, the official safety standards are called Norma Oficial Mexicana (NOM). NOM standards are published and updated in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF), the official newspaper of the Constitutional Government of Mexico.
NOM-001-SEDE-2012 establishes the safety requirements and criteria that electrical installations in different types of buildings must comply with. These regulations are based on international standards and aim to protect people and property from electrical hazards.
To ensure safety in buildings, Mexico has implemented the following measures and requirements:
- Education and Awareness: It is crucial to raise awareness among professionals in the sector, building owners, and the general public about the importance of adhering to electrical safety regulations. Campaigns and training programs can foster a culture of electrical safety and ensure that individuals are informed about the latest regulations and best practices.
- Training and Certification: Professionals involved in the design, installation, and maintenance of electrical systems must possess adequate training and certification. This ensures that they are competent in performing their work safely and in compliance with the required standards.
- Supervision and Inspections: Competent authorities should strengthen supervision and inspections of electrical installations to ensure that safety requirements are met. Regular inspections can help identify potential hazards and ensure proper maintenance.
- Corporate Responsibility: Companies in the electricity sector must take responsibility for ensuring that their facilities meet current regulations. This includes investing in quality technologies and equipment, providing continuous training for their employees, and prioritizing safety at all stages of their operations.
- Public-Private Collaboration: Collaboration between public and private sectors is vital to address the issue of non-compliance with electrical safety regulations. Strategic alliances can facilitate the development of joint training programs, sharing of best practices, and effective implementation of regulations.
- Compliance with NOM Standards: All electrical products in Mexico must comply with NOM standards. This includes products manufactured, imported, commercialized, distributed, or leased in the country. NOM-003-SCFI-2014, for example, outlines safety requirements for electrical equipment, protecting consumers from electrical shock, fire hazards, and other dangers.
- Energy Efficiency Certification: This is a mandatory part of Mexico's compulsory product certification (NOM certification). Products must meet the Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and bear an energy efficiency certification nameplate in Spanish.
- Plug Specifications: Mexican plugs are the same as American plugs, with two types: Class I plugs have three connectors, while Class II plugs have two connectors. Both the plug and the device are tested together for safety.
- Voltage Requirements: The local voltage in Mexico is 127V, 60Hz. Electrical installations in buildings must adhere to this standard to ensure compatibility and safety.
While Mexico has comprehensive safety standards for electrical installations in buildings, non-compliance with these regulations is a concerning issue. The consequences of non-compliance can range from electrical accidents and fires to property damage and loss of life. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize education, awareness, and strict adherence to NOM standards to enhance electrical safety in Mexican buildings.
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Energy efficiency certification
The NOM standards are published and updated in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF), the official newspaper of the Constitutional Government of Mexico. These standards cover a range of electrical products, with specific safety requirements for each. For example, NOM-001-SCFI-2018 covers electronic devices, NOM-019-SCFI-1998 covers data processing equipment, and NOM-003-SCFI-2014 covers electrical products in general.
To meet the requirements for energy efficiency certification, products must comply with the Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and be tested and certified by a recognised Mexican testing and certification body. The energy efficiency certification nameplate must be in Spanish and must indicate the standby power consumption. The nameplate must also include a warning stating that it must not be removed from the product before it reaches the final consumer.
Different types of electrical appliances have different NOM standards for safety and efficiency. For example, air conditioners must meet IEC60335-2-40 for safety and NOM-023-ENER, NOM-011, and NOM-021-ENER/SCFI for efficiency. Refrigerators must meet IEC60335-2-24 for safety and NOM-015-ENER and NOM-022-ENER/SCFI for efficiency. Microwave ovens must meet IEC60335-2-25, IEC60335-2-9, and IEC60335-2-6 for safety, and NOM-32-ENER for efficiency.
In addition to the energy efficiency certification, NOM-003-SCFI-2014 outlines several essential requirements that electrical equipment must meet to protect consumers and prevent dangers. These include protection against electrical hazards, such as shocks and burns, and electromagnetic compatibility to ensure devices maintain functionality without emitting or being susceptible to electromagnetic disturbances.
To demonstrate compliance with NOM standards, manufacturers must implement quality management systems and ensure consistent compliance with safety standards. Products must also bear proper safety marking and labelling, including clear labels with safety information, manufacturer details, and technical specifications. Comprehensive user instructions must also be provided, outlining safe installation, operation, and maintenance procedures, as well as any necessary safety precautions.
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Safety compliance for electronic devices
Mexico has clear and detailed regulations governing electrical installations, which are based on international standards. These regulations are published and updated in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF), the official newspaper of the Constitutional Government of Mexico. The Mexican Official Standard NOM-001-SEDE-2012 establishes the safety requirements and criteria that electrical installations in different types of buildings must comply with.
However, there is a lack of compliance with the regulatory framework for electrical installations in Mexico, which puts people, property, and the proper functioning of electrical installations at risk. This non-compliance can lead to electrical accidents, fires, property damage, and even loss of life. To address this issue, joint actions are required from authorities, professionals in the electrical sector, and society.
One key aspect of ensuring safety compliance for electronic devices in Mexico is obtaining the mandatory NOM certification. NOM is the Mexican Official Standard, and it is a mandatory certification for products with potential high-risk factors, including household electrical appliances, lighting fixtures, and information technology equipment. The NOM certification ensures that products meet stringent safety standards and are tested to comply with official Mexican standards. All household appliances must bear the Mexican NOM safety mark before they can be sold in the country.
There are various NOM standards that apply to electrical products, including:
- NOM-001-SCFI-2018: Establishes the characteristics and safety requirements for electronic equipment manufactured, imported, commercialized, distributed, or leased in Mexico.
- NOM-019-SCFI-1998: Security of data processing equipment.
- NOM-003-SCFI-2014: Establishes safety requirements and test methods for electrical equipment, protecting consumers from electrical shock, fire hazards, and other potential dangers.
- NOM-024-SCFI-2013: Covers product information that must appear on the product or its packaging, as well as describing the required user guide and warranty requirements.
To ensure compliance with NOM standards, manufacturers must implement quality management systems and provide clear labeling and marking, user instructions, and safety information. Additionally, Mexico operates on a standard voltage of 127V with a frequency of 60Hz, and uses Type A and Type B power plugs, so electronic devices may require a voltage converter or transformer, as well as a plug adapter.
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Plug types and voltage
Mexico operates on a standard voltage of 127 V with a frequency of 60 Hz. However, the voltage may go up to 277 V a.c. at 60 Hz for single-phase supply voltages and up to 480 V a.c. for three-phase voltages. Check the voltage requirements of your electronics, as some devices may require a voltage converter or transformer if they need a different voltage than what is supplied in Mexico.
When it comes to plug types, Mexico primarily uses two types: Type A and Type B. Type A has two flat parallel pins, while Type B has an additional grounding pin. It is recommended to carry a universal travel adapter that supports both types to ensure compatibility with the electrical outlets in Mexico.
It is important to note that a plug adapter only changes the shape of the plug to fit the outlet and does not convert voltage. If your electronic devices require a different voltage than what is supplied in Mexico, you will need a voltage converter or transformer to protect your devices and avoid electrical hazards.
To ensure safety and compliance with Mexican standards, the government has implemented the NOM certification, which stands for the Official Mexican Standard. This certification is mandatory for electrical products sold in Mexico and targets items with potential and high-risk factors, such as household electrical appliances, lighting fixtures, and information technology equipment. The NOM certification ensures that products meet stringent safety standards, protecting consumers from electrical shocks, fires, and other potential dangers.
The specific NOM standard applicable to a product depends on its characteristics. For example, NOM-001-SCFI-2018 applies to electronic devices, NOM-019-SCFI-1998 covers data processing equipment security, and NOM-003-SCFI-2014 outlines safety specifications for electrical products. Other NOM standards address energy efficiency, product information, and user guide requirements. Compliance with these standards is crucial to ensure the safety of people and property in Mexico.
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Frequently asked questions
Mexico adheres to the NOM standard, which stands for the Official Mexican Standard.
The NOM standard establishes safety requirements and testing methods for electrical equipment.
Some examples of NOM standards include NOM-001-SCFI-2018 for electronic devices, NOM-019-SCFI-1998 for data processing equipment, and NOM-003-SCFI-2014 for electrical products.
Yes, products that do not require a power supply, such as batteries and autogeneration, are exempt from the NOM standard.
The standard voltage in Mexico is 127V with a frequency of 60Hz. Mexico primarily uses Type A and Type B power plugs.

























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