Number of sections
The number of sections — separate components with steps — in the design of the stairs.
One section can only have traditional ladders without the possibility of unfolding and one-sided ladders (see "Type"); transformers (see ibid.), by definition, are equipped with at least
two, and this is also the standard number for
tower tours(a horizontal platform is not considered a section).
Three sections can be used both in a sliding structure, and in a combination of a sliding and two-sided spaced (see "Design"). And in models for
four sections, the parts of the stairs are usually interconnected in series and can be fixed at different angles to each other. This reduces the dimensions when folded and significantly expands the functionality: it becomes possible to turn the stairs, for example, into a working platform.
Number of steps
The total number of steps provided in the design of the stairs. This parameter is indicated rather for reference — the primary characteristic is still the height of the stairs. Note that when calculating the number of steps, the footboard is also taken into account (see below).
Max. height
The maximum working height of the ladder. In models that do not have a footboard (see above), this parameter is usually indicated in the specifications for the total length of the stairs. It is worth noting here that the height of the upper step in such cases rarely corresponds to the working height to the nearest centimeter - firstly, the stairs are almost never strictly vertical, and secondly, the outermost steps are usually not on the very edge. However, in most cases this difference can be neglected. If the design provides for a footboard, then the height is measured along it.
When choosing a ladder by height, it should be taken into account that the longer the structure, the greater its weight and, usually, the higher the price. Therefore, buying a model with a long length makes sense only when there is a real need for it.
Dimensions (folded) (LxW)
Ladder dimensions in fully folded position. The smaller they are, the more convenient the ladder will be in storage and transportation. Usually, only the length and width are indicated in the characteristics, because. the thickness of modern stairs is very small and in most cases it can be neglected; and in some models, only the length may be indicated at all — for the same reasons.
Max working height
The maximum working height can be described as the highest height that can be reached using a given ladder. This parameter is determined as follows: the maximum height of the stairs is taken and the height of the person standing on it is added to it (or rather, the highest height that he can comfortably reach with his hands). Of course, this parameter is rather approximate, because taken into account for some average height; and in general the rules for counting will be different. So, for some manufacturers, to determine the maximum working height, they add 2 m to the height of the ladder, others — 2 m 10 cm, and if we are talking about a ladder (see "Design"), this increase can be even less — about 150 – 160 cm (in such models, the user rarely stands on the topmost crossbar). Nevertheless, this indicator makes it possible to estimate the height that you can reach, with an accuracy of a couple of tens of centimeters, which is most often quite enough.
The height as a stepladder
The maximum height of a ladder when used in ladder mode. This parameter is specified only for models that are not originally ladders (see "Type"), but can be used in a similar format. Usually the height is given by the height of the highest rung in the "ladder" installation.
Weight
The total weight of the ladder. On the one hand, the lighter the model you choose, the more convenient it will be to carry, the less effort will be expended. On the other hand, lighter weight means less material used in the construction of the stairs, and this can adversely affect reliability. Therefore, it is worth choosing an option for this parameter depending on the planned features of the application. If the expected load on the ladder is significantly lower than the maximum, then you can not pay close attention to the weight. But if you have doubts and/or plan to work in difficult conditions with a heavy load, you should choose the more massive one from two models with the same characteristics. It is unlikely that this will seriously affect the cost of forces, but the risk of breakage and a dangerous fall will decrease significantly.
