Our stands and boards are made of aluminum castings and extrusions. Uncoated aluminum is a good electrical conductor. Our products are coated with epoxy and/or polyester, so they are not good conductors; however, where the coating may wear away, there could be electrical conduction. Your local building and safety codes will tell you if connection to a ground wire is required. The code may give you specifics regarding how they want it to be done. We have only the following general guidelines:

1. In cases where our bronze anchors will be used:

The bronze anchor has a small hole that can be tapped for a small screw to fasten to a ground wire. One foot of the ladder assembly should be bolted to a bronze anchor that is grounded. Ground to an adequate ground (e.g. a water pipe). Note which anchor is grounded before the concrete is poured.

When the stand is installed, you will need to expose bare metal on the foot of the stand in a small area where the installation bolt will contact the stand. Once good contact is established, coat any remaining exposed area with 2 or 3 coats of touch-up paint (polyurethane or epoxy).

2. In cases where the stand is installed on an existing deck using concrete inserts:

You will need to create a point of contact on a ladder leg above the foot where contact with water will be less likely. Drill & tap a 1/4" hole in the ladder leg about 4" above one foot. Attach the ground wire to the inside surface of the leg (where it is less visible) and run the wire to your existing ground. Coat exposed metal surfaces with touch-up paint (polyurethane or epoxy) to reduce the potential for corrosion.