TIA-5053-A, Mounting System Classification has been recognized as the preeminent standard for classifying both new and existing mounts, as well as normalizing mount information from manufacturers. This normalizing of information has benefited end users and contractors through the ability to compare and select mounts based on an understanding of the maximum capacity. The mount reactions that stem from the classification loading parameters are generally much higher than what are actually encountered in site-specific loading conditions. The end user may never load one of these classified mounts to its maximum capacity and the site-specific wind and/or ice loading parameters are typically lower than what is considered in TIA-5053-A. This desire to convey the maximum capacity for the mount may lead to overly conservative mount to structure connection checks when the combination of equipment and environmental loadings are not close to the maximum values. This is where the information conveyed on a specific mount analysis through TIA 5053-A or ANSI/TIA-222-I will allow the manufacturer or third-party engineer to determine additional mount classification ratings for site-specific considerations. This site-specific rating of mounts at less than full design load will result in lower mount to structure reactions which can reflect more realistic outcomes.

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