Guide to NOM-029-ENER-2017: Mexican Energy Efficiency Standard for External Power Supplies
NOM-029-ENER-2017 is an Official Mexican Standard that establishes requirements for external power supplies (EPS) sold in Mexico to ensure they meet energy efficiency standards and provide clear consumer information.
It is designed to reduce energy consumption by establishing minimum efficiency levels for these devices.
This article explains the scope and key compliance requirements for NOM-029-ENER-2017, allowing you to sell your products on the Mexican market with confidence.
For background information, see: What Is NOM Certification for Mexico?
Purpose of the Standard
NOM-029-ENER-2017 sets out to:
Ensure external power supplies are energy efficient.
Create maximum power consumption limits when no device is connected.
Define clear testing procedures for verification.
Specify what information must be marked on the product.
Scope
NOM-029-ENER-2017 focuses on external power supplies sold in Mexico, specifically those that convert alternating current (AC) voltage to a single level of direct current (DC).
The standard applies to both new and second-hand external power supplies sold in Mexico. It went into effect in 2018.
Products covered by this standard include:
AC to DC Power Supplies: Limited to a maximum output power of 250 watts or less. Examples include:
Laptop chargers
Phone chargers
Tablet chargers
Game console power supplies
Small electronics chargers (cameras, speakers, etc.)
Universal power adapters
The products listed are examples and not an exhaustive list. New electronic products from emerging technologies may be included in the future.
Variable Voltage Power Supplies: Included if they allow users to manually select different output voltage levels.
Exclusions
The following are not required to comply with NOM-029-ENER-2017:
AC Output Power Supplies: Power supplies designed to deliver an AC output voltage to the end user.
Power Supplies with Attached Batteries: External power supplies that have any type of battery or battery pack physically attached, including removable batteries, are exempt. (The term "physically separated" refers to the casings or enclosures of the products themselves and not to the way they are packaged for sale or distribution).
Battery Chargers with Status Indicators: Products specifically designed for charging batteries and featuring an integrated switch to select battery type (chemistry) and a light indicator or meter displaying the battery charge status.
Specialized Equipment Power Supplies: External power supplies intended for specific uses as part of equipment or devices not directly sold to the public are exempt. This applies to equipment typically installed and operated by businesses or institutions in collaboration with the supplying company.
Source: Sections 1 and 2 of NOM-029-ENER-2017
Key Requirements of NOM-029-ENER-2017
Here is a high-level summary of the standard’s key requirements:
Energy Efficiency Requirements
Minimum Efficiency Levels: EPS must meet minimum energy efficiency levels while operating (active mode). These levels are designated by Roman numerals (V or VI) based on an international testing protocol. Specifically, the standard requires EPS to achieve a minimum efficiency level of:
Level V for EPS with an output power greater than 50W but less than or equal to 250W.
Level VI for EPS with an output power of 50W or less.
Testing Procedures: The standard specifies test methods and sampling procedures for measuring an EPS's energy efficiency. Manufacturers or importers should work with accredited testing laboratories to ensure compliance. These testing procedures are outlined in detail within the NOM-029-ENER-2017 standard.
Maximum No-Load Power Consumption
Limits on Standby Power: The standard sets limits on the maximum amount of electricity an EPS can consume when not connected to a device (no-load mode). This helps reduce energy waste even when the EPS is plugged in but not actively powering a device. The specific limits are defined in the standard based on the EPS's output power rating. For example, EPS with an output power greater than 50W but less than or equal to 250W cannot consume more than 0.5W in no-load mode.
Marking and Labeling Requirements
Permanently Marked Information: All compliant EPS must be permanently marked on the body of the unit, or a data plate securely attached to the unit. This marking must be clear, legible, and indelible. The required information includes:
Manufacturer or distributor name, logo, or trademark.
Model or commercial identification of the EPS.
Nominal electrical data of input voltage and frequency (e.g., 120V, 60Hz).
Energy efficiency level achieved (Roman numeral V or VI).
Nominal electrical data of output voltage, power, and/or current (e.g., 19V, 3.42A).
Labeling for Retail Sale: For EPS sold directly to consumers (not as part of another product), a separate label must be displayed on the packaging or product itself. This label must be clear, legible, and readily visible to consumers. The required information on the label includes (in Spanish):
"ENERGY EFFICIENCY" prominently displayed in capital letters.
"Complies with NOM-029-ENER-2017" to indicate compliance with the standard.
Energy efficiency level achieved (Roman numeral V or VI).
Certificate of Conformity
Demonstration of Compliance: To demonstrate compliance with NOM-029-ENER-2017, manufacturers or importers need to obtain a certificate of conformity from an accredited product certification body like QIMA-NYCE.
Process: Obtaining a certificate usually involves:
Product testing by an accredited laboratory as per the standard testing procedures.
Factory inspections or production monitoring by the certifying body.
Submitting necessary technical documentation to the certifying body.
Ensure Compliance with QIMA-NYCE
Entering the Mexican market with external power supplies? QIMA-NYCE simplifies NOM-029-ENER-2017 compliance and certification. Leverage our expert guidance, extensive lab testing network, and streamlined process to get your EPS certified quickly and cost-effectively.
To learn more about how we can assist you with NOM 029 certification or to start the certification process, please learn more about our NOM certification services or contact us today to book.
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