[RE-wrenches] mounting hardware and U.L.

[Dave Click]

http://solarabcs.org/about/publications/reports/module-grounding/index.html 
(see the Issues & Recommendations report)

Phil is right that UL 2703 isn't finalized yet so it's not actually a 
requirement. However, I imagine that module installation manuals and UL 
1703 will both refer to 2703 soon, so it's not something that you'll be 
able to ignore forever either. Since 2703 still isn't approved (see:
http://www.ul.com/global/eng/pages/solutions/standards/accessstandards/catalogofstandards/standard/?id=2703_1 
), I don't see how Unirac can claim that they have an ETL mark for 2703.

Ray is right that "an AHJ can't reasonably require equipment that 
doesn't exist." Just as NEC 2011 690.11 doesn't require you to use 
string inverters with arc fault protection, since no such unit is 
available (well, at least until SMA just started offering this for their 
standard low-freq Sunny Boys)-- no inspector should require anything 
listed to UL 2703 yet.

A relevant section is 90.4 (this section is copied from 2008).
**
The authority having jurisdiction for enforcement of the Code has the 
responsibility for making interpretations of the rules, for deciding on 
the approval of equipment and materials, and for granting the special 
permission contemplated in a number of the rules.

By special permission, the authority having jurisdiction may waive 
specific requirements in this Code or permit alternative methods where 
it is assured that equivalent objectives can be achieved by establishing 
and maintaining effective safety.

This Code may require new products, constructions, or materials that may 
not yet be available at the time the Code is adopted. In such event, the 
authority having jurisdiction may permit the use of the products, 
constructions, or materials that comply with the most recent previous 
edition of this Code adopted by the jurisdiction.
**


On 2012/7/20 0:52, Marco Mangelsdorf wrote:
> Thanks, Phil.
>
> I just went to that website and do not know exactly what report you're
> referring to.
>
> Could you please provide the link?
>
> marco
>
>
> I don't think it's formally ratified, certified and adopted, but
> UL2703 is the new proposed "Standard for Mounting Systems, Mounting
> Devices, Clamping/Retention Devices, and Ground Lugs for Use with
> Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels."  Also check out
> SolarABCs.org for an update, there is a new report on this topic.
>
> Phil
>
> On Thu, Jul 19, 2012 at 4:12 PM, Jay Peltz <jay at asis.com> wrote:
>> Is unistrut UL?
>>
>> Kay
>>
>> Peltz power
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>> On Jul 19, 2012, at 6:36 PM, "Marco Mangelsdorf" <marco at pvthawaii.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>> Does anyone know whether there are U.L. standards when it comes to PV
>> mounting hardware?
>>
>>
>>
>> That is, are there any mounting hardware manufacturers (UniRac,
> Professional
>> Solar Products, DPW, Schletter) who have achieved U.L. listing/approval
> for
>> their stuff?
>>
>>
>>
>> After using PSP for the past 12 years here on the Big Island of Hawaii,
> now,
>> all of a sudden the new building division head is taking an interest as to
>> whether PSP hardware is U.L. something or other.
>>
>>
>>
>> So very frustrating....
>>
>>
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> marco
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>>
>> List sponsored by Home Power magazine
>>
>> List Address: RE-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org
>>
>> Options & settings:
>> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>>
>> List-Archive:
>> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>>
>> List rules & etiquette:
>> www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
>>
>> Check out participant bios:
>> www.members.re-wrenches.org
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> List sponsored by Home Power magazine
>>
>> List Address: RE-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org
>>
>> Options & settings:
>> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>>
>> List-Archive:
>> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>>
>> List rules & etiquette:
>> www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
>>
>> Check out participant bios:
>> www.members.re-wrenches.org
>>
>>
> _______________________________________________
> List sponsored by Home Power magazine
>
> List Address: RE-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org
>
> Options & settings:
> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>
> List-Archive:
> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>
> List rules & etiquette:
> www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
>
> Check out participant bios:
> www.members.re-wrenches.org
>
> _______________________________________________
> List sponsored by Home Power magazine
>
> List Address: RE-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org
>
> Options & settings:
> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>
> List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>
> List rules & etiquette:
> www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
>
> Check out participant bios:
> www.members.re-wrenches.org
>
>