Usage Of Smart Switches in Mexican Lighting

Bob, some of the newer technologies need to have the neutral and ground isolated at the device to operate correctly as this is an important part of "ground fault" protection. Most 2 wire appliances (such as an electric drill with only two wires) are internally isolated with no exposed metallic parts that can be touched by the operator. This way, if the live and neutral happened to be reversed, there is no shock hazard.

Common misconception is that Mexico's electrical standards and code are lax but that is not the case. The regulations are very similar to the US and Canadian electrical codes and anything that you plug into a wall outlet need to have standards certifications(TUV, UL, CSA, etc.). Where Mexico is currently failing is in the area of licensing, inspection and enforcement of its own rules - especially at the low end commercial and residential construction.