A Fiberglass Extension Ladder Is An Electricians Best Friend

By Linda Cantrell


All of the building trades as well as service companies all over the country need the help that is offered by a ladder. Many will use a simple A frame, however, necessity requires the use of an extension ladder in a large percentage of tasks. There are many of these of all sizes and lengths, however, the most popular type is the fiberglass extension ladder.

All of the many different materials that are used in the manufacture of these ladders will provide the strength and stability that is needed. This is true whether the unit is a wood, aluminum or some extruded plastic models. The main purpose of the fiberglass ones are very important and that is why all electricians use this type more than any other.

Using that A frame in the middle of the room or construction site is appropriate. That is unless the heights at which you are using it is higher than about 10 or 12 feet. It becomes unsteady and something else has to be used. This is especially true when dealing with elements needing to be done on the walls or the roof. An extension ladder is the only way to deal with this and fiberglass is also the safest material for it as well.

Federal and sate laws, statutes and other regulations restrict the movement toward the top of an A frame. You are not able to stand on the top one or two steps. This restricts your ability to use the entire length of the ladder. These regulations are not as stringent on an extension model.

Every type and model of extendable ladders are used in all of the trades. These can be used for reaching the roof, up the sides of houses and in all construction sites regardless of the facility that is being built. They are also used as maintenance equipment when changing light bulbs, repairing damage on walls and ceilings and installing new fixtures.

The biggest draw for a ladder made from fiberglass is that it does not conduct electricity. Metal ladders and even wet wood ones will conduct this dangerous power source and cause injury to those working on them. Electricians know and use these and recommend them to other trades who work around their electrical lines.

The fiberglass material is compounded in the factory and extruded into the pieces that are used for these ladders. This material is not like the metal that is used as it will insulate the operator from any electrical current. That does not mean you do not have to be careful, because you should, however, it does help you avoid some problems with electrical shock.

When using an extension ladder, fiberglass or others, the section that will be the extension is firmly held by tracks in the back. The rope, pulled through a pulley on top, will lift that section to the height you need. It is then clasped over one of the rungs and held tight. Not needing more expensive lifting mechanisms will save you money and get the job done faster.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment