3 ms·
I don't understand this. Fiberglass is non-conductive, so that's not really a reason to not use non-wood ladders. It is also generally stronger and more durab
by mdorazio 8y ago
I don't understand this. Fiberglass is non-conductive, so that's not really a reason to not use non-wood ladders. It is also generally stronger and more durable for the same weight.
- tw04 8y agoEvery fiber glass ladder I've seen has aluminum caps at both ends and aluminum steps.
- function_seven 8y agoAs long as those steps and caps are connected with fiberglass sides, what’s the issue?
- maxbond 8y agoAt high voltages the electricity may be able to arc between the steps. Electricity will do some pretty incredible things at high voltages. Check out this video of some idiots turning a powerline into a Jacob's ladder. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yBTHrXEK4U https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yBTHrXEK4U
- function_seven 8y agoThat video was awesome. I'm guessing that the types of ladders SFFD are using aren’t going to be anywhere near power lines of that high a voltage.
- raldi 8y agoI can't tell what, if anything, they were doing besides filming.
- jquast 8y agoi think a weight tied to thin uninsulated wire, thrown like a baseball over the lines
- mdorazio 8y agoAt the voltage needed to arc between aluminum steps you've got a lot bigger problems than worrying about your ladder. A quick search shows overhead trolley cables deliver 600V DC. Not exactly "turning air to plasma" level there. The rest of the overhead cables firefighters should encounter are the same normal residential 34kV lines you see everywhere (data tables show an air arc distance under 2 inches) unless I'm missing something.