ESDEC PANELCLAW clawFR 5 Degree User manual

9910048 RevJ June 2022
clawFR 5 Degree
Installation Manual
ANSI/UL 2703
System Fire Class Rating: Class A for low slope roofs with Type 1, 2, 16, 19, 22, 25, 29 and 30 Modules
Mechanical Load Rating: See Appendix A: UL 2703 Grounding
Scan here for
installation
videos
Table of Contents
Introduction & Safety Overview 2
Storage, Array Construction, and
O&M considerations
3
System Components 4
Accessories 5
Tools, Torque, & Construction Aid 6
Construction Aid Setup 7
Build Assemblies 8
Build North Array Row 9
Build Remaining Rows 10
Place Ballast 12
Install Module Low Side 14
Install Module High Side 16
Continue Installing Modules 17
Install Deflectors 18
Cam & Lock Claw Inspection 19
Electrical Grounding 20
Appendix 21

9910048 RevJ June 2022
Introduction
The clawFR 5 Degree flat roof mounting system is comprised of
four major components that intuitively assemble into a support
structure for photovoltaic (PV) modules.
This installation manual explains how to build a PV array using
clawFR 5 Degree.
PAGE 2
A CORROSION INSPECTION ONE YEAR AFTER INSTALLATION
AND ONCE EVERY THREE YEARS THEREAFTER IS REQUIRED
TO MAINTAIN THE PRODUCT WARRANTY. VISIBLE SURFACE
RED RUST ON STEEL COMPONENTS MUST BE LOCALLY
COATED WITH A COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE GALVANIZED
PAINT OR COATING TO MAINTAIN PRODUCT WARRANTY.
EXCEPT FOR DEFLECTORS, ALL RACKING COMPONENTS IN
EACH SUBARRAY AND THEIR CONNECTIONS, BALLAST, AND
MECHANICAL ATTACHMENTS (IF ANY IN DESIGN) MUST BE
INSTALLED BEFORE MOUNTING MODULES. WHEN
FORECASTED WIND GUSTS EXCEED 25%OF THE WIND
SPEED LISTED IN THE SITE CRITERIA TABLE OF THE RACKING
CONSTRUCTION SET, DEFLECTORS MUST BE INSTALLED ON
ALL MOUNTED MODULES TO AVOID POSSIBLE SYSTEM
DAMAGE.
Installer’s Responsibility
IT IS THE INSTALLERS RESPONSIBILITY TO:
•Ensure safe installation of all electrical aspects of the array. All
electrical installation and procedures should be conducted by a
licensed and bonded electrician or solar contractor. Routine
maintenance of a module or panel shall not involve breaking or
disturbing the bonding path of the system. All work must comply
with national, state and local installation procedures, product and
safety standards.
•Comply with all applicable local or national building and fire codes,
including any that may supersede this manual.
•Ensure all products are appropriate for the installation,
environment, and array under the site’s loading conditions.
•Use only PanelClaw parts or parts recommended by PanelClaw;
substituting parts may void any applicable warranty.
•Ensure provided information is accurate. Issues resulting from
inaccurate information are the installer’s responsibility.
•Ensure bare copper grounding wire does not contact aluminum and
zinc-plated steel components, to prevent risk of galvanic corrosion.
•If loose components or loose fasteners are found during periodic
inspection, retighten immediately. Any components showing signs
of corrosion or damage that compromise safety shall be replaced
immediately.
•Provide an appropriate method of direct-to-earth grounding
according to the latest edition of the National Electrical Code,
including NEC 250: Grounding and Bonding, and NEC 690: Solar
Photovoltaic Systems.
•Disconnect AC power before servicing or removing modules, AC
modules, microinverters, and power optimizers.
•Review module and any 3rd party manufacturer's documentation for
compatibility and compliance with warranty terms and conditions.

9910048 RevJ June 2022 PAGE 3
Storage Considerations
PanelClaw recommends installing the racking components shortly
after delivery to the project site. If clawFR components are not
deployed immediately, they should be stored in a well-ventilated,
dry location. Otherwise, moisture can form between the packed
components which may cause staining and/or white rust.
Significant white rust formation may decrease the coating service
life and, in extreme cases, the component performance.
If storage onsite is unavoidable, remove the plastic and/or
carboard wrapping from the exterior of the packaging and cover
with canvas or place components under an open sided tent. Note
the use of a plastic cover does more harm than good as it prevents
the product from breathing and causes condensation. Storing parts
in any other manner is at the customer’s own risk. PanelClaw is not
liable for claims related to improper storage and any such claims
are not covered by the product warranty.
Operations & Maintenance
See O&M Manual, available upon request, for initial inspection
recommendations including steps that can be performed only
during construction.
Sub Array Dimensions
Each PV system is unique and is frequently made up of multiple
sub arrays. The Racking Construction Set, which must be onsite at
all times during construction, details sub array dimensions and
location on the roof. Review the Racking Construction Set in its
entirety to prevent unnecessary rework during site construction.
The furthest extent of the racking components or modules of
adjacent sub arrays, whichever defines the outermost array
boundaries, must be separated by at least the minimum
dimensions documented in the Racking Construction Set. Refer to
the general notes and the Minimum Clearance Requirements
table,if present, within the Racking Construction Set.
Safety Overview
Safety is an essential part of every PV installation and every
construction site. It is imperative to plan ahead for any safety
concerns and hazards to promote safe work practices during
installation. This section does not claim to address or support all
safety concerns that may arise during the installation of PanelClaw
mounting systems or any other aspect of the work being
performed. Before beginning work, installers should refer to all
local and federal safety, health, and regulatory requirements to
assure compliance. Refer to OSHA Part 1926 and its related
Subparts for federal construction related regulations and
standards.
Appendix J: Safety outlines some of the major hazards to be aware
of during the installation of PanelClaw products.
PRIOR TO INSTALLATION, READ THE SAFETY PROVISIONS
ATTACHED IN Appendix L: Safety AND REVIEW THIS
INSTALLATION MANUAL IN ITS ENTIRETY.

9910048 RevJ June 2022 PAGE 4
*Both SKUs are shown here. Check the Racking Construction Set to verify correct Cam Claw is received
Ballast Block: Solid cap concrete roof paver, conforms to ASTM C1491 or C1884 standard and manufactured for
freeze-thaw resistance where applicable. See Appendix C for more details
System Components
M6x16mm Bolt
2000697
Wind Deflector
2000899XX
Module Connector
5000523XX Cam
5000515
Base
500050202
Rail
2000695/2000895
Cam Claw*
2000673 (1 pair of grooves)
2000815 (1 groove)
Pair of grooves
Module Adapters
See: Appendices D-J
Lock Claw Clip
2000819/5000419 Frame Enhancer
2000832/5000532 Cam Seat Spacer 2000833/5000533

9910048 RevJ June 2022
Accessories
PAGE 5
Note: Use of non-UL listed accessories, including non-metallic components, does not affect the system ANSI/UL 2703 certification.
See: Appendices D-J
Wire Router
5000225XX
Wire Clip
5000226
Wire Management Accessories
See: 9910053-Wire Management Manual
WM Homerun
500062302
and 5000628
WM Homerun
Clip
WM Homerun
Cover
Shim Pad
5000228
MLPE Attachment
5000519 Base Pad 2000678
Mechanical Hardware Kit
5000423 Ground Lug Kit 5000494

9910048 RevJ June 2022
Torque Setting
*
Fastening Operation
6 ft
-lb (8.1 Nm)
All System connections
except
Special Cases
3 ft
-lb (4.1 Nm)
Special Cases, See pg. 11
Spacer Stick
Construction Aids
Drill with Inline-Torque Limiter or Torque Wrench
10 mm Magnetic Nut Driver
ALERT: NO IMPACT DRIVERS
Tools
Cam Spacer / Lock Claw Insertion Depth Gauge
*+/-4% allowable during installation
PAGE 6
Spacer Stick and Cam Spacer Kit
5000510/5000610
2000761 may be required
Note: Additional tools may be required when installing
accessories.
Bolts which are installed into a pre-installed nut
are tightened to 6 ft-lb
Bolts which are installed into a pilot hole are
tightened to 3 ft-lb, See pg. 11

9910048 RevJ June 2022
1. Construction Aid Setup
2X
3X
1X
5X
Tip: L, S, and Cam Spacer dimensions are found in the
Racking Construction Set. See Sheet Title: Typical Array
Dimensions.
1.1 Assemble the Spacer Stick and adjust to L & S dimensions.
All dimensions are measured from the Base centerlines.
Tip: To stiffen the Spacer Stick, place one Rail
2000695/2000895 on the assembly as shown, shift the Rail
to find a location which allows for attachment with the
specified bolts. Tighten the bolts.
1.2 Insert the bolt and adjust the Cam Spacer to the Cam
Spacing dimension.
Adjust Spacer Stick
Spacing S
Spacing L
PAGE 7
Typical Cam
Spacer Usage
Cam Spacer / Lock Claw
Insertion Depth Gauge
Cam
Spacing
1X Rail 2000695/2000895
The optional 2000761 center
piece is used only if 5000610 is
shipped and the Racking
Construction set calls for
750mm “S” spacing.

9910048 RevJ June 2022
+ +
Base
(qty 1 or 2) Module Connector Cam
Hole 1
Hole 3
Hole 2
Tilt Arm
2. Build Assemblies
PAGE 8
2.1 Position components as required per assembly type and loosely
assemble the Cam, Module Connector and Base.
ALERT: Note location of orientation marker on Base “ ”
Tip: Base length may vary depending on the row spacing option.
Tip: Immediately tighten bolts to 6 ft-lb which are at the Tilt Arm
end of the assembly.
2.2 Use the Cam Spacer tool to correctly locate the module connector.
Tighten bolt to 6 ft-lb.
South
Assembly
Hole 2
Middle
Assembly
Hole 1
Hole 1
North
Assembly
Hole 3
North South
Assembly
Hole 2
Hole 3
Scan here for
Assembly Jig
Manual
Tip: If Cam Seat Spacer module adapters
are required, install them now.

9910048 RevJ June 2022 PAGE 9
3. Build North Row
ALERT: Rail on “L” Spacing is ALWAYS on
top of Rail on “S” Spacing. This
installation sequence is critical to system
performance.
Tip: Rail has two holes. Consult Sheet
Title: Typical Array Dimensions in the
Racking Construction Set for appropriate
hole use.
Place a Rail on all “S” spacings (module centered).
Rails at ends of rows should be flush with array edge
when “S” spacings permits.
Place a Rail on all “L” spacings (between modules) on
top of and overlapping the Rails on the S spacing.
Install bolt and tighten to 6ft-lb.
S
L
3.3
Place North Assemblies with the Base Pads along the
North Edge line. The first and last North Assemblies
should be placed with the edge of the Base Pads on
the Base Edge line.
Tip: Raise Tilt Arms after securement of assembly.
3.2 Tip:Base Edge
is in line with
Base Pad
Base edge
measured to
Pad edge
Snap North Edge, Array Edge, and Base Edge lines.
Tip: Snap Array Edge lines on one or both array
edges (row ends) and snap Base Edge line on the
edge where module mounting will begin.
3.1
See Sheet Title: Typical Array
Dimensions in the Racking
Construction Set for AEBE
dimension.
Scan here for
rail installation
video
S
LSpacer Stick
S
LALERT: To ensure system
alignment, use the Spacer Stick
to align Module Connectors
before securing Rails.
Tip: L, S, R and AEBE dimensions
are found in the Racking
Construction Set. See Sheet
Title: Typical Array Dimensions.
Tip: “S” spacings are module centered “L”
spacings are between modules.

9910048 RevJ June 2022
Spacer Stick
L
Tip: Raise Tilt Arms after
bolting assemblies in
preparation for Rail
installation.
S
4. Build Remaining Rows
PAGE 10
Place Middle or South assemblies onto
Assemblies from previous row and bolt to 6 ft-lb.
Tip: Sheet Title: Assemblies in the Racking
Construction Set clearly indicates hole selection.
Using the wrong hole will result in an array which
does not match site plan.
4.1
Middle or South
Assembly
Choose correct
hole Note
Orientation
ALERT: Southern Edge Rails face the opposite
direction; bolts securing these rails are tightened
to 6ft-lb.
Rail are required at
Southern Array Edges
4.2 Install Rails throughout the array using the same
steps described on the previous page. Alternating
between “S” and “ L” Spacings. Install bolt and
tighten to 6 ft-lb.
ALERT: To ensure system alignment, use the spacer
stick to align Module Connectors before securing
Rails.
ALERT: Installation of Southern Array Edge Rails
is critical to system performance.
ALERT: Tighten fasteners prior to moving spacer
stick to next position.

9910048 RevJ June 2022 PAGE 11
4. Build Remaining Rows (Continued)
Rail Configurations for South Interior Corners
Module omitted
Roof obstruction
Rails are installed across the
edge to connect row
Bolts which are installed into a pre-installed nut
are tightened to 6 ft-lb.
Bolts which are installed into a pilot hole are
tightened to 3 ft-lb.
Module(s) omitted
Roof obstruction
Rails are installed across the
edge to connect row
Torque to 3 ft-lb
Torque to 3 ft-lb
In cases where a contiguous array has module omissions
additional Rails must be installed as shown.
Alert: Modules are included for illustrative purposes only
Scan here for
common rail
installation
mistakes

9910048 RevJ June 2022 PAGE 12
5. Place Ballast
Tip: Sheet Title: Ballast Layout –XX in the Racking Construction
Set identifies where Ballast is to be installed. Mark the roof with
chalk to speed up installation.
5.1 Install Rails in locations where Ballast is required. Bolt Rails to
Module Connectors using preinstalled nut closest to the Tilt Arm
and tighten to 6 ft-lb.
ALERT: Every Rail must be fastened to two Module Connector
assemblies.
Tip: Ballast and Rails are only placed on “S” spacings. Center
them on the “S” spacing as shown for equal ballast distribution.
5.2 Place Ballast onto Rails. If rapid cyclic movement of system is
expected e.g. due to seismic activity or building vibration from
activities within or nearby the structure, bend the Rail tabs to
secure Ballast.
ALERT: Install Mechanical Attachments before going to next
step. See Appendix D.
Bend tabs at ends of Rail.
(See 5.2 to determine if required)
Bend Tabs to
capture ballast
as required.
2
4
1
5-6
3
Ballast Quantity
S
Tip: Installing the north row Ballast
Blocks helps keep the racking
structure from moving as the rest
of the array is built.
When 1-4 Ballast Blocks are
required only a single Rail
centered under the module is
required.
Center of Module
ALERT: Do not step
on Ballast Blocks
See next page for 5-6 Ballast
Block installation.

9910048 RevJ June 2022 PAGE 13
5. Place Ballast (Continued)
5.3 When 5-6 Ballast Blocks are required two Rails are needed. The
first Rail is placed on the two Module Connectors supporting the
ballast for the module and then shifted east or west to align
with one edge of the module (dimension R). The second Rail is
placed on top of the first Rail and centered on spacing “L". Bolt
Rail to Module Connectors and tighten to 6 ft-lb.
ALERT: Every Rail must be fastened to two Module Connector
assemblies.
ALERT: Only modules longer than 2400mm may use up to 6
Ballast Blocks.
ALERT: Install Mechanical Attachments before going to next
step. See Appendix D.
Tip: Place Ballast Blocks centered on the module. If the module
length is too short to fit 5-6 blocks underneath, shift ballast
towards the array interior so the Rails and ballast do not extend
past the edge of the array perimeter.
Rail is shifted to edge of
module, dimension R
R
Rail spans across two modules.
ALERT: 5-6 Ballast Block module next to 0
Ballast Block module: 2nd Rail spans across
to adjacent Module Connector.
5-6
5-6
5-6
5-6
1-4
0
ALERT: 5-6 Ballast Block module next to 1–4
Ballast Block module: 2nd Rail overlaps adjacent
Rail.
ALERT: Two 5-6 Ballast Block modules next to each other:
2nd Rail required for each module spans across to adjacent
Module Connector.
Note this Rail is placed on
top of the adjacent Rail.
S
L
R
S
L

9910048 RevJ June 2022
6. Install Module Low Side
PAGE 14
Cam Claw aligned
6.1 Cam Seat
Place module on Cam Seat and
align with Array Edge.
Tip: Ensure the module is vertical
and flush with Seat.
ALERT: Cam Claw is mis-aligned.
R
Cam Claw
Place Cam Claw over module flange.
Apply a small downward force to
make sure it is properly seated.
6.2
ALERT: Install Mechanical Attachments before installing modules.
See Appendix D. Install Cam Seat Spacer, if required, before installing
modules. See Appendix J for instruction.
ALERT: Do not leave modules in
vertical position, go immediately to
next installation step (high side install).
ALERT: When forecasted wind gusts exceed 25% of
the wind speed listed in the site criteria table of the
Racking Construction Set, Deflectors must be installed
on all mounted modules to avoid possible system
damage.
Tip: R dimension is found in
the Racking Construction Set.
See Sheet Title: Typical Array
Dimensions
Tip: Installing modules
starting at the south array
edge provides more working
room and speeds installation.
Example of a typical good Cam Claw install,
after the module has been rotated down
and high-side has been installed
Scan here for
module
installation
video
Tip: Cam Claw grooves may be
ignored for installation purposes

9910048 RevJ June 2022
R
6. Install Module Low Side (Continued)
PAGE 15
If Cam flanges align with the module mounting holes,
Contact PanelClaw. Consult Sheet Title: Typical Array
Dimensions in the Racking Construction Set to verify that
appropriate R dimension is in use.
Cam flanges are located away from the module mounting
holes

9910048 RevJ June 2022
7. Install Module High Side
PAGE 16
DO NOT REST MODULE
BACKSHEET ON TILT ARM
Tip: Use two hands when engaging Lock
Claw to ensure correct installation.
LOCK CLAW UNEVENLY
ENGAGED
Tilt Arm
Tongue
Lock Claw
Rotate module down and rest the module
frame on the top of the Tilt Arms.
Tip: Make sure the Tilt Arms are fully
raised.
7.1
Pull the Tilt Arm forward until the Lock
Claw is fully engaged onto the module
frame flange.
7.3
LOCK CLAW NOT FULLY ENGAGED
Support module while carefully
rotating the Tilt Arm just enough
to rest the module frame on the
Lock Claw tongue.
7.2
Tip: See Appendix I for Lock Claw
reset method.
Scan here for
module high
side installation
video

9910048 RevJ June 2022 PAGE 17
7. Continue Installing Modules
Use Cam Claw as spacer to set spacing between modules.
ALERT: Check the R dimension every 5th
module and adjust spacing between
modules as needed.
R
Tip: R dimension is found in the Racking Construction Set.
See Sheet Title: Typical Array Dimensions.
ALERT: If Cam Flanges are located
on Module mounting holes refer to
page 15 of the manual to verify
appropriate spacing.

9910048 RevJ June 2022
8. Install Deflectors*
PAGE 18
Place the bottom edge of the Deflector in the
Deflector Seat near the bottom of the Tilt
Arm.
Fasten to Tilt Arm with bolt and tighten to
6ft-lb.
Deflector
Seat
8.1
Center Deflector on module
for all non edge modules
Tip: On array edge Deflectors should be
installed flush to module/array edge.
Tip: Adjacent Deflectors will overlap
(adjacent deflector not shown).
* Consult Sheet Title: Ballast Layout –XX in the Racking Construction Set for deflector requirement. Each Array will specify required Deflectors per array.
ALERT: When forecasted wind gusts exceed 25%
of the wind speed listed in the site criteria table
of the Racking Construction Set, Deflectors must
be installed on all mounted modules to avoid
possible system damage.
If Lock Claw Clip and/or Frame Enhancer module
adapters are required they should be installed
prior to installing Deflectors. See Appendix for
instructions.
ALERT: When forecasted wind gusts exceed 25%
of the wind speed listed in the site criteria table
of the Racking Construction Set, Deflectors must
be installed on all mounted modules to avoid
possible system damage.
If Lock Claw Clip and/or Frame Enhancer module
adapters are required they should be installed
prior to installing Deflectors. See Appendix for
instructions.

9910048 RevJ June 2022 PAGE 19
Lock Claw Insertion Gauge configuration and use
Place gauge against Lock Claw and underside
of module.
Select a Lock Claw which has been
confirmed to be installed correctly
through visual inspection.
The Tilt Arm and Lock Claw should
be aligned with the module frame
and the Lock Claw fully engaged on
the frame.
Mark line on gauge to finish setup.
Use gauge to confirm full Lock Claw
engagement-line must be visible.
9. Cam & Lock Claw Inspection
Inspect Cam side module connection
Cam installation can be quickly visually
inspected (no gauge is available or
required) by comparing a known good
installation with all other installations.
Some gap between Module and Cam
is permissible. The graphics are
representative only; actual installation
geometry varies by module vendor
and part number. If it is not clear the
module low side connection is good,
contact PanelClaw for assistance.
ALERT: Verify correct installation by
lifting up on the module near the Cam
and making sure no movement occurs. Module and Cam are near flush.
Module and Cam have a large
non-uniform gap.

9910048 RevJ June 2022
Electrical Grounding
Please consult with national and local building code(s) for
complete grounding requirements for your installation. The
clawFR grounding method conforms to ANSI/UL 2703 and is
certified by Intertek for use with approved photovoltaic
modules listed under ANSI/UL 1703 and/or ANSI/UL 61730.
Installers can quickly and easily establish ANSI/UL 2703
certified electric bonds between all connected array
components, including modules and mounting system
components, without the use of additional grounding
devices, e.g. ground lugs and copper wire. At least one
ground lug must be used to ground all strings within a
physical sub-array provided the fuse rating for each string
does not exceed 40 amps. Installers may opt to use multiple
lugs per sub-array for redundancy. When grounding devices
are installed according with the approved methodology and
capacity, the connections described above meet all the
requirements outlined in NEC 690.43.
Grounding Instructions
For modules that have been evaluated for use with clawFR 5 Degree,
please follow the instructions below in Appendix A: UL 2703
Grounding. Additional information regarding ANSI/UL 2703 and the
specific list of evaluated modules included in PanelClaw’s UL 2703
listing can be found in the “clawFR UL 2703 List of Ratings and
Compatible Modules and MLPEs”. The most recent version is available
on the PanelClaw website (www.panelclaw.com/ul-2703).
For modules that have not been evaluated for use with clawFR, please
contact PanelClaw.
ALERT: During grounding and bonding ensure there is separation
between bare copper and aluminum or coated steel components.
PAGE 20