We've taken an extensive look at aluminium extension ladders, but for those of you who work with electricity, a metal ladder is unsuitable: you need a ladder that does not conduct electrical current. Youngman make a range of fibreglass double section extension ladders perfect for any electrical job that involves working at tall heights. The selection criteria for any extension ladder for trade use (as we used to compare the aluminium models) is:

Height when closed: where can I store this ladder? Will I be able to transport it?  Is this ladder long enough for the heights I work at? 

Weight: is it easy to carry? 

Load rating: is this it suitable and legally fit for the job at hand?

Safety features: does this ladder have features I need?  Is this the best value for money for my needs?

Fibreglass ladders are slightly lighter that those made solely from aluminium, as the stiles are made from fibreglass, which is lighter than metal. Usually the rungs are made from aluminium to keep the total cost down. The Youngman range is insulated up to 30,000 volts and classified as EN131 for trade use, with a static load rating of 150 kilos (23.5 stone). They are all rope operated and have an easy rung locking system, making them simple to erect. D shaped rungs and swiveling rubber safety feet (with changeable ice pick plate) make these ladders safe and comfortable to use on all surfaces. The range is available in 3.1, 3.6, 4.2, and 4.8 metre sizes. The 3.1 metre model extends to 5.1 metres and provides a working reach of 5.4 metres. It weighs 14.5 kilos and costs £150 including VAT and delivery. The 3.6 metre model costs £183, weighs in at 20.5 kilos, extends to 6.3 metres and provides a working reach of 6.6 metres. The 4.2 metre model extends to 7.4 metres, with a working reach of 7.7 metres, weighs 23.3 kilos and costs £213. The tallest model, the 4.8 metre model, costs £350, weighs 34 kilos, extends to 8.4 metres and provides a working reach of 8.7 metres. These Youngman ladders cannot be separated into individual sections, but there is a range of fibreglass step ladders available for those shorter jobs. The range of heights offered is not as comprehensive as the ranges of aluminium extension ladders, but this type of ladder is used for many different jobs and therefore needs to have a large height range. Fibreglass ladders are specialist equipment, so are constructed in height ranges more appropriate for their application. The shorter model is ideal for use on domestic jobs, for reaching the heights needed for security lights, as an example. The 3.6 metre model may be a better investment though, as it is only 50 cm longer when stored, but when extended gives the extra height that may come in useful for some jobs. At only £38 more, the small extra investment is probably worth it. The taller models are suitable for people who work in different settings, domestic, schools, factories etc… The taller heights attainable with these ladders cover many jobs that the smaller ladders cannot reach. When thinking about investing in a fibreglass ladder, it is better to opt for one with more height than required, as it will probably come in useful when you need a longer ladder, but don't want to buy more equipment just for one job. Fibreglass ladders are more expensive than regular aluminium ones, so purchasing one with extra height means you will probably save money overall, as you won't need to invest in a taller one should you need it.