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Electrical codes and voltages- Mexico City and Sao Paulo

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rbulsara

Electrical
Aug 19, 2003
4,242
I am wondering if anyone having experience in Mexico City and Brazil (or a local member) can help with the following:
The source of these questions comes from the fact that one of our clients (American) has to rely on local electricians to wire portable appliances (inflatbales, lights etc.) as part of the expos in those places and they are having have horrific experience of improper or lack of groundings and currents through undesired metal structures. We can easily come up with guidelines to do the right things, the question is how easy or not easy it will be to implement them.

1. The typical user voltage levels (equivalent of 120/208V in the USA or 400/230V in Europe) in Mexico City, Mexico?
2. Same as above but in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
3. The key question is "Are systems at those levels required by Code to be solidly grounded?" I can't imagine why not.
4. What electrical codes are generally followed in those locals? Web search is not revealing much.
5. What is the level of professionalism in electrical contracting there? How difficult is to get a good electrician or contractor in those cities? Or even a good local consulting engineer?
Thank you
 
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I've done a little work in Brazil. Voltages vary, but commonly 380/220, 220/127 and 220/110. You'll see mostly 127 at wall outlets in Sao Paulo. Systems are solidly grounded for the most part. Low voltage installations are governed by NBR 5410. We relied heavily on a local engineering firm (MHA?) for specific requirements.

Construction quality varies greatly. In Sao Paulo you can probably find contractors that provide work comparable in quality to the U.S., but engage local knowledge to find them.
 
Hopefully this will still help you.

In Mexico city the operation voltages are 220/127V and the code that you should look for is the NOM-001-SEDE2005 from the Minstry of Energy... it is in Spanish though
 
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