What UL 2703 revisions are on the table? We ask SEIA’s PV Mounting Committee:

EcoFasten’s GreenFasten pictured

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) formed its PV Mounting System Manufacturers Committee (MSMC) in March 2016 with the goal of achieving better standardization and unification in the industry around this crucial topic. Since its development, the group has grown to 28 members consisting mainly of experts in U.S.-based mounting and racking product components and systems.

For our Annual Mounting Guide, we checked in on the progress the committee has made within the last year. Committee chair Dustin Haddock, VP of research and development for S-5!, relays that task groups have formed to address market issues such as AHJ engagement, industry education among installers, marketing and communications and standards development.

Specifically when it comes to UL 2703 revisions, Evelyn Butler, senior director of codes and standards, relays the following highlights from the group’s most recent Codes and Standards Symposium:

• Corrosion-related revision regarding hot dip galvanizing process allowed for driven piles
  Marking clarification of how parts, sub-assembly and/or packaging are appropriately labeled (parts, components, products and/or installation instruction)
• Installation instructions proposals include clarifying scope of what was evaluated for certification, better defined diagrams, parts description and information, what is or isn’t fire-rated
• Mechanical requirements clarification including improved explanation of clamp load calculation, stress ranges for threaded rod, safety factor for set screws, etc.
• Mounting equipment-related system fire testing requirements moving to UL 2703 from the UL PV module standard

The group’s main activities for 2017 include 1) continued focus on improving collaboration with AHJs in key markets, 2) Submitting major standards proposals to UL 2703 and working with other standards bodies on improving current requirements and 3) creating more opportunities for industry education with installers and AHJs.

Clamps of Approval: Here’s what to look for when selecting PV clamps

— Solar Builder magazine

[source: http://solarbuildermag.com/news/what-ul-2703-revisions-are-on-the-table-we-ask-seias-pv-mounting-committee/]