UL 2703 2021-03 PDF

Full title and description

St UL 2703 2021-03 — UL 2703: Standard for Mounting Systems, Mounting Devices, Clamping/Retention Devices, and Ground Lugs for Use with Flat‑Plate Photovoltaic Modules and Panels. This entry reflects Edition 1 with the redline/revision published March 24, 2021 and contains requirements for mechanical mounting systems, clamping and retention devices, grounding/bonding components and suitability of materials for PV modules and panels.

Abstract

UL 2703 establishes safety, mechanical strength, bonding/grounding and fire-related criteria for racking, mounting and clamping systems used with flat‑plate photovoltaic modules and panels. The standard specifies test methods and performance requirements (including load, corrosion, electrical bonding and retention) to verify that mounting systems provide durable, electrically safe support and grounding for PV modules installed on rooftops or as freestanding arrays. It also provides the basis for determining a rooftop PV system’s fire classification when evaluated with a specific module.

General information

• Status: Active — Edition 1 with subsequent redline revisions (current for use with listed products; check UL for later updates).
• Publication date: Redline/revision dated March 24, 2021 (original Edition 1 published January 28, 2015).
• Publisher: Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
• ICS / categories: 13.260 (Protection against electric shock), additionally relevant to solar energy / PV racking (27.160) and building/electrical code compliance.
• Edition / version: Edition 1; redline revision labelled UL 2703:2021 (March 24, 2021).
• Number of pages: 66 pages (redline/revision document length).

Information above based on edition and redline metadata published for UL 2703.

Scope

Applies to rack mounting systems, mounting/bonding devices, clamping and retention devices, and ground lugs intended for use with specific flat‑plate PV modules and panels (modules complying with UL 1703 or UL 61730 series). Covers mechanical strength, retention under design loads, grounding/bonding continuity and material suitability for rooftop and freestanding installations; covers systems intended for PV arrays with maximum system voltages up to 1500 V per the redline. Excludes inverters, batteries, many electrical balance‑of‑system devices, and (except where referenced) solar tracker mechanisms (UL 3703 governs trackers). Users should apply applicable building codes (IBC/ASCE 7) and the NEC when using the standard.

Key topics and requirements

• Mechanical load and structural tests for rails, clamps, splices and connections (wind, uplift, snow, dead loads).
• Requirements for clamping/retention devices to prevent module movement and damage under design loads.
• Bonding and grounding continuity tests and criteria (ground lugs, bonding paths, electrical continuity under mechanical load).
• Corrosion and material suitability requirements for service life and roof compatibility (material selection, fasteners, coatings).
• Fire classification considerations when a specific module and racking combination are evaluated together for rooftop applications.
• Limits on intended use and exclusion clauses (e.g., trackers, concentrators, electrical equipment not part of mounting system).

Typical use and users

Used by PV racking and mounting manufacturers for product design and third‑party certification; by test laboratories and certification bodies performing UL evaluations; by solar system designers, structural engineers, installers and authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) to verify code compliance and appropriate listing for rooftop/freestanding PV installations; and by procurement and quality teams specifying certified mounting systems for projects.

Related standards

Commonly referenced alongside: UL 1703 (flat‑plate PV modules, legacy), UL 61730‑1 and UL 61730‑2 (PV module safety qualification), UL 1741 (inverters and interconnection equipment), UL 3703 (solar trackers), NEC / ANSI/NFPA 70, IBC and ASCE 7 (structural load requirements and building code integration).

Keywords

UL 2703, mounting systems, PV racking, clamps, retention devices, ground lugs, grounding, bonding, photovoltaic mounting, fire classification, corrosion resistance, mechanical load testing, PV module mounting.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: UL 2703 is the Underwriters Laboratories standard that sets safety, mechanical and grounding/bonding requirements for mounting systems, clamping/retention devices and ground lugs used with flat‑plate photovoltaic modules and panels.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers mechanical strength and retention performance, bonding and grounding continuity, material suitability and related test methods for PV racking and mounting components used on roofs or as freestanding arrays (with exclusions such as inverters and certain tracker functions). The redline revision published March 24, 2021 updates and clarifies requirements and test limits.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Racking and mounting manufacturers, test labs/UL field engineers, installers, structural and electrical engineers, AHJs and project specifiers who need certified mounting solutions for PV systems.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The Edition 1 document with the March 24, 2021 redline is an active published revision of UL 2703; UL maintains redlines and further revisions, so users should confirm whether more recent redlines or amendments exist before final design or procurement.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the family of photovoltaic safety and equipment standards and is frequently used together with UL 1703 or the UL 61730 series for modules, UL 1741 for inverters, and UL 3703 for trackers when applicable.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Mounting systems, racking, clamps, ground lugs, grounding, bonding, PV module mounting, retention devices, corrosion resistance, fire classification, UL 2703.