UL 2703 Information Bulletin

This bulletin is provided as an informational and educational tool to help answer frequently asked questions relating to UL 2703, the Safety Standard for Mounting Systems, Mounting Devices, Clamping/Retention Devices, and Ground Lugs for Use with Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels.

UL 2703 is the Safety Standard for Mounting Systems, Mounting Devices, Clamping/Retention Devices, and Ground Lugs for Use with Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels. It covers rack mounting systems and clamping devices for flat-plate PV modules and panels that comply with UL 1703, the Standard for Flat-Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels, intended for installation on or integral with buildings, or to be freestanding (i.e.,
not attached to buildings), in accordance with the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70 and Model Building Codes.

This bulletin provides answers to the following questions about UL 2703:

1. What is UL 2703?
2. What is the purpose and scope of UL 2703?
3. What are the related code requirements as applicable to products listed to UL 2703?
4. What is a rack mounted PV system? What are the typical components of the racking system? (e.g. clamping device, rail, L-foot, etc.)
5. What parts of the racking system do not need to be bonded/grounded?
6. What are the benefits to solar installers and AHJs of using a UL 2703-listed rack mounting system?
7. What are the attributes covered by UL 2703?
8. How do you know what attributes have been evaluated for a specific racking and mounting system?
9. Are all rack mounting systems required to be evaluated to all attributes?
10. What is the difference between listed, classified, certified, and recognized rack mounting components and systems?
11. Where do I find certification information on a particular racking and mounting system?
12. How can AHJs and installers verify what PV modules have been evaluated with a specific UL 2703-listed mounting system? How can the various parts that constitute the system be verified?
13. What are the key factors an AHJ should look for to ensure a code-compliant installation?
14. What is Fire Classification and how is it achieved?
15. What is the content of installation instructions and what is its importance?
16. What are the markings, where are they located, and what do they mean?
17. What resources are available to educate solar installers, manufacturers and AHJs on UL 2703?