NOM-031-ENER-2019 is an Official Mexican Standard that establishes energy efficiency specifications, test methods, and labeling requirements for light-emitting diode (LED) luminaires used for general lighting in residential, commercial, public, and outdoor settings in Mexico. The standard promotes energy conservation, ensures product performance, and provides consumers with clear efficiency information to encourage the adoption of sustainable lighting solutions.
Table of Contents
NOM-031-ENER-2019 Scope and Applicability
NOM-031-ENER-2019 applies to LED luminaires (fixed or portable lighting fixtures with integrated LED modules) intended for general illumination, including:
- Indoor luminaires (e.g., ceiling lights, recessed downlights, desk lamps).
- Outdoor luminaires (e.g., streetlights, floodlights, garden lights).
- Luminaires operating on Mexico’s electrical grid (e.g., 127 V or 220 V AC, 60 Hz) or other power sources (e.g., batteries, solar).
Exclusions
- LED lamps covered by NOM-030-ENER-2016 (e.g., replaceable LED bulbs).
- Luminaires for specialized applications (e.g., automotive, medical, signaling,or theatrical lighting).
- Emergency lighting or exit signs.
- Luminaires with non-LED light sources.
The standard covers new luminaires sold, manufactured, or imported in Mexico, focusing on energy efficiency, durability, and user safety.
Key Requirements
1. Energy Efficiency Specifications
- Minimum Luminous Efficacy: Luminaires must achieve a minimum light output per watt (lumens/W), typically ≥85 lm/W for indoor and ≥100 lm/W for outdoor units, ensuring efficient energy use.
- Power Factor: Requires a minimum power factor (e.g., ≥0.9 for luminaires >5 W) to minimize grid inefficiencies.
- Standby Power: Limits consumption in standby mode (e.g., ≤0.5 W) for luminaires with control features (e.g., dimmers, sensors).
2. Performance Requirements
- Color Rendering Index (CRI): Must be ≥80 (or ≥70 for outdoor high-power units) to ensure quality light output.
- Correlated Color Temperature (CCT): Must be within standard ranges (e.g., 2700K–6500K) for consistent lighting.
- Lumen Maintenance: Luminaires must retain ≥70% of initial lumens after a specified period (e.g., 15,000 hours), ensuring longevity.
- Harmonic Distortion: Total harmonic distortion (THD) must be ≤ 20% to reduce electrical interference.
3. Comprehensive Testing Methodologies
- Based on Mexican standards (e.g., NMX-J series) and aligned with international protocols like IES LM-79 (photometric measurements), LM-80 (lumen maintenance), and IEC 62722-2-1.
- Tests measure:
- Luminous flux, efficacy, and power consumption.
- CRI, CCT, and power factor.
- Endurance under thermal and electrical stress.
- Switching cycle durability (e.g., 15,000 cycles).
- Conducted at standardized conditions (e.g., 25°C, 127 V AC, 60 Hz).
4. Mandatory Labeling Of NOM-031-ENER-2019
Consumer transparency is vital; this section describes how information is presented to ensure buyers and contractors make informed, data-driven decisions.
- Detailed Technical Data: The label must clearly state the luminous flux (lumens), the power consumption (watts), and the efficacy (lm/W) in a visible format.
- Spanish Language Requirement: All information, including warnings, installation instructions, and technical specifications, must be written in Spanish.
- Manufacturer Traceability: The label must include the name of the manufacturer or importer, the country of origin, and the specific model identification.
- Compliance Seal: The official NOM mark must be present, signaling to the inspector or buyer that the product has passed all certification hurdles.
- Safety Disclosures: Specific installation limits, such as mounting height or orientation for outdoor units, must be clearly indicated to ensure safe operation.
5. How To Demonstrate Compliance Of NOM-031-ENER-2019
The administrative path to legality ensures that only certified, high-quality products enter the Mexican market, protecting consumers from inefficient and potentially dangerous hardware.
- Manufacturers or importers must obtain a Certificate of Conformity from accredited certification bodies through testing by approved laboratories.
Purpose and Enforcement
NOM-031-ENER-2019 supports Mexico’s energy efficiency goals by promoting LED luminaires as replacements for less efficient lighting (e.g., fluorescent, HID). It ensures high-quality lighting with minimal environmental impact, aligning with the Ley de Transición Energética.
Enforcement involves
- Comisión Nacional para el Uso Eficiente de la Energía (CONUEE).
- PROFECO (Federal Consumer Protection Agency) for market checks.
- Customs authorities for import verification.
Non-compliance—such as failing efficacy tests or improper labeling—can result in fines, product seizures, or sales bans.
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