Product Overview
Related solutions: Explore our pultruded FRP profiles, FRP rebar, pultrusion machines, pultrusion dies.
These rails begin as pultruded profiles — learn more in our technical resource on fiberglass ladder structural sections.
Professional-grade 4-foot fiberglass step ladder engineered for electrical contractors and industrial technicians. Features Type I-rated pultruded fiberglass side rails with dielectric properties meeting ASTM F1772 standards, providing electrical insulation for work environments up to 30,000 volts. Construction combines fiberglass composite rails with heavy-duty aluminum alloy steps for good strength-to-weight ratio in demanding applications.
Complete Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value | Standard/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Height | 48 inches (1,219 mm) | ANSI ASC A14.5 |
| Base Spread Width | 19.5 inches (495 mm) | Fully opened position |
| Depth (Open Position) | 28 inches (711 mm) | Front to back |
| Maximum Standing Height | 23 inches (584 mm) | Highest safe step |
| Maximum Reach Height | 8-8.5 feet (2,438-2,591 mm) | Based on 5’9″ user |
| Number of Steps | 3 steps + top platform | 12″ spacing |
| Step Width | 3 inches (76 mm) | Aluminum alloy |
| Step Depth | 12 inches (305 mm) | Per ANSI A14.5 |
| Top Platform Size | 10″ x 12″ (254 x 305 mm) | Tool storage integrated |
| Net Weight | 16 lbs (7.3 kg) | Type I rating |
| Folded Dimensions | 48″ x 19.5″ x 4″ | For storage/transport |
Load Capacity by Duty Rating
| Type | Capacity | Safety Factor | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type II | 225 lbs (102 kg) | 3:1 minimum | Light commercial |
| Type I | 250 lbs (113 kg) | 3:1 minimum | Industrial standard |
| Type IA | 300 lbs (136 kg) | 3:1 minimum | Heavy industrial |
| Type IAA | 375 lbs (170 kg) | 3:1 minimum | Extra heavy duty |
Load capacity includes combined weight of user, tools, and materials per ANSI ASC A14.5-2017.
Material Specifications
Fiberglass Side Rails
Construction Method: Pultruded fiberglass composite (GFRP) Material Composition:
- Base resin: Polyester or vinyl ester thermoset
- Reinforcement: E-glass continuous roving (50-60% by weight)
- UV stabilization: 2% minimum by weight
- Profile: Box-section 2″ x 1.5″ (51 x 38 mm)
- Wall thickness: 0.187 inch (4.75 mm) minimum
Physical Properties:
| Property | Value | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 30,000-40,000 psi (207-276 MPa) | ASTM D638 |
| Flexural Strength | 40,000-50,000 psi (276-345 MPa) | ASTM D790 |
| Compressive Strength | 25,000-35,000 psi (172-241 MPa) | ASTM D695 |
| Dielectric Strength | >500 V/mil (19.7 kV/mm) | ASTM D149 |
| Water Absorption | <0.5% (24 hour) | ASTM D570 |
| Thermal Expansion | 1.5 x 10⁻⁵ in/in/°F | ASTM D696 |
| Operating Temp Range | -40°F to +150°F (-40°C to +66°C) | Continuous duty |
| Specific Gravity | 1.8-2.1 | ASTM D792 |
Aluminum Steps
Material: 6061-T6 aluminum alloy (aerospace grade) Specifications:
- Yield strength: 40,000 psi (276 MPa) minimum
- Thickness: 0.125 inch (3.175 mm) nominal
- Surface treatment: Anodized Type II (MIL-A-8625) or powder-coated
- Tread pattern: Serrated “Traction-Tred” design
- Serration depth: 1/8 inch (3.175 mm)
- Serration pitch: 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) on-center
- Coefficient of friction: μ > 0.8 (dry), μ > 0.6 (wet)
Attachment Method:
- Heavy-duty riveted construction
- Minimum 3 rivets per step-to-rail connection
- Rivet material: Aluminum 5056 or stainless steel 304
- Rivet diameter: 3/16 inch (4.76 mm) minimum
- Double-shear design for redundant load path
Hardware Components
| Component | Material | Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Spreader Bars | Zinc-plated steel | 16-gauge (0.060″) minimum |
| Hinge Pins | Stainless steel 304 | 5/16″ diameter minimum |
| Rail-to-Step Rivets | Aluminum 5056/SS | 3/16″ diameter, round head |
| Gusset Plates | Steel | 14-gauge, 3-point attachment |
| Top Platform Bracket | Aluminum 6061-T6 | 0.125″ thickness |
| Foot Pads | TPR rubber | Shore A 60-70 hardness |
Electrical Safety Specifications
Dielectric Performance
Certification: ASTM F1772-17 compliant Electrical Ratings:
- Dry service voltage rating: 30,000V AC
- Test duration: 3 minutes at rated voltage
- Leakage current: <1 mA at test voltage
- Suitable for work on systems: Up to 600V AC (standard residential/commercial)
Safety Standards Compliance:
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.333(c)(2) – Non-conductive ladder requirement
- NFPA 70E-2021 – Electrical safety in workplace
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269 – Electric power generation/distribution
- IEC 61478 – Live working, insulating ladders
Design Features:
- Fiberglass side rails (no continuous conductive path)
- Non-metallic top platform (reduces capacitive coupling)
- Aluminum steps electrically isolated through fiberglass rails
- No metal-to-metal contact points from top to ground
Structural Engineering
Load Distribution System
Structural Design:
- Triangulated geometry transfers loads from platform through rails to ground
- Taper angle: 6-8 degrees for good stability
- Base-to-height ratio: 1:2.46 (meets ANSI tip requirement)
- Theoretical tip angle: 22° from vertical
Deflection Limits:
- Maximum horizontal deflection at top: 0.5 inches (12.7 mm) @ rated load
- Vertical deflection: <0.125 inches (3.2 mm) per foot of height
- Torsional twist: <2 degrees under rated load
Spreader Bar System
Type: Dual-action pinch-proof design with gravity lock Specifications:
- Material: 16-gauge zinc-plated steel (RoHS compliant)
- Lock strength: 500 lbs minimum shear capacity
- Opening angle: 75-80 degrees (optimized for stability)
- Locking mechanism: Positive engagement, gravity-actuated
- Cycle life: 10,000+ open/close operations
Reinforcement System
Standard Bracing:
- Gusset plates at all step-to-rail connections (85% step depth coverage)
- Continuous vertical back brace with horizontal cross-members
- Steel tubing: 1″ x 0.065″ wall thickness
- Connection: Welded and riveted at 3 points per rail
EDGE Bracing System (quality Models):
- Cross-diagonal bracing with FEA-optimized geometry
- Reduces lateral deflection compared with standard construction
- Increases torsional rigidity compared with standard construction
- Minimal weight addition (<1 lb)
Anti-Slip & Stability Features
Foot Pad System
Standard Rubber Safety Boots:
- Material: TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber) or SBR (Styrene-Butadiene Rubber)
- Hardness: Shore A 60-70 (non-marring)
- Contact area: 8-12 square inches per foot
- Coefficient of friction: μ > 0.7 on dry concrete (ASTM D2047)
- Chemical resistance: Oils, mild acids, solvents
- Attachment: Replaceable with 3/8″-16 hex bolt
Raptor Grip System (Select Models):
- Multi-directional tread with 5mm lug depth
- Self-cleaning channels
- Contact area: 15 square inches per foot
- Enhanced friction: μ > 0.85 on wet surfaces
- Performs on tile, concrete, wood, vinyl, painted surfaces
Step Surface Technology
Traction-Tred Pattern:
- Serration depth: 1/8 inch (3.175 mm)
- Serration pitch: 1/4 inch (6.35 mm)
- Surface contact area: 65%
- Integrated drainage channels for water evacuation
- ANSI A14.5 compliant slip resistance
Integrated Tool Platform
Platform Specifications
Dimensions & Capacity:
- Size: 10″ W x 12″ D x 1.5″ H (254 x 305 x 38 mm)
- Material: Injection-molded polypropylene or fiberglass-reinforced nylon
- Distributed load capacity: Equal to ladder duty rating
- Point load capacity: 50 lbs at any single location
Tool Management Features
Slot Configuration:
- Small slots (4x): 0.75″ x 3″ – screwdrivers, pliers
- Medium slots (2x): 1.25″ x 3.5″ – hammers, tape measures
- Large slots (2x): 2″ x 4″ – power drills (up to 3 lbs)
Paint Can Recess:
- Diameter: 6.5 inches (fits gallon paint can)
- Depth: 1.25 inches with 0.5″ rim height (spill prevention)
- Alternative: 4″ recess for quart cans (model dependent)
Parts Organizer:
- Compartments: 2-4 sections
- Compartment size: 2″ x 2″ x 0.75″ deep
- Total volume: 8-12 cubic inches (130-195 cm³)
- Sloped edges for easy retrieval
Magnetic Strip (quality Models):
- Length: 6 inches (152 mm)
- Holding capacity: 0.5 lbs ferrous metal parts
Environmental Performance
Temperature & Weather Resistance
Operating Temperature:
| Condition | Range | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous Operation | -20°F to +120°F (-29°C to +49°C) | Rated capacity |
| Extended Operation | -40°F to +150°F (-40°C to +66°C) | No significant degradation |
| Storage | -50°F to +180°F (-46°C to +82°C) | No material damage |
Moisture & Humidity:
- Non-hygroscopic (zero water absorption)
- Performs at Rated capacity: 0-100% relative humidity
- Salt fog resistance: 1,000+ hours (ASTM B117)
UV Resistance:
- UV inhibitor: 2% minimum integrated into resin
- Accelerated aging tested: 5,000 hours (10+ years equivalent outdoor exposure)
- Color retention: ΔE <5 after 5,000 hours
Chemical Resistance
| Chemical | Concentration | Resistance |
|---|---|---|
| Sulfuric Acid | 10% | good |
| Hydrochloric Acid | 20% | good |
| Sodium Hydroxide | 50% | good |
| Gasoline | 100% | good |
| Motor Oil | 100% | good |
| Paint Thinner | 100% | Good |
| Acetone | 100% | Fair* |
| Saltwater | Saturated | good |
Rinse promptly after acetone exposure
FAQ
What is the load capacity of the 4-foot fiberglass step ladder?
The 4-foot fiberglass step ladder has Type I duty rating with 250 lbs (113 kg) load capacity. This includes combined weight of user, tools, and materials per ANSI ASC A14.5 standards.
What is the dielectric rating of the fiberglass rails?
The pultruded fiberglass side rails are certified to ASTM F1772 standards with 30,000V AC dielectric protection. Suitable for safe work near energized electrical circuits up to 600V.
What is the maximum reach height?
Maximum reach height is 8-8.5 feet (2.44-2.59m) for a 5’9″ user. Highest safe standing level is 23 inches from ground on the top step.
Are the aluminum steps slip resistant?
Yes. 6061-T6 aluminum steps feature serrated Traction-Tred surface with 1/8-inch serration depth and 1/4-inch pitch. Meets ANSI A14.5 slip resistance requirements on dry/wet surfaces.
What are the folded storage dimensions?
Folded dimensions are 48″ H x 19.5″ W x 4″ D (1219 x 495 x 102 mm). Weighs only 16 lbs (7.3 kg) for easy transport and storage.
Does the ladder meet OSHA standards?
Yes. Complies with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.23 (walking-working surfaces), 1910.269 (electric power), and 1926.1053 (construction ladders). Also meets ANSI ASC A14.5 and NFPA 70E electrical safety requirements.
What is the base spread and opening angle?
Base spread is 19.5 inches wide x 28 inches deep when fully opened (75-80° spreader angle). 6-8° taper angle provides good stability with 1:2.46 base-to-height ratio.
Can the ladder be used outdoors?
Yes. Rated for -40°F to +150°F (-40°C to +66°C) continuous operation. Resists moisture, salt fog (1000+ hours ASTM B117), and UV degradation with integrated stabilizers.
Compliance & Certifications
Standards Compliance
United States:
- ANSI ASC A14.5-2017 – Portable Reinforced Plastic Ladders
- ASTM F1772-17 – Fiberglass Stepladders
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.23 – Walking-Working Surfaces
- OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1053 – Construction Ladders
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269 – Electric Power Generation
- NFPA 70E-2021 – Electrical Safety in Workplace
International:
- EN 131 – European professional ladder requirements
- IEC 61478 – Live working, insulating ladders
- AS/NZS 1892.1 – Australia/New Zealand portable ladders
Quality Certifications
- ISO 9001:2015 Certified Manufacturing
- RoHS Compliant (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)
- REACH Compliant (European Chemical Regulation)
- Third-party tested and certified to all applicable standards
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