Forums > Specific Focus > Home, Garden & Construction in Mexico

viejomalogato

Aug 19, 2004, 7:20 AM

Post #1 of 8 (4439 views)

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Electric issue

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Having just purchased a house in Chapala and knowing that the electric system needs to be upgraded, I was wondering if there were any books (in english and with lots of pictures) on the electric systems for houses in Mexico. If this causes too much laughter, at least be directional, please.

Rolly / Moderator

Aug 19, 2004, 8:44 AM

Post #2 of 8 (4428 views)

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Re: [oldbadcat] Electric issue

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You might want to start here with this book: http://www.sunset.com/...es/CompleteWire.html
There is no import duty on books.

This book teaches wiring techniques commonly used in the USA, but that will also serve you well in Mexico. The biggest differences between the USA and Mexican common practices are (1) the grounding pin is often not used in Mexico, and (2) the typical receptacles and switches are different in Mexico although US-types are available. Take a look here: http://rollybrook.com/08-10.htm

Your question implies that you are not experienced in electrical work. In that case, I urge you to consider not doing the work yourself. Hire a local electrical guy to do it while you watch and 'supervise.' Labor costs are small in Mexico -- probably smaller than the cleanup of your mistakes.

Best wishes in your project.

Rolly Pirate

E-visit me http://Rollybrook.com
On Facebook as Rolly Brook

NEOhio

Aug 19, 2004, 9:07 AM

Post #3 of 8 (4423 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Electric issue

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Rolly is right, if you haven't experience with electrical don't play with it at all. Even though my husband and I have remodeled many houses and he is skillled at the "trades" he doesn't do any electrical other than adding an outlet or switch here and there...and paying an electrican NoB is very expensive, but too much can and will go wrong. ask your neighbors for a referral.

alex .

Aug 20, 2004, 6:40 AM

Post #4 of 8 (4392 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Gov't buildings

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I think that the gov't, when building our Infonavit project, must have used the left over hose from the previous post as conduit.
Alex

Esteban

Aug 20, 2004, 9:43 AM

Post #5 of 8 (4377 views)

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Re: [oldbadcat] Electric issue

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I think what you are asking is probably not worth seeking in a book. You'd be better off talking with a professional who knows how to work with US style wiring mainly with grounding techniques and more circuits than what you find in typical Mexican construction. Those two factors, SOB, are the most significant issues in construction in terms of electricity. To add one other issue, infrastructure, in general, is MOST OFTEN overlooked. People tend to look at the aestetics more than what keeps your life comfortable, healthy and easy.

jreboll

Aug 22, 2004, 12:08 AM

Post #6 of 8 (4351 views)

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Re: [NEOhio] Electric issue

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You are right in recommending a local electrician. One thing I learned right away is that unlike the U.S where juice goes to your switch first and then to the light fixture, in Mexico the juice first goes to your fixture and then to your switch. This means that even if you switch off your fixture there is still a live wire up there that you have to watch out for.

Rolly / Moderator

Aug 22, 2004, 8:13 AM

Post #7 of 8 (4340 views)

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Re: [jreboll] Electric issue

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Placing the switch in the ‘cold’ leg is not always the case. In fact it is considered bad practice down here just as it is NoB. What it does indicate is that without code enforcement and licensing, there are many sloppy practices and inadequately trained workers in Mexico.

There is a big difference between a true electrician and a general maestro who claims to know about electricity. During my building projects, we had maestros who claimed expertise in electrical and plumbing – but didn’t pass muster with me. Your best bet for finding a knowledgeable electrician is to find a CFE employee who moonlights – most of them seem to. Plumbers also – the best ones are likely to be water department workers who moonlight.

Rolly Pirate

E-visit me http://Rollybrook.com
On Facebook as Rolly Brook

Judy in Ags

Sep 1, 2004, 6:43 PM

Post #8 of 8 (4271 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Electric issue

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I agree with Rolly also. We have a wonderful electrician/plumber. He worked 8 years in the States and has worked for his "patron" all the rest of the time since he was a teenager. My husband had lots of ideas on the water system, but didn't really know how to make it all come about. Jose always came up with a solution. We have a great water system with lots of alternatives. Of course that can't be separated from the electrical when it comes to pumps, pressure systems, etc. Jose has done a great job on all and of course his rates are very reasonable.