Before you buy a Ladder, you should understand the ANSI Ladder Ratings. There are several different ratings to be aware of.
These ratings will help you choose the right ladder for the job. Each ANSI ladder rating is a bit different and it’s important to understand them.
ANSI stands for American National Standards Institute. They are an organization that is used to develop restrictions and guidelines for constructing material. Typically the ratings are determined based on the amount of weight that can be safely held on a ladder. This maximum weight is the combined weight of the user and the items the user is carrying or holding.
Type I Ladders
A ladder rated at a Type I ladder will hold up to 250 pounds. It’s best for any user looking to carry lightweight items up and down the ladder. Of course, users weighing less than 250 Pounds will be using these ladders. You can find Type I ladders in multiple forms including multi-purpose ladders, stepladders and some attic ladders.
Type II Ladders
A Type II ladder will support up to 225 pounds and they are meant for those carrying nothing or very light weight items up and down the ladder. Often, these ladders are used to hang Christmas Lights.
Type III Ladders
The lowest rating from the ANSI is a Type III ladder, which can hold up to 200 pounds. These are best for those jobs not requiring anything to be carried up and down the ladder.
Type IA Ladders
When you need a heavy duty ladder, it will be rated with an “A” or “AA” added to the Type I rating. The Type IA rating will support up to 300 pounds and allows the user to carry many heavy items up and down the ladder. Some will even hold two people at the same time. If you’re a contractor or working in construction, this is the ANSI rating you’ll likely choose.
Type IAA Ladders
This is the final rating and provides up to 375 pounds to be supported on the ladder. Those looking to carry extremely heavy items up and down the ladder will choose the Type IAA.
The more the ladder will support, the more expensive it will be, but it will also be safer. Make sure you get a ladder rated for the user and for the job. Here is a overview of the ANSI ladder ratings:
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