Guide To Telescopic Ladders
1 November 2022Telescopic ladders are a popular solution for those looking to save space, as unlike standard ladders they can be easily stored in cupboards, sheds and even car boots. Despite being much smaller in their design, when telescopic ladders are fully extended they are still long enough to access most household spaces, such as ceilings and loft access points.
Here at Ramsay Ladders, we are often asked many questions about our range of telescopic ladders, so we decided to compile this useful guide. This condensed article will provide you with the key facts you need to find the ideal telescopic ladder and to use it safely.
What Are Telescopic Ladders?
In contrast to conventional ladders, the innovative telescopic ladders are designed to fold in on themselves in the same way as a telescope retracts, hence the name. This means they can be stored, moved, and assembled easily, which saves time and energy.
One of the main benefits you will find is the versatility of a telescopic ladder, as the height can be easily adjusted to suit the job in hand. There is no need to extend the ladder fully, instead you can raise and lock the number of rungs required for the task.
How To Find The Best Telescopic Ladder For Your Needs
Telescopic ladders can vary widely in price; however you should never compromise safety in an effort to cut costs. If there is a ladder available which is much cheaper than other options, it may be too good to be true. As a reputable supplier, we only provide the highest quality telescopic ladders which have been tested to ensure they meet the strict regulatory requirements.
In general, the ladder you choose should be able to extend at least 1m above the top of the surface which it will be resting against. It is also worth bearing in mind that the highest step you should stand on will be the third from the top. Whether you are a window cleaner looking for an easy to store ladder or a homeowner searching for a ladder to access your loft, our team can help you find the ideal ladder height.
In addition to the actual maximum height of the ladder when extended, you will need to consider the foldaway size. In general, the longer the ladder, the larger it will be when folded away. If storage space is a concern, you may need to opt for a shorter ladder rather than the largest from telescopic ladder size options available.
Another factor which we always advise our customers to consider is the ease of use of potential ladders. The best telescopic ladders are simple and smooth to collapse with easy-to-use lock mechanisms. We also recommend choosing a ladder with a light aluminium frame, as it will be strong yet light enough to carry.
If the weight-bearing capacity of your ladder is important, you may have to sacrifice the lightness and portability for a stronger design. However, the majority of telescopic ladders are perfectly adequate for supporting average loads. If you do find that the ladder flexes slightly when in use, it is probably because the rungs are slightly narrower than a traditional ladder. However, if in doubt, climb down and reevaluate the situation.
How Safe Is A Telescopic Ladder?
To ensure you are using a safe telescopic ladder, you will need to purchase one that meets the latest EN131-6 standards for telescopic ladders. To conform to these standards the ladder must feature:
- Rungs which are at least 50% larger than a conventional ladder.
- Rungs must be angled in a way which provides additional comfort and grip.
- Rungs must make it clear that a ladder is safe to use via individual lock and release indicators.
- Safety closing mechanism which slows the folding process to protect the user from injury.
- Feet must be over-moulded with durable rubber used to improve grip and maximise contact with the ground.
- Locking mechanisms must be comfortable and easy to use.
How Do Telescopic Ladders Work?
The actual design of telescopic ladders means they have more moving parts than traditional ladders, so it is important to use the various locks and mechanisms in a safe way. Telescopic ladders are designed to be quick, safe, and easy to use, although not every ladder will function in the same way. It is important to read the specific instructions relating to your ladder, however, in general, the following steps relate to the majority of telescopic ladder setups:
- Release the strap which is securing the extendable sections of the ladder.
- Position the ladder on a clean floor at the correct angle, so that it is ready to be extended into place.
- Stand on the bottom rung to firmly press the ladder into place and remove the connector from the top rung.
- Gradually extend each rung to its full reach and secure the individual locking mechanisms as you go.
- Repeat step 4 until the ladder is extended to the desired height and avoid stepping on the top rungs. Once the ladder rungs are locked in place you will not be able to adjust the individual rungs, as this will tamper with the overall stability of the ladder.
- Before climbing the ladder check for signs of obvious visible damage and ensure that all locking mechanisms are working correctly.
When you have finished using the ladder there are a few steps to follow to ensure it's correct and safe to collapse. Obviously, you will need to be careful not to place your hands between any of the rungs. To avoid injuries the following steps should be followed:
- Hold the ladder by the couplings which are located below each rung and use your thumbs to unlock each lock simultaneously.
- The upper stage of the ladder will collapse, allowing you to unlock and collapse the next rung.
- Once all rungs have collapsed inside themselves the strap can be used to secure the ladder in place.
What Positions Can Telescopic Ladders Be Used On?
This is a very common question, as many customers often wonder whether these ladders have to be fully extended. In general, the better-quality telescopic ladders can be partly extended, so they will be completely flexible to your needs. In addition, there are some telescopic ladders which can be used as A-frame step ladders, which many people are more familiar with.
You will find that when you browse the available options there are a variety of ladders which support multiple configurations, which are commonly referred to as multi-position ladders. However, these are more expensive, and they are more likely to be found in commercial spaces than smaller home environments where a simpler solution is required.
Choose Ramsay Ladders For Your Telescopic Ladder
When it comes to telescopic ladders, you can count on the experienced Ramsay Ladders team to help you find the best option. From the smaller 3.3m standard telescopic ladders to the larger 3.8m height size, we have options available for every customer. To find out more about our high-quality range of space saving telescopic ladders, please browse our telescopic ladders or contact our team today.