Introduction to LAPEM and its Role in Mexico’s Electric Sector
The Laboratorio de Pruebas de Equipos y Materiales (LAPEM) is a crucial unit under the Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) in Mexico. It plays a vital role in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical energy through essential services and specialized engineering. Under the leadership of CFE’s General Director, María Emilia Calleja Alor, LAPEM ensures the proper operation and quality control of materials and equipment procured by CFE.
LAPEM’s Contributions to Efficiency, Quality, and Sustainability
LAPEM’s certifications are highly regarded within the Mexican and Central American electric industries, particularly for those interested in public tenders related to the National Electric System’s infrastructure. The lab holds accreditations from the Mexican Accreditation Entity (EMA) and employs certified personnel at both national and international levels.
In 2025, LAPEM has tested 25,405 items, including mats, poles, gloves, line and pole coverings, among others. Additionally, 3,181 hydraulic equipment units and 698 new ones have been evaluated during the same period.
LAPEM’s efforts have resulted in significant savings for CFE, totaling 949 million pesos by October. These savings are attributed to preventive testing and certifications, reducing the purchase of faulty equipment; preventive diagnostics minimizing unplanned downtime and corrective maintenance costs; and quality control in factories and the field, ensuring regulatory compliance before installation.
Moreover, LAPEM has prevented the emission of 105,980 metric tons of CO₂ through increased energy efficiency and optimized combustion. This results in less energy consumption and reduced pollution.
LAPEM’s Comprehensive Service Offerings
- Testing and evaluation of electrical materials and equipment, such as transformers, switches, fuses, meters, cables, protective devices, and more.
- High, medium, and low voltage tests.
- Short-circuit current thermal and dynamic stress tests.
- Metrology with accredited calibration laboratories for electrical measurement devices and other instruments.
- Technical consultation and advisory services.
- Quality management and audits of management systems.
- Code of Grid, Net Capacity, Efficiency, and Thermal Regimen tests.
- Metallurgical and microstructural material, polymer, and ceramic tests.
LAPEM’s Evolution and Future Directions
Established on January 4, 1952, by engineer Salvador Cisneros Chávez, LAPEM initially focused on technical support for electricity generation, transmission, and distribution. Its primary responsibility until 1972 was selecting, commissioning, and maintaining electromechanical protection equipment for all electricity production centers nationwide.
As the electric sector expanded, LAPEM moved to Irapuato, Guanajuato, in 1981 to meet growing industry demands. Since then, the lab has modernized and expanded its resources and facilities, creating essential areas like High Voltage and High Power Laboratories.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is LAPEM? The Laboratorio de Pruebas de Equipos y Materiales (LAPEM) is a specialized unit under the Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) in Mexico, responsible for essential services and specialized engineering to ensure the correct operation and quality control of materials and equipment procured by CFE.
- Why is LAPEM important for Mexico’s electric industry? LAPEM’s certifications are highly regarded within the Mexican and Central American electric industries. Its preventive testing, diagnostics, and quality control efforts have resulted in significant savings for CFE and reduced environmental impact.
- What services does LAPEM offer? LAPEM offers a wide range of services, including testing and evaluation of electrical materials and equipment, metrology with accredited calibration laboratories, technical consultation, quality management, and specialized tests like metallurgical and microstructural material assessments.
- When was LAPEM established, and where is it located? LAPEM was founded on January 4, 1952, by engineer Salvador Cisneros Chávez. It initially focused on technical support for electricity generation, transmission, and distribution. LAPEM moved to Irapuato, Guanajuato, in 1981 to accommodate the growing electric sector demands.
