Fibreglass ladders are a must have for electrical work, as they do not conduct electricity. This means that any accidental contact of a live or charged wire with the ladder will not result in electrocution for the person using the ladder. Only the stiles are made from fibreglass, with the rungs being made from aluminium, but this construction means there is no circuit through the ladder that a charge can travel along. Fibreglass ladders are not usually available in domestic ratings, as they are intended for tradespeople and therefore, are more expensive than a lower-rated ladder of the same type.  Although unqualified people should never attempt to fix electrical problems there is a case for homeowners using a fibreglass ladder when working at height outdoors around electrical lines, as the high voltage charge carried by overhead power lines can travel into a ladder without contact being made it just needs to be within the electrical field generated by the power lines. It is not just the risk of a charge jumping from a nearby power line that homeowners need to be aware of, however, as it is very easy to actually make physical contact with a power line when moving a ladder around outside.  A 16-year-old boy from New Jersey died earlier this year after the metal ladder he was using made contact with the overhead lines as he moved it around the home he was working on. Had he been using a fibreglass ladder he would not have been electrocuted. When working outside it is vital to conduct a risk assessment of overhead threats like live wires and choose equipment and a working method accordingly.  If it is not practical to use a fibreglass ladder, then it is very important that the ladder is fully compacted before it is moved when an extension ladder is left extended and then moved near to power lines, there is a very high risk of accidental contact and electrocution.  Fibreglass ladders can be hired cheaply from most DIY and hardware stores, so a homeowner need not shell out for a ladder they may only need to use a few times.  Electricians use fibreglass ladders, so if you know an electrician, it is worth asking if they have a ladder you can borrow for a day or two to get your jobs done. The types of job that may need a fibreglass ladder are gutter and window cleaning, repairs to roof tiles and other external fittings and even for sorting out overhanging tree branches, that are catching on cables.  Of course, some homes do not have any charged wires nearby and in this case, there is no need to worry about the risk of electrocution, but it is best to check exactly what cables are nearby and what they are carrying before deciding whether a fibreglass ladder is needed or not. This seven rung fibreglass combination ladder is the ideal model for working outside a home in the proximity of electrical cables.  Fully extended it will give a reach of 4.5 metres and can be used as a step ladder, extending step ladder (giving superior stability at height) and a straight extending ladder.  The wide stabilising base gives extra security to the user, and at 14.5 kilos it is not too heavy to move around.  At £162 including VAT, this is a great ladder to invest in or to hire, as it can be used for many different jobs around the home, both inside and out.  It is also worth having this to be able to lend it to friends and relatives who may also have an occasional need for a non-conductive ladder.