User manual CONTAX SUNFRAME INSTALLATION 802

[. . . ] patent pending. Code-Compliant Planning and Assembly with California Building Code Certification* Installation Manual 802 *For Uniform Building Code certification for SunFrame, see Installation Manual 801. 1. October 2003 Pub 031016-2ii ©2003 by UniRac, Inc. 12 Installation Manual 802 SunFrameTM Code-Compliant Planning and Assembly Page 2 Installation Manual 802 SunFrameTM Code-Compliant Planning and Assembly Scope, certification, and installer responsibility Please review this manual thoroughly before installing your SunFrame. This bulletin provides (1) supporting documentation for building permit applications relating to UniRac's SunFrameTM PV module framing and mounting system, and (2) planning and assembly instructions for SunFrame. SunFrame products, when installed in accordance with this bulletin, will be structurally adequate and will meet the Uniform Building Code, 1997, hereafter UBC 1997; and the 2001 California Building Code. [. . . ] Sample layout, illustrated in Figure 4 Assumptions: 12 modules (60 x 36), arranged in 3 rows of 4 modules Array width = 144 (36 module width x 4 modules per row) = 144 Array length = 180 (60 module length x 3 rows) + 3 (1-1/2 end rail width x 2 rails) + 1-1/2 (3/4 between-module rail width x 2 rails) = 184-1/2 Array length Roof peak 3/4 space between module rows 3/4 Module length (see caption) Rails Module width 1-1/2 Array width (module width times modules per row) Figure 4. Note: Module length is not necessarily measured from the edges of the frame. Laying out the installation area Always install SunFrame rails perpendicular to rafters. (These instructions assume typical rafters that run from the gutter to the peak of the roof. If this is not the case, contact UniRac. ) Rails are typically mounted horizontally (parallel to the edge of the roof), and must be mounted within 10 degrees of horizontal. Leave adequate room to move safely around the array during installation. During module installation, you will need to slide one module in each row about a foot beyond the end of the rails on one side. Using the number of rows and the number of modules per row in your installation, determine the size or your array area following Figure 4. Installing the lowest row of L-feet and rail Install L-feet directly onto low profile roofing material such as asphalt shingles or sheet metal. (For high profile roofs, such as tile or shake, use optional standoffs with flashing to raise L-feet. L-feet must be flush with or above the highest point of the roof surface. ) L-feet can be placed with the double-slotted side against the roof surface (illustrations in this manual show this arrangement) or with the single-slotted side against the roof (which increases air circulation beneath modules). Module-to-roof dimensions are listed on page 12 for both arrangements. Install the first row of L-feet at the lower edge of the installation area (Fig. (A SunFrame rail can also be used as a straight edge. ) Rafters L feet Lag screw Always lag into slot nearest the bend in the L foot 2-3/4 Lower edge of installation area Figure 5. Placement of first L-foot row. Page 8 Installation Manual 802 Position the L-feet with respect to the lower edge of the roof as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6. Drill a 3/16-inch pilot hole through roof into the center of rafter at each L-foot lag screw hole location. Squirt weatherproof sealant into the hole and onto shafts of the lag screws. Seal the underside of the L-feet with a suitable weatherproof sealant. SunFrameTM Code-Compliant Planning and Assembly Roof peak shown in Figure 6. Ensure that the rail is straight and parallel to the edge of the roof. Laying out and installing the next row of L-feet Position the second row of L-feet in accordance with Figure 7. Ensure that you measure between the lower bolt hole centers of each row of L feet. Install the second row of L-feet in the same manner and orientation as the first row, but leave the lag screws a half turn loose. [. . . ] As modules slide into place, the stepping gap shifts, always allowing access to the section of cap strip being secured. Material planning for rails and cap strips Typically, 192-inch standard rail and cap strip lengths will not match the size of your array. Preplanning material use for your particular array can prevent structural or asthetic problems, particularly those caused by very short lengths of rail or cap strip. Stuctural requirements for rails are detailed in "Footing and splicing requirement" (p. Structurally, cap strips require: · A screw in every prepunched hole (which occur every 16 inches, beginning 8 inches from the ends of the rails). [. . . ]