Guide to Norma Oficial Mexicana (NOM) 019-SCFI-1998: Ensuring the Safety of Data Processing Equipment

Norma Mexicana 019, also known as NOM-019-SCFI-1998, is an Official Mexican Standard that defines safety measures for data processing equipment such as computer mice or printers. This standard ensures data processing products are safe from electrical and mechanical hazards, thus safeguarding consumer well-being. 

This article explains the scope and key compliance requirements for NOM-019-SCFI-1998, allowing you to sell your products on the Mexican market with confidence.

Para obter informações básicas, consulte: O que é a certificação NOM para o México?

Escopo

NOM-019-SCFI-1998 applies to data processing equipment and peripherals. It covers:

Electronic Data Processing Machines:

• Portable devices such as laptops, notebooks, and palmtops

• Microcomputers

• Personal systems

• Personal computers

• Network terminals (Pc-net)

• Servidores

• Devices that primarily operate with single processors and utilize technologies such as BUS-AT (ISA), EISA, MCA, NUBUS, BIOS, PCI, or PCMCIA as their main interface for expanding functionalities, including any current, future, or derivative versions of these technologies.

Associated Peripherals:

• Impressoras

• Plotters

• External disk drives

• External tape drives

• Digitizing tablets

• Image scanners

• Optical readers

• Monitores

• Terminals

• Computer Mice

Communication Equipment:

• Devices used for electronic communication between data processing equipment and peripherals or local area networks (LAN), such as hubs, protocol converters, or routers designed for handling a single technology with a data bus not exceeding 100 MB/s and that are neither modular nor programmable.

Source: Section 1 "Objetivo y campo de aplicación" (Objective and Scope of Application)

The products listed are examples and not an exhaustive list. This standard entered into force in 1999 and continues to apply to both new and existing equipment marketed in Mexico.

Exempt Products

Products exempt from the NOM-019-SCFI-1998 include highly specialized equipment designed for professional or industrial use that are managed directly by businesses or institutions.  These products are not covered by the standard due to their complex operational requirements and specialized applications, which are not typically accessible or marketed to the general public.

This exemption applies to advanced computing systems like workstations, scalable servers, supercomputers, and mainframes that require specific expertise to operate and maintain. Also excluded are associated peripherals such as high-capacity printers and large-format scanners, as well as specialized communication devices capable of handling high data bus speeds, modular configurations, and programmable functions.

Other exclusions include:

• Devices like sensors, alarms, and other gear for identifying and alerting about potential hazards leading to harm or injury.

• Fire suppression systems.

• Standalone power supply equipment installed separately within a unit or network, such as motor generators, transformers, and cabling for alternative circuitry.

• Electronic equipment for playing and recording audio frequency, such as dictating machines, recorders, and record players, that are not integrated into larger systems.

• Data processing machinery intended for operation at altitudes exceeding 3000 meters above sea level.

Key Requirements of NOM-019

NOM-019-SCFI-1998 outlines several essential requirements that data processing equipment must meet in order to comply. Here is an overview

Safety Testing and Certification

• Products must undergo prescribed safety testing methodologies

• Testing must evaluate electrical insulation, fire resistance, temperature limits, mechanical hazards, and more.

• Tests must be conducted under specified voltage, frequency, and environmental conditions

• Products must be certified by an approved third-party testing laboratory like QIMA-NYCE.

Specific Safety Standards

Note: The following are examples of safety standards covered in NOM-019, but this is not an exhaustive list. 

• Construction Requirements

• Internal wiring must be properly secured with protected insulation.

• Safety circuits are designed to mitigate fire risks, electric shock, and high-energy hazards.

• Insulating materials provide protection against shock and energy transfer.

• Enclosures and covers require adequate mechanical strength.

• Covers and openings are designed to prevent the entry of foreign objects.

• Physical stability is ensured to prevent tipping over.

• Limits on ionizing radiation emissions above certain voltage levels are covered.

• Temperature, humidity, dielectric, and mechanical stress testing requirements are included

• Power Connections and Wiring

  • Requirements for permanent wiring connections to branch circuits are specified.

  • Specifications are provided for detachable power cords and plugs.

  • Proper strain relief, bushings, and securing of cables are outlined.

  • Guidelines for internal wiring, splices, and interconnections are provided.

  • Separation of primary and secondary circuit wiring is covered.

• Compatibilidade eletromagnética

• Maximum permissible limits are defined for electromagnetic emissions.

• Emissions testing must ensure the product will not interfere with other electronics.

• Both conducted and radiated emission limits are specified.

Product Marking

• Compliant products must bear a certification mark demonstrating NOM-019 conformance.

• Labeling must indicate manufacturer, model, electrical ratings, and safety warnings.

• User instructions/manuals must be provided in Spanish.

By meeting the detailed safety, electromagnetic compatibility, and product marking criteria outlined in NOM-019-SCFI-1998, you can legally market your products for sale in Mexico.

Garantir a conformidade com o QIMA-NYCE

QIMA-NYCE is your trusted partner in third-party conformity assessment for Mexico. With NYCE's extensive experience and authority in Mexico, we are uniquely positioned to certify your products' compliance with Norma Mexicana 019 and other relevant NOMs. 

We guide you through laboratory testing, document review, and the issuance of NOM certification marks once compliance is confirmed, helping you sell your products legally in Mexico.

Para saber mais sobre como podemos ajudá-lo com a certificação NOM 019 ou para iniciar o processo de certificação, saiba mais sobre nossa certificação NOM ou entre em entre em contato conosco hoje para agendar.