Telescopic ladders: types, sizes and selection

The ladder is an indispensable assistant in the performance of construction and installation work, and is also widely used both in domestic conditions and in production. However, conventional wooden or metal monolithic models are often inconvenient to use and store. In this regard, a new universal invention that appeared relatively recently - a telescopic ladder - began to enjoy great popularity.

The telescopic ladder is a mobile multifunctional structure consisting of separate sections that are connected to each other by means of hinges and clamps. Most of the models are made of high-quality aluminum, although there are also samples made of lightweight steel.

The main requirement for such products is low weight, high strength of joints and structural stability. The last point is the most important, since the safety of using the stairs, and sometimes the life of the worker, depends on it. The scope of application of telescopic models is quite wide. With their help, they carry out installation and electrical work at a height of up to 10 m, plaster, paint and whitewash walls and ceilings, and use them to replace lamps in ceiling lamps.

High consumer demand for telescopic ladders is driven by the following important advantages of these versatile designs:

• multifunctionality and the ability to operate at different heights allows the use of ladders in almost all spheres of human activity, where there is a need for horse work;
• even the longest 10-meter model when folded is quite compact, which allows you to completely solve the problem of storage and can be placed on balconies, in small storerooms and apartments; a folded "telescope" is usually a small "suitcase" that can easily fit into the trunk of a car or can be carried by one person to the desired place; in addition, due to the use of aluminum and PVC, most models are lightweight, which also facilitates their transportation;
• the ladder folding mechanism has a simple and understandable design, due to which the assembly and disassembly of the sections occurs very quickly and does not cause difficulties for the worker; a prerequisite is only control of fixation of each link and accuracy during assembly;
• telescopic ladders are produced in a wide variety of standard sizes, which allows you to easily select the required step width and product length;
• despite the collapsible design, most portable models are quite reliable and durable; many manufacturers give a guarantee for their products and declare that the products are designed for at least 10,000 disassembly / assembly cycles;
• due to the well thought-out design and overall rigidity of the device, most of the samples can easily withstand a weight load of up to 150 kg and are able to operate in conditions of high humidity and sudden temperature changes;
• all telescopic models are equipped with protective plastic caps to protect the flooring from scratching and prevent the ladder from sliding on the floor;
• to be able to work on bases with elevation differences, for example, on staircases or an inclined surface, many models are equipped with retractable extension brackets that allow you to set a certain height for each leg.

The modern market presents several types of sliding stairs that differ from each other both structurally and functionally. Despite the fact that each species has a certain specialization, most of the models do a good job with any task.

Attachable pull-out structures are of aluminum design. They consist of one section with 6 to 18 steps and a length of 2.5 to 5 m. The advantages of such models are low weight, compactness of the product when folded and low cost. The disadvantages include an increased risk of injury. To prevent falls, the attached structure necessarily needs a stable support, which can be a wall, wood and other solid and fixed base.

Due to their high mobility, attached telescopic structures are much more convenient than solid wood and monolithic metal specimens, and are also an ideal option for solving household problems in personal plots. In addition, attached models are installed as attic stairs, and are also used for minor facade work and washing windows.

Folding stepladders have great functionality when compared to the attached ones. They are presented in two varieties.

• Two-piece models do not need additional support and can be installed absolutely at any distance from the wall, including in the middle of the room. Such structures represent the most numerous group of telescopic devices and are widely used in construction, electrical work and repair.

• Three-section ladder is a symbiosis of an attached and two-section models, in addition to the step-ladder base, it has a pull-out section. Thanks to this design, it is much higher than the two-section model in height and belongs to the category of professional equipment.

The transformer ladder has high capabilities and is positioned as the most stable and safe type of equipment. The main advantage of the models is their ability to transform into any other type of staircase, and when folded, take up less space than an attached model. Both parts of the product can be laid out independently of each other, which makes it possible to install the structure on uneven areas and surfaces with height differences.

Telescopic ladders are available in different sizes and are often striking in their contrast between assembled and disassembled.So, a four-meter product when folded has a length of only 70 centimeters, and a huge 10-meter giant is about 150 cm. It is worth considering in more detail the main categories of products, depending on the length.

• The most compact are the 2-meter models., intended for domestic use and taking up very little space in the folded position. So, the dimensions of the factory box in which the models are sold are usually 70x47x7 cm. The number of steps on such stairs varies from 6 to 8, which depends on the distance between two adjacent rungs. To make the stairs more rigid, in some samples, the steps are additionally fastened with a belt. Almost all structures are equipped with anti-slip rubberized pads that prevent the ladder from moving under the influence of a person's weight.
• The next category of stairs is presented in sizes 4, 5 and 6 meters. This size is the most common and is suitable for most household and household needs. Samples are often used in construction and electrical installations. They are mainly presented in the form of telescopic transformers.
• This is followed by more overall structures with a length of 8, 9, 10 and 12 m, which are models of an exclusively attached type, which is dictated by safety requirements. Such samples are indispensable for the installation of advertising banners, maintenance of lampposts and for public works. Large-sized samples have from 2 to 4 sections, the total number of steps on which is 28-30 pieces.

When choosing a telescopic ladder it is necessary to pay attention to a number of important technical parameters.

• Item Height is determined based on the range of works for which the ladder is purchased. So, for indoor work with a ceiling height of up to 3 meters, it is better to choose a two- or three-meter ladder and not overpay for extra meters. When choosing a ladder for a personal plot, an attached model is well suited, since due to the unevenness of the terrain, it will be quite problematic to manage the ladder.
• Width of steps is another parameter to pay attention to. So, if the ladder will be used for short, occasional work, then a small width of steps is sufficient, while for repairs, when the worker will spend a long time on the ladder, as well as when working with a paint brush or a perforator, the width of the steps should be maximum. Many well-known manufacturers provide for the possibility of completing their models with steps of several sizes, which allows you to set the desired size depending on the work performed.
• When choosing a telescopic model for professional use, you can pay attention to models with an automatic folding system. For domestic use, this function is not necessary, but with daily disassembly / assembly of the structure it will be very useful.
• If the telescopic ladder will be used for electrical work, then it is better to opt for dielectric model that does not conduct electric current.
• It is worth paying attention to the presence of additional functions, such as the presence of a safety lock and automatic locking mechanisms that securely hold each step. A nice bonus will be the corrugated surface of the degrees, as well as a pointed retractable tip that allows you to work on soft ground.

The range of telescopic ladders is quite large. In it you can find both expensive models of famous brands and budget samples of start-up companies. Below is an overview of the leaders in popularity according to the versions of online stores.

• Dielectric telescopic transformer model DS 221 07 (Protekt) made in Poland has a maximum height in the unfolded state of 2.3 m, in the folded state - 63 cm. The structure is capable of withstanding weight loads up to 150 kg and weighs 5.65 kg.

• Telescopic ladder Biber 98208 consists of 3 sections and is made of aluminum. The working height is 5.84 m, the number of steps is 24, the height of one section is 2.11 cm. The warranty period is 1 month, the cost is 5 480 rubles.

• Telescopic three-section ladder Sibin 38833-07 made of aluminum, the working height is 5.6 m, the height of one section is 2 m. Each section is equipped with seven corrugated steps to ensure operational safety. The model can be used both as a stepladder and as an extension ladder. The maximum permissible load is 150 kg, the weight of the model is 10 kg, the cost is 4,090 rubles.

• The Shtok 3.2 m model weighs 9.6 kg and has 11 steps that extend upwards. The ladder is designed for domestic and professional use, complete with a convenient carrying bag and technical data sheet. The dimensions of the folded model are 6x40x76 cm, the cost is 9,600 rubles.

For information on how to properly use telescopic ladders, see the next video.