Views: 72 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2022-09-14 Origin: Site
Extension ladders consist of a traditional ladder and one or two additional sliding sections, called extensions. These can be extended to increase the height of the ladder, and then secured in place with locking clips to provide stable equipment ideally suited to the job at hand. This makes them a particularly flexible option for users who need to perform a range of jobs at different heights, saving time, effort and money by eliminating the need for multiple ladders. For users working alone, only one piece of equipment needs to be transported and erected. Extension ladders are useful for work in high places, such as clearing drains, cleaning or decorating upper-level features or exterior maintenance work.
Before purchasing an extension ladder, there are a few things to consider to ensure you get your money's worth. Since quality usually means safety, these should not be overlooked, especially when working alone.
Ladder Material - Aluminum is always the best choice for extension ladders. It is lightweight, hard-wearing and not prone to corrosion or rusting like other materials, making it the perfect choice for outdoor work. Fiberglass extension ladders are brittle and break easily when subjected to pressure or extreme cold, and if this happens during use, the consequences can be catastrophic. Wooden ladders require regular weatherproofing and are prone to chipping and wear, making them less safe. The lightweight nature of aluminum also makes it very easy to transport and install, especially when working alone.
Cost - Since telescoping ladders can be adjusted to the desired height, only one ladder is needed instead of several of different heights. Obviously, it is always more cost effective to purchase just one unit, and once purchased, it can be used for many different projects in the future.
Certification - Not all suppliers disclose complete safety information about their products. It is always worth checking that your telescopic ladder has the EN 131 kite mark, or in the case of telescopic ladders, the newer EN 131-6 standard that is specific to these models. This ensures that the ladder has been rigorously tested to meet UK and EU safety standards and provides maximum user safety when used correctly.
Size - always ensure that the ladder is the correct height for the job at hand. When fully extended, a telescopic ladder should always have at least two rungs overlapping between sections to prevent bending in the middle and subsequent collapse, and never work on the top two rungs of the ladder. With two- and three-step ladders available, it is not difficult to find a ladder that can be extended to the correct height without taking these risks. It is also worth checking the width of the ladder to ensure that it is as comfortable as possible to use, and consider using a ladder platform for extended periods of use.
There are four main types of telescopic ladders to consider. Each has its own advantages, depending on the type of project to be undertaken and the height required.
Two extension ladders - These are double extension ladders that consist of a ladder and an internal sliding section that can be extended to the desired height and then locked into place to provide a safe, stable ladder. They should have a full stabilizer bar at the bottom to provide a wider point of contact with the ground for added stability. Premium models with wrap-around steel clamps and nylon restraining straps provide the most secure connection between sections and minimize bounce during use. These also prevent excessive tension to ensure the correct level of overlap between sections.
Triple Extension Ladder - This is a three-section extension ladder that includes a ladder and two internal sliding extensions. Due to the additional extensions, these are optimal for safe work at more extreme heights and have the same characteristics as a two-section ladder. Again, these sections extend to the desired height and lock into place, but the additional extensions provide greater length. When fully extended, the ladder is locked in two positions for a very sturdy construction. Combined with the stabilizer bar and restraint straps, this is the safest option for working at higher heights. In addition, the shorter length when all sections are retracted and closed makes this ladder easier to store and transport.
Multipurpose Ladders - These ladders have four sections connected by three sets of hinges that can be assembled into a variety of configurations. Each hinge has a locking mechanism lever that can be pressed to allow the hinge to open and automatically lock at a specific angle. In other configurations, this allows the ladder to be fully extended to create a standard straight ladder, folded to create a double-sided ladder, assembled as stair steps that can stand at different heights at the same time, or assembled as a platform support. It is a good idea to look for models with stabilizer bars on both ends and platforms that lock into place for added stability. When folded, they are compact enough to fit in the trunk of a car for transport or to store in a cabinet.
Telescoping Ladders - These ladders are very compact when retracted because each part of the door stile is lower r part of the transverse slot below, similar to a stack of paper cups. When unfolded, the second lowest section unfolds and snaps into place when fully expanded. More sections can then be extended until the desired height is reached. To retract the ladder, each section has two release buttons on the front of the rung, and when these buttons are pressed, the section slides back to the one below. Premium modern models use a compressed air system to slow retraction so the user's fingers don't get caught when the rung is lowered into place, and the indicator shows green for added safety when the section is extended and locked into place. Although they have wide rubber feet, it is recommended that leveling pads be used on uneven or smooth surfaces for extra grip.
