Ballasted Flat Roof Documents & Resources

IronRidge systems have been fully listed to the UL 2703 standard by Intertek Group plc. UL 2703 is the standard for evaluating solar mounting systems. It ensures these devices will maintain strong electrical and mechanical connections over an extended period of time in extreme outdoor environments.

There are three types of approval that a racking manufacturer can achieve, with listed being the highest level:

1. Listed: A system is tested & evaluated to all of the requirements of a standard.
2. Classified: A system is tested & evaluated to only a portion of the standard.
3. Recognized: A component is tested & evaluated to only a portion of the standard.

IronRidge has passed electrical, mechanical, and fire testing in order to achieve its UL 2703 listing.

Alternative bonding jumpers are not included within the UL 2703 listing. Use of these products may cause concern with the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), and could lead to a failed inspection.

The UL 2703 certification process includes extensive testing of the IronRidge components with the module. These tests are identical to the tests performed in the module listing process (UL 1703). As a result, the UL 2703 listing covers both products, not just the mounting components.

The UL 2703 certification process included extensive environmental and corrosion testing. The high quality stainless steel used in the IronRidge UFO does not cause significant galvanic corrosion, even in extreme environments.

New language in the 2012 IBC states that a roof mounted photovoltaic system must have the same fire classification as the roofing material the system is installed upon.

2012 IBC: 1509.7.2 Fire classification. Rooftop mounted photovoltaic systems shall have the same fire classification as the roof assembly required by Section 1505.

The system specified in the code includes the roof covering material, PV mounting system and PV modules. Together all three are tested to determine the system fire rating.

Fire Classification refers to a fire-resistance rating system for roof covering materials based on their ability to withstand fire exposure.

• Class A - effective against severe fire exposure
• Class B - effective against moderate fire exposure
• Class C - effective against light fire exposure

the general requirement for roofing systems in the ibc refers to a class c fire rating. class a or b is required for areas such as wildland urban interface areas (wui) and for very high fire severity areas. many of these areas are found throughout the western united states. california has the most class a and b roof fire rating requirements, due to wild fire concerns.

All fire rated roofing materials are covered within this certification including composition shingle, clay and cement tile, metal, and membrane roofs. The testing is conducted on a basic roof design that represents all listed fire rated roof constructions.

The IronRidge Class A rating will not diminish the fire rating of the roof, whether Class A, B or C.

The new UL1703 standard with the updated fire test introduces the concept of a PV module Type that is based on 4 construction parameters and 2 fire performance parameters. The purpose of this classification is to certify a mounting system without having to test it with every module.

Attachments and their respective flashings are not constituents of the rating at this time. All code-compliant flashing methods are acceptable from a fire rating standpoint.

Clamps are considered part of the PV "system", and are covered in the certification.

No, IronRidge achieved a Class A fire rating without any additional racking components.

UL fire testing was performed with a gap of 5", which is considered worst case in the standard. Therefore, the rating is applicable to any module to roof gap.

IronRidge is currently Class A certified for Flush Mount applications parallel to roof with Type 1 and 2 modules. Tilt Mount systems are certified with Type 1 modules.

Generally, older roofs will typically be "grandfathered in", and will not require re-roofing. However, if 50% or more of the roofing material is replaced for the solar installation the code requirement will be instated.

Every jurisdiction enforces their own requirements related to fire setbacks for rooftop solar, and these requirements are not related to the fire rating of the system.