A Quick Guide to Different Ladder Categories: Type III-1AA

Published October 2, 2023

Have you been shopping for a ladder and wondered what the ratings on them meant? Maybe you didn’t even notice or consider that ladders, which may look similar, can have much different support capabilities. Ladder categories are an important detail to look at because these ratings have serious safety implications.

When considering your use for a ladder, you must think about the weight of everything that will be loaded onto the ladder. This includes your body weight, clothes and gear, and material you may be working with on the ladder. The total of this weight will guide you in choosing the right ladder. And with that in mind, let’s look at the different ratings of ladders:

The five ladder grades outlined by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) are:

Type IAA (Extra Heavy Duty)The strongest ladders on the market are Type 1AA. Meant for serious commercial / construction jobs, these ladders have a load capacity of up to 375 pounds.
Type IA (Extra Heavy Duty)Type 1A ladders have a 300 pound load capacity rating. Suitable for extra heavy duty industrial and commercial use.
Type I (Heavy Duty)Type 1 ladders have a 250 pound load capacity. With their sturdier build and higher load capacity, compared to Type 2 and Type 3 ladders, they can typically be found in lighter industrial applications.
Type II (Medium Duty)Type 2 ladders can typically found in contractor and light commercial jobs where slightly heavier loads, with more gear and materials than at-home jobs, are typical. With a 225 pound rating, it provides a little more support than the type 3 ladder.
Type III (Light Duty)Type 3 ladders are often considered for light DIY projects or home use. With a load limit of 200 pounds, these ladders are light and maneuverable and suitable for light jobs, like painting or accessing high job sites on a roof or ceiling without much material.

Which is better, a fiberglass ladder or aluminum ladder?

There are fiberglass and metal ladders in every duty category. So, why would you choose one material over the other?

  1. Application: Fiberglass ladders are electrical and heat resistant, making them saver for electrical work. The rigid construction of fiberglass ladders also feel sturdier. With the heavier fiberglass material, comes added weight though.
  2. Weight: Aluminum ladders are lightweight and portable. Extension ladders are typically made out of lightweight aluminum or composite material that provide ample support, while keeping the overall weight manageable.
  3. Reach: Creating a fiberglass ladder that can reach high up is impractical. A 40 foot fiberglass ladder would be very heavy, so fiberglass ladders are typically limited to step ladder design. Because of this, you’ll typically see tall ladders and extension ladders made from aluminum.
  4. Cost: Fiberglass ladders are generally more expensive that aluminum ladders. Cost shouldn’t be the ultimate determining factor when buying a ladder. Application, load capacity, and weight should be primary considerations when buying a ladder.

Posts on Slice Hardware are for information purposes only and not advice for projects, tool use, or safety.