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We also selected fire escape ladders made from heat-resistant, durable materials.
The Spruce
We were able to retrieve and set it up in just under a minute on our very first try.
The weight limit is 470 pounds, so it can support two people at once.
For the second attempt with distractions, we were able to cut that down to 50 seconds.
PHOTO: The Spruce
Our fastest time, with foggy glasses to simulate smoke, only took 41 seconds.
Ouroverall bestandfastest setuppicks are better if permanent installation isnt an option since theyre lighter and easier to handle.
If permanent installation is available, we think this one is ideal.
The Isop Fire Rescue Ladder includes a bag that we were able to retrieve easily from under a bed.PHOTO: The Spruce
Its lightweight but durable, easy to deploy, and convenient to store.
Its about the same weight as ourbest permanentpick, but it has zinc-plated anti-slip rungs and nylon straps.
Thats why we tested seven roll-up fire escape ladders to see which ones were the easiest to use.
A 2-story property needs a 13-foot ladder, a 3-story property needs a 25-foot ladder, etc.
The lightest ladder we tested was ouroverall best recommendation, which weighs 4.4 pounds.
Weight capacity is another related consideration.
Our recommendations have capacities that range from 333 pounds (ourfastest setuppick) to 2,000 (ourbest permanentpick).
Our recommendations all use durable materials like metal, nylon, polyester, and heat-resistant composites.
The materials the ladder is made from also play a big part in how heavy it is.
Additional precautions you should take include:
Why Trust The Spruce?
He also considered the advice of two fire safety experts.
Our Experts:
Standard specification for portable and permanent emergency escape ladders for residential use.
PHOTO: The Spruce
We were impressed with how easily the X-IT Emergency Fire Escape Ladder packs and unpacks.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce
The First Alert ED52 takes up more space than others, but the box slid under our bed well.PHOTO: The Spruce
PHOTO: The Spruce
The Isop Fire Escape Ladder can slide under a bed, but we like it more for permanent installation.PHOTO: The Spruce
We attached the fire escape ladders to a mocked up windowsill and timed the process.The Spruce
We stress tested each ladder using forge gauges, and they all held up well.The Spruce
Some of the ladders came with a storage bag, but the First Alert EL52 stores in a cardboard box.The Spruce
