Fiberglass Ladder
The big advantage of the fiberglass ladder (over an aluminum ladder) is lowering electrical risk. A fiberglass ladder will have aluminum rungs, but the rungs themselves are separated by the fiberglass that does not conduct electricity. Fiberglass is much safer to use around power lines, to avoid a tragic shock if the ladder tilts and brushes a power line. This risk is lower with a fiberglass extension ladder.
The fiberglass ladder is more of a new product. Moreover, fiberglass side rails are uniform and strong. Aluminum ladders can bend when loaded. Wood ladders can rot after being wet and will more readily absorb water to become electrically conductive. Fire resistance, compared to a wood ladder, is another advantage. But the big advantage is more electrical safety. Fiberglass ladders weigh more than wood or aluminum. But a fiberglass ladder is the best ladder to use, from heavy industrial use to around the home.
The price, duty rating and extension ladder capacity will vary from light duty ladder for home improvement to extra heavy duty fiberglass ladder, and will be printed on the ladder.
- Light Duty (Type III) 200 pound load capacity for household use.
- Medium Duty (Type II) 225 pound load capacity for painters or in an office and often used in the household. This duty rating is available from a variety of suppliers.
- Heavy Duty (Type I) 250 pound load capacity for contractors or in industry.
- Extra Heavy Duty (Type IA) 300 pound load capacity.
- Special Duty (Type IAA) 375 pound load capacity.
Available types include the fiberglass extension ladder, fiberglass extension trestle ladder and step ladder.
