Insulated scaffolding is a specialized tool for working at heights in scenarios such as power operations and high-voltage equipment maintenance. So, how should one select insulated scaffolding? Or how can one choose the insulated scaffolding that best suits their needs?
First, what factors determine the insulation performance of insulated scaffolding?
Insulation performance is the most important basis for selecting insulated scaffolding, as it directly relates to the safety of the operators. Therefore, the insulation performance of the insulated scaffolding we choose must meet the standards! So, how do we judge the quality of the insulation performance of insulated scaffolding? We can analyze it from two aspects: the insulation class of the insulated scaffolding material and the overall insulation design.
1. Material Insulation Class Confirm the material insulation parameters: It must meet the requirements of a power frequency withstand voltage ≥35kV/m without breakdown or flashover, and comply with the requirements of GB/T17620-2008 “Insulated Ladders” or the power industry standard DL/T1762-2017.
Avoid choosing products with surface cracks, bubbles, or delamination, as these defects will cause a sharp drop in insulation performance.
2. Overall Insulation Design
The uprights, horizontal bars, planks, and connectors of the scaffolding must be fully insulated, and no exposed metal parts are allowed.
Planks must be made of non-slip insulating material with a surface anti-slip texture depth ≥0.5mm to prevent workers from slipping and to ensure an insulated connection with the support frame.
Secondly, How is the Structural Stability of Insulated Scaffolding Supported?
Insulated scaffolding can be several meters or even tens of meters high, and its structural stability is directly related to the personal safety of operators. How do we measure the structural stability of an insulated scaffold? Generally, the structural stability of insulated scaffolding needs to be assessed from two aspects: load-bearing capacity and anti-tipping capacity.
1. Load-Bearing Parameters
Define the rated load: Divided into light, medium, and heavy-duty types, matching actual operational needs. Require the manufacturer to provide a third-party load test report confirming that under the rated load, the maximum deflection of the scaffolding is ≤L/500, with no permanent deformation.
2. Anti-tipping and Anti-slip Design
The bottom must be equipped with insulated anti-slip pads to increase friction with the ground and prevent slippage; for high-altitude operations, insulated diagonal braces/tie rods must be added, or counterweights must be used for fixation.
The verticality deviation of the scaffolding uprights must be ≤1/200, and the horizontal deviation of the crossbars must be ≤1/300. After assembly, the entire structure must be free of wobbling and looseness.
3. Reliability of Connection Structure
Connectors must be insulated snap-fit/pin-type designs; the use of welded metal parts is prohibited. Connection points must have anti-detachment devices to prevent members from loosening during operation.
Multi-layer scaffolding must be equipped with insulated guardrails and kickboards. The connection strength between the guardrail and the upright must be ≥500N without breakage.
The overall structure of the insulated scaffolding adopts a modular design with standardized connecting components; the connectors are made of high-strength nylon, offering high mechanical strength and anti-aging properties; the four feet at the bottom are adjustable for balance; the length, height, and angle of the telescopic support legs can be adjusted according to site conditions. Insulated scaffolding is safer and more stable, effectively protecting the personal safety of power workers.
Third, how to ensure the compliance of insulated scaffolding?
1. Product Certification and Testing Reports: It must possess insulation testing reports and withstand voltage test reports from national authoritative institutions, as well as product certificates and factory inspection records. Prioritize products from manufacturers that have passed ISO9001 quality management system certification to ensure compliant production processes.
2. Compliance with Industry Standards: Insulated scaffolding complies with GB17620-1998 General Technical Conditions for Insulated Rigid Ladders for Live Working, DL/T1209.4-2014 Technical Requirements for High-Altitude Operations and Protective Equipment in Substations, JB/T8150.2-1985 Epoxy Laminated Glass Cloth Tubing, IEC855:1985 Foam-Filled Insulating Tubes and Rods for Live Working, and GB191-1985 Packaging and Storage Instructions.
Fourth, How to Apply the Adaptability of Insulated Scaffolding?
Adaptability to the application scenario is a crucial factor in selecting insulated scaffolding. Different application scenarios have different requirements for the height and configuration of insulated scaffolding.
1. Scenario Adaptability
Indoor/Low-voltage work: Lightweight folding insulated scaffolding can be selected for easy handling and storage.
Outdoor/High-voltage work: Heavy-duty assembled scaffolding is required, supporting multi-layer construction and equipped with windproof and electric shock prevention warning signs.
Working in confined spaces: Adjustable insulated scaffolding is preferred, with flexible adjustment of upright height and horizontal bar spacing to adapt to different site dimensions.
2. Portability and Maintenance Costs
For scenarios with high mobility requirements: Select scaffolding with insulated casters. The casters must have brakes and be made of insulated rubber.
Considering ease of maintenance, the material must be resistant to aging and UV radiation, with an easy-to-clean surface. After long-term use, simply wiping away dust is sufficient to restore insulation performance, eliminating the need for frequent replacement of parts.
In summary, when selecting insulated scaffolding products, it is crucial to avoid blindly pursuing low prices. Inferior insulated scaffolding may be made from recycled materials, resulting in unstable insulation performance and a high risk of electric shock. Reject “three-no products”—products without test reports, manufacturer information, and safety markings. Prioritize manufacturers that offer customization services, such as scaffolding with special heights or irregular shapes, to meet the personalized needs of power maintenance.
Post time: Jan-13-2026