1.1   The fly section of the ladder was extended one rung beyond the minimum working length of the ladder. All hardware and fittings were kept intact.

  1.2   The test unit was positioned for testing and tested as shown in the figure at right. The test unit was placed at the proper angle of 75.5 degrees with both pawls engaged.

  1.3   A downward, distributed load of 1,200 pounds was applied for a period of 1 minute equally to both side rails on the lowest fly rung above the overlap, using two 3.5-inch straps, each located next to a rail and centrally loaded through an equalizer bar over the climbing side of the ladder.

Test results: The ladder and leveler were able to withstand the 1,200 pound load with no permanent deformation or other visible weakening of the structure.

  2.1   The ladder was fully extended and supported as shown in the figure at right. The leveler was set at a maximum adjustment of 10 inches on both side rails of the ladder.

  2.2   The load was applied equally to both side rails on the lowest fly rung above the overlap of the extension ladder, using two 3.5-inch straps, each located next to the rail and centrally loaded through an equalizer bar on the climbing side of the ladder. All supporting and loading apparatus conformed to that shown in the figure.

  2.3   The ladder was loaded with 1,000 pounds. The full load was applied for a period of 1 minute before release.

Test results: The ladder and leveler sustained this load without ultimate failure. There was no permanent deformation to the ladder or the leveler.

  3.1   The extension ladder was extended 1 foot for the drop test and the leveler leg was fully extended 10 inches. The feet remained on the leveler legs, but the pivoting foot on the leg tested was secured with tape so that the bottom surface was perpendicular to the rail length.

  3.2   The test ladder was placed in a horizontal position with the rungs vertical. The fly section was supported 6 inches from the very top of the fly section (including caps), so the bottom surface of the leveler leg attached to the lower rail of the bottom section was 36 inches from a concrete floor, as in the figure at right.

  3.3   In performing the drop test, both rails of the base section were guided in a vertical plane during a free-fall drop.

Test results: The leveler leg had no permanent deformation.

  4.1   This test was conducted on the base section of a Type 1AA, 28-foot fiberglass extension ladder. Butt spurs affixed to this section removed before the test was conducted. The test unit was placed on edge with the rungs in a vertical plane. The lower beam was unsupported from the butt end to the midpoint of the lowest rung.

  4.2   The test unit was positioned for testing and tested as shown in the figure at right. The test load was applied by means of a weight of 600 pounds to the extreme bottom end of the extended inner leg. The test load was applied to a 2-inch wide, 1-inch thick block resting on the full width of the beam, and held in place by a clamp. The block was 1 inch thick and 2 inches long, as measured along the extended inner leg, and of width equal to the clear distance between the flanges. The test load was suspended so it was acting through the vertical neutral axis of the extended inner leg.

Test results: The leveler had no permanent deformation.